• Utility pigs are used to clear the line of debris or seal the line. Types include mandrel pigs, foam pigs, solid cast pigs, and spherical pigs.
• Inspection pigs, also called inline inspection pigs or smart pigs, are used to gather pipeline information, which can include temperature and pressure, corrosion and metal loss, diameter, bends, and curvature. This data is transmitted in two ways:
  • magnetic flux leakage sends magnetic flux into the pipe walls for leak, corrosion, and flaw detection
  • ultrasonics measure ultrasonic sound wave echoes to determine pipe wall thickness.
• Specialty pigs are used to block off a line so that maintenance can be performed. One example of a specialty pig is a plug.
• Gel pigs are gelled liquids that can be used alone or in conjunction with other types of pigs for various procedures, including debris removal, hydrostatic testing, product separation, dewatering, condensate removal, and removing a stuck pig.

Pigging operations

Pigging a pipeline starts with a pig trap—a funnel-shaped Y-section in the pipeline that includes a launcher and a receiver. Certain valves, like the G4N gate valve of the GROVE valve portfolio and WKM Saf-T-Seal slab gate valve, are ideal for these pig traps because their smooth, through-conduit design does not obstruct the line bore.

The launcher, also called a pig launcher or launching station, inserts the pig into the pipeline, where it is either pushed along by line pressure or pulled through the pipe by a cable. The receiver, also called a pig catcher, acts as a point to remove the pig from the line as well as any debris the pig has knocked loose.

Benefits of pipeline pigging

There are various reasons to pig a pipeline, but the most common is to clear the line of debris. This process ensures that the product running through the line is flowing smoothly and reduces the likelihood of product contamination. There are also major safety advantages to clearing a line, as built-up debris can degrade the integrity of the pipe wall over time.

Because of the variety of environments that pipelines are found in, including underground or underwater, and the construction materials of most pipelines, pigs must internally record their data until it can be retrieved by the user. Retrieving and monitoring where certain data was collected, also called location verification, is done through surface instruments using audible, magnetic, or gravimetric methods to record where the pig is at various points. The user then uses this information to map out defects to aid repair crews in maintenance.

Some new smart pigs have GPS capabilities that can assist in mapping a pipeline. This helps maintenance crews save time and money by pinpointing exactly where a pig is within the pipeline instead of having to excavate a large area to reach a specific location in the line.

Cameron solutions for valve pigging

The valves in a pipeline that will be pigged must be through conduit; otherwise the pig will not pass through them. Through-conduit gate valves and ball valves from DEMCO gate valves, WKM valves, and NEWCO gate, globe, and check valves, are piggable. In addition, some check valves, including TOM WHEATLEY check valves, WHEATLEY check valves, and AOP valve and choke technologies, are piggable. Care should be taken when using smart pigs or pigs with sensors because the clapper of the check valve can damage the pig unless special design considerations are included.

The Cameron TOM WHEATLEY check valves can be supplied with a lock-open lever, which allows the clapper to be locked in the open position and out of the flow of the pig so that it will not damage the sensors or valve body. Generally, globe valves, butterfly valves, choke valves, and plug valves are not piggable unless a special pigging method or pig is used. One exception is the Super G model of TEXSTEAM plug valves, which is available in full opening with a round port that allows pig passage.

The process fluid and the type of pipeline largely determine pig type and whether pipeline pigging is necessary. Proper valve selection is essential at the beginning of the pipeline construction process to ensure that pigging is possible if required.