Pipeline pigging systems
Pigging refers to devices known as "pigs" for
performing various processes such as cleaning and inspection in a pipeline
without stopping its flow in the pipeline.
This is inscribed placing the boar in a "pig
launcher" (or "launch station" - a large section in the pipeline
that shrinks to normal diameter).
The launcher / launch station is then turned off and the
pressure operated stream of product in the pipeline is used to push it down the
pipe until it reaches the receiver trap - the "pig cooker" (or
"receiving station").
The IRA Pigging system has been for many years to clean
large diameter pipelines in the oil industry.
Pigging; Use in almost every part of the transfer process
including batching, storage or filling systems. Pigging systems have already
been installed in industries that handle a wide variety of cosmetic products
such as lubricating oils, dyes, chemicals, toiletries, and foodstuffs.
Pigs are used for mixing lubricating oil or paint to clean
pipes and drain pipes into product tanks (or sometimes return a component to
the tank), avoiding cross contamination.
Pigging is usually done at the beginning and end, but can
also be done in the middle of a batch when producing a premix used as an
intermediate component.