PIGGING
Pigging in terms of pipelines refers to an activity of using devices known as “pigs” to perform
several maintenance operation without stopping the flow of the product inside the pipeline.
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This is how it works. First, The maintenance tool, pipeline pigs are introduced into the line via a
pig trap, which includes a launcher and receiver. Without interrupting flow, the pig is then
forced through it by product flow, or it can be towed by another device or cable. Usually
cylindrical or spherical, pigs sweep the line by scraping the sides of the pipeline and pushing
debris ahead. As the travel along the pipeline, there are a number functions the pig can
perform, from clearing the line to inspecting the interior.
Several consideration in selecting the proper pig for a pipeline:
First, it's important to define what task the pig will be performing.
Second, size and operating conditions are important to regard.
Finally, pipeline layout is integral to consider when choosing a pig.
Because every pipeline is different and have their own characteristics , there is not a set
schedule for pigging a line, although the quantity of debris collected in a pipeline and the
amount of wear and tear on it can increase the frequency of pigging. Today, pipeline pigging is
used during all phases of the life of a pipeline.
Main Task for the Pigs:
1. Physical separation between different fluids flowing through the pipeline
2. Internal cleaning of pipelines
3. Inspection of the condition of pipeline walls (also known as an Inline Inspection (ILI)
tool)
4. Capturing and recording geometric information relating to pipelines (e.g., size, position).
Types of Pipeline Pigs
Utility Pigs
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Used to clean the pipeline debris and seal the line. Debris might come out during construction,
and the pipeline is pigged before production commences. Also, debris can build up on the
pipeline, and the utility pig is used to scrape it away.
Additionally, sealing pigs are used to remove liquids from the pipeline, as well as serve as an
interface between two different products within a pipeline. Types of utility pigs include mandrel
pigs, foam pigs, solid cast pigs and spherical pigs.
Inspection Pigs
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Also known as in-line inspection pigs or smart pigs. Have a purpose to gather information about
the pipeline from inside the pipe . The type of information gathered by smart pigs includes the
pipeline diameter, curvature, bends, temperature and pressure, as well as corrosion or metal
loss. Inspection pigs utilize two methods to gather information about the internal condition of
the pipeline, such as: Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) and Ultrasonics (UT).
MFL inspects the pipeline by sending magnetic flux into the walls of the pipe, detecting leakage,
corrosion, or flaws in the pipeline. Ultrasonic inspection directly measures the thickness of the
pipe wall by using ultrasonic sounds to measure the amount of time it takes an echo to return
to the sensor
Gel Pigs
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A combination of gelled liquids, gel pigs can be used in conjunction with conventional pigs or by
themselves. Pumped through the pipeline, there are a number of uses for gel pigs, including
product separation, debris removal, hydrotesting, dewatering and condensate removal, as well
as removing a stuck pig.
