What are Pipeline Pigs?

Article Index

Page 1 of 2

Pipeline Pigs

are devices used to clean or clear debris from the internal bore of pipelines. There are a number of names applied to “Pigs” such as:

Swabs
Pipe Cleaners
Cleaning Pigs
Poly Pigs
Go-Devils
Pipeline Intervention Gadget (P.I.G.)
Intelligent Pigs (ILI's MFL's)

Pipeline Pigging

is a method used to clear or clean the internal bore of pipelines. Typical applications include:

Process Cleaning
Hydrostatic Testing
Pipeline Drying
Proving
Swabbing to remove debris
Pipeline Cleaning and Clearing to maintain Pump Efficiency through consistent Flow Rates
Long Range Pigging
Progressive Pigging to remove hard scale and other debris
Pre-Cleaning for Pipeline Inspection Surveys

The Pigging process utilises devices known as Pipeline Pigs which are produced in a wide range of materials and configurations to suit their intended purpose. Typical materials include Soft Foam (or Swabs), Medium and High Density Polyurethane Foam (Poly Pigs), and solid Polyurethane type pigs also known as Mechanical or Mandrel Pigs which can be fitted with Cups, Discs, Scrapers, Wire Brushes, Magnets and other accessories.

Large Bore Pig and Pig Trolley | Horizon Industrial

Pipeline Pigs can be propelled using the existing media in the pipeline ie. Water, Oil, Gas, Paint, Food etc. providing there is sufficient flow and pressure to propel the pig.

Pipeline Pigs can also be tracked as they traverse the pipeline using Magnets or Pig Locators or Pig Transmitters. These Pig Tracking systems can locate a pig anywhere along the pipeline route, even if the pipeline is buried.

Industry users such as Water & Wastewater Utilities, Oil and Gas Producers, Pipeline Constructors, Miners, Chemical producers, Paint & Food producers trust the extensive proven field experience provided by HORIZON Industrial for their Pipeline Pigging Services needs.

What Pigs should I use?

The Pig selection process is often critical to achieving the desired result. Pig Types and their use are detailed on the PDF documents at the bottom of the page. Typical Pig types in use: