Pigging or Pipeline pigging involves inserting inspection gauges or cleaning devices, commonly referred to as pigs, into a pipeline through a pig launcher (launching station) and recovering them at a pig receiver (receiving station). The pig launcher is an oversized section of the pipeline that reduces to normal diameter, allowing operators to insert the pig into the pressurized system.
Purpose and Applications
Pigging serves multiple critical functions in pipeline operations:
- Pipeline cleaning – Removing wax, debris, and contaminants
- Inspection – Using intelligent pigs with sensors to detect corrosion, cracks, and wall thickness
- Product separation – Separating different products in multi-product pipelines
- Liquid removal – Clearing slugs of liquid from gas pipelines
- Maintenance – Preventing blockages and maintaining pipeline integrity
When Pigging is Needed
Pigging operations are essential in various scenarios:
- Regular maintenance schedules to prevent accumulation of deposits
- Before and after product changes in multi-product pipelines
- When pipeline inspections are required for regulatory compliance
- During commissioning of new pipeline sections
- Emergency situations requiring immediate pipeline clearing
ErectaStep Delivers Fast-Track Platform Solution for Pig Launching and Receiving Operations
A recent project with Northern Platforms Ltd., ErectaStep’s Canadian distributor, demonstrates the speed and efficiency of modular platform solutions for critical industrial applications. When a client required a pig launching and receiving platform, the timeline was remarkably compressed:
- Tuesday: Quote and technical drawings provided
- Wednesday: Equipment shipped to customer
- Thursday: Platform installed and operational
This three-day turnaround exemplifies ErectaStep’s bolt-together design philosophy, which eliminates custom fabrication delays while maintaining full OSHA compliance.
