Pipeline & Pigging Systems

Pipeline pigging systems
Pigging refers to the practice of using devices known as “pigs” to perform various maintenance operations, such as cleaning and inspection, on a pipeline, which is done without stopping the flow of product through the pipeline.

This is accomplished by placing the pig in a “pig launcher” (or “launch station” – a large section in the pipeline that shrinks to normal diameter).

The launcher/launch station is then closed and the pressure-driven flow of product in the pipeline is used to push it down the pipe until it reaches the receiving trap – the “pig catcher” (or “receiving station”).

The IRA Pigging system has been used for many years to clean large diameter pipelines in the oil industry.

pigging; It can be used in almost every part of the transfer process, including blending, storage or filling systems. Pigging systems have already been established in industries that process a wide variety of products such as lubricating oils, paints, chemicals, toiletries, cosmetics and foodstuffs.

Pigs are used in mixing lubricating oil or paint to clean pipes and drain pipes into product tanks (or sometimes to return a component to its tank), avoiding cross-contamination.

Pigging is usually done at the beginning and end of each batch, but may also be done in the middle of a batch when producing a premix to be used as an intermediate ingredient.