Pig Launching & Receiving
Procedures
Pig launchers are used to launch the pig into the pipeline, and pig receivers are used to receive
the pigs after they have made a successful run. The choice of these pig traps will depend on the
type of pig to be run and pipeline design conditions. Provisions in the station design should
include handling equipment for pigs 20" and larger. Caution should be taken for liquid spillage
from the pig traps.
Typical Pig Launching Procedures
The operational sequence described below is for general information only. It is not intended, nor
should it be used, to train pigging system operators. Operating procedures will vary from one
pipeline company to another. The following pig launching procedures can be used as a guideline
for developing operating procedures.
Since company policies vary regarding whether the pig launcher is left on stream or isolated from
the pipeline after the pig is launched, the operator should verify that the trap is isolated from the
pipeline and depressurized before commencing any part of the launch procedure.
1. Make sure that the isolation valve and the kicker valve are closed.
2. In liquid systems, open the drain valve and allow air to displace the liquid by
opening the vent valve. In natural gas systems, open the vent and vent the
launcher to atmospheric pressure.
3. When the pig launcher is completely drained (0 psi), with the vent and drain
valves still open, open the trap (closure) door.
4. Install the pig with the nose firmly in contact with the reducer between the barrel
and the nominal bore section of the launcher.
5. Clean the closure seal and other sealing surfaces, lubricate if necessary, and
close and secure the closure door.
6. Close the drain valve. Slowly fill the trap by gradually opening the kicker valve
and venting through the vent valve.
7. When filling is complete, close the vent valve to allow pressure to equalize across
the isolation valve.
8. Open the isolation valve. The pig is ready for launching.
9. Partially close the main line valve. This will increase the flow through the kicker
valve and behind the pig. Continue to close the main line valve until the pig
leaves the trap into the main line as indicated by the pig signaler.
10. After the pig leaves the trap and enters the main line, fully open the main line
valve. Close the isolation valve and the kicker valve.
11. The pig launching is complete.
Typical Pig Receiving Procedures
The operational sequence described below is for general information only. It is not intended, nor
should it be used, to train pigging system operators. Operating procedures will vary from one
pipeline company to another. The following pig receiving procedures can be used as a guideline
for developing operating procedures.
Since company policies vary regarding whether the pig receiver is left on stream or isolated from
the pipeline, the operator should verify whether there is any internal pressure in the receiving trap
before starting any part of the receiving procedures.
1. Make sure the receiver is pressurized.
2. Fully open the bypass valve.
3. Fully open the isolation valve and partially close the main line valve.
4. Monitor the pig signaler for pig arrival.
5. Close the isolation valve and bypass valve.
6. Open the drain valve and the vent valve.
7. Check the pressure gauge on the receiver to assure the trap is depressurized (0
psi).
8. Open the trap closure and remove the pig from the receiver.
9. Clean the closure seal and other sealing surfaces, lubricate if necessary, and
close and secure the trap (closure) door.
10. Return the receiver to the original condition.
Standard Pig Launcher / Receiver
All launchers are primed.
All launchers are hydrostatically tested.
Valves on launchers & receivers must be round.
Full port with a 100% pipe size opening.
Launching & Receiving Configurations
Conventional Pig Launching
Launching Pig in Water Main Section
Trapping Pig with Slotted Tray
Conventional Pig Trapping
Send or Receive Pigs with a Quality Argus Pig Valve.
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