What is Pigging for Pipelines, and How Does It Work?

If you run any kind of pipeline, then the chances are that you have needed or will need pipeline pigs. These incredible tools are used for cleaning, unclogging, and improving the performance of pipelines.

But what is pigging, and how does it work?

In this article, we will take a closer look at what pipeline pigs are, how they work, and why they are so important for your pipe network.

What is pipeline pigging?

Pipeline pigging is the process of sending tools known as ‘pigs’ into pipelines in order to scrub the inside walls to clean them, taking out any debris and clearing any blockages they may come across.

The pigs clean the pipelines by scraping them with brushes and by being specifically designed for the pipeline in question, ensuring that it has the perfect measurements to do the job properly without damaging the interior or getting stuck.

Pipeline pigs are used for more than just cleaning pipelines, however. Pigs are also very efficient at detecting any potential damage within the pipeline. This could mean early set cracks, leaks, corrosion or other damages. They are often used as a way of detecting damages before they become too serious and as a means of finding the issues that cannot be found any other way.

Pipeline pigs are, therefore, a fantastic option for keeping the pipelines clean, running smoothly, and to avoid any serious damages that could entail serious environmental issues.

Moreover, pipeline pigs have been designed in such a way that while they are within the pipeline, they do not disrupt the flow of the product within. That means that you will waste no time nor money using quality pipeline pigs, and you could, in fact, find yourself saving money.

Why is pig cleaning so important?

What is pipeline pigging in terms of long-term support? When it comes to any kind of pipeline, efficiency is key. You need to ensure that the product is always flowing inside safely and efficiently. However, products do build up, debris gets caught in the pipelines, and plenty of factors lead to the product flowing slower and with more difficulty.

This kind of build-up and/or debris will not only cost you more money and time to send the product through, but it can also lead to serious damages. As you know, any kind of severe pipeline damages can lead to serious environmental and human issues. That is why pipeline pigs are so important.

Pipeline pigs offer the best and most efficient way of keeping the insides of pipeline clean. They can detect any damages, even minor ones, thereby informing the company in question of the issue, leaving them to do the necessary repairs and/or adjustments before the problem becomes serious.

Investing in pigging for pipelines is investing in the security, longevity, and efficiency of your pipelines, all of which are vital to your company. In fact, you will find that investing in pipeline pigs will actually save you money in the long run. Your product will flow at a more efficient pace, making you more money, and you will avoid costs in serious repairs, damages, etc.

Why choose Pigtek Ltd?

Pigtek Ltd is a leading UK-based pipeline pigging company that has been designing, manufacturing, and delivering pigs for over two decades. We are proud to have worked with companies such as BP, Chevron, Shell, Yorkshire Water, Texaco, and more. We like to think that our reputation speaks for itself, and with Pigtek, you know that you will be working with an experienced, efficient, and quality company that is used by some of the biggest pipeline companies in the world.

We work on everything regarding the pigs, from the design to the research and manufacturing. That means that we will be with you from the initial designs to the completion of the pipeline pigging, ensuring that you have the very best pigs specifically made for your pipelines.

We also provide pig tracking and pig removal services for the pigs that can get stuck and lost down the way.

Whatever your pipeline pigging needs, Pigtek will be by your side to ensure that your pipelines are up and running smoothly again, as quickly as possible. Why not book in for regular pigging, too?

If you have any questions or would like to enquire about Pigtek and our services, then please do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly team members on 012468 502 20 or simply e-mail us at sales@pigtek.com.