About Innopipe
Effective liquids removal of liquids from natural gas streams, above or below ground.
- Our Histtory
Innopipe Technology was developed and patented in 1996 by Miles Haukeness, a pipeline integrity engineer at Union Gas (now Enbridge). The invention addressed a long-standing challenge in natural gas transmission: effectively removing liquids from pipelines connected to underground storage caverns. Union operated several high pressure gas systems of 26″, 34″, 42″ and 48″ diameters, operating at roughly 1,000 psi, primarily to move primarily Alberta-produced natural gas from the TransGas systems to the storage facilities in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada during the summer. These caverns provided gas to distribution customers starting in the fall, or provided gas back to the original supplier of the gas who then transported it further into Eastern Canada. The caverns continue to serve as an effective buffer. Storage caverns such as these are a valuable asset by mitigating the need for more supply pipelines across Canada to meet high demand periods, while preventing such lines having to be idle during low demand periods.
Union Gas developed their initial systems in the 60’s and 70’s and quickly implemented a regimented integrity programme, typically magnetic flux leakage instruments to physically meassure depth and size of any corrosion pits interna and external to the pipelines. These tools are commonly known as PIGs (Pipeline Inspection Gauge), and operated by independent contractors. Early designs of PIGs had 2 elastomer cups with a 90% of ID sized slotted aluminum disk between the cups. In these early days, if the slotted disk travelled the inspection damage dent-free, it was assumed the pipeline was intact. Conversely a dented disk meant an anomaly needed further investigation.
Miles worked on the team running these PIGS using PIG launchers and receivers, and learned that many of these lines were designed with “pipeline drips”, typically “U”loops mounted vertically under the line as shown in this illustration. These drips had to be removed as they could not accommodate PIGS without these getting stuck between the two openings. The operations and integrity teams still wanted to retain the ability to capture liquids, so Miles put his mind to designing an alternative, PIGgable pipeline drip.
U-style drip
- Eureka moment
The excavations of the traditional drips showed that the entire ID of the lines were wetted due to annular flow. He confirmed that at Union’s operating gas velocities, ranging from 30-50 feet per second, caused annular flow of the liquids. This also meant that these traditional pipeline drips only removed water along the bottom of the line, leaving the remaining annular liquid flows undisturbed, passing over the top of the lines.
This insight led to the creation of a unique annular flow liquid removal mechanism—the core of what became Innopipe Technology. Slotted liners allowed pigs to pass yet provided a path for liquids to exit the pipeline. From there they were caught in the next ID linepipe pressure envelope.
- Why Piggable is now in the dictionary?
This new drip was now PIGgable. was the only “drip design that worked and still allow pigs to traverse”. The US patent office initially refused Miles’ patent as the word ” piggable” was not a word used before anywhere! The granting of the patent was delayed until Miles submitted the meaing/spelling/and pronunciation to Websters – subsequently added to their dictionary. Miles re-submitted the patent, this time with Websters letter, and the patent was granted. (
Miles continues to be proud to have selected that the word had to spelled with 2 g’s.)
Piggable Innopipe replaces “U” pipeline drip
Milestones in Innovation
• 1997–2011
Over 30 piggable Innopipe systems were successfully installed across the Union Gas / Enbridge transmission network.
• 2000
OilPro, a Calgary-based production equipment provider, began promoting Innopipe across Western Canada and into international markets.
• 2001–2015
The technology expanded into new applications: gas gathering systems, compressor protection, process tower carryover, inlet separation, and gas-fired power plants. Clients included Baytex Energy, BP, Encana, Amoco Canada, and Kuwait Oil Company.
• 2015
Innopipe Systems Ltd. (ISL) was incorporated in Alberta. Mr. Haukeness and the OilPro team became equal partners, uniting around a shared vision for growth and innovation.
• 2015–2024
ISL scaled globally, achieving over 100 installations worldwide and earning a reputation for reliability, innovation, and field-proven performance.
• Today
Innopipe piggable drips are proven over decades without issues and their use improves integrity in the world’s gas transmission pipelines operate safely for years to come.
Innopipe continues to innovate by broadening applications to gathering line high volume, multiphase liquid separation applications, slug catchers, including non-piggable fittings used to capture lube oil, tower and other process equipment liquid carry-overs.
Our Mission
To deliver fail-safe, innovative, gas – liquid separation solutions that enhance safety, performance, and operational efficiency across the energy sector—driven by engineering excellence and proven field results at a competitive price and delivery.
