Do you run your own pipeline? Are you dependent on piping delivering oil from one client to another? Chances are, you’re going to need to keep them clean.

But what is oil pipeline cleaning with pigs – and how could it help you keep things running smoothly? Let’s consider what the process entails, and why it makes sense to hire specialists to keep your pipeline clean.

 

What is Oil Pipeline Pig Cleaning?

28" Pig following cleaning of HFO pipeline - oil pipeline cleaning

Pigging, or pig cleaning, refers to the use of the devices known as pigs to scrub clean the inside of the oil pipelines. It is a form of maintenance that, depending on the location of the pipes, should be done weekly, bi-monthly, monthly, or quarterly.

The pigs are placed directly inside of the pipeline and scrape the inside along their way, taking with them any and all debris and build-up. The best part about the pigs is that they do not disrupt the flow of the oil, meaning that work can go on as usual.

Pigs are also very useful at detecting what would be otherwise unnoticed issues that may occur on the inside of the pipelines (corrosion, deformation, etc).

As you can imagine, this has proved very useful over the years and can save companies from having more significant issues with their pipeline in the future! So, are oil pipeline pig tools really that important?

 

Why is oil pipeline cleaning so important?

As you already know, the maintenance of oil pipelines is essential. A failure in the oil pipeline integrity can cause irreparable damage to the pipes and, therefore, have a severe impact on the environment, public and personnel safety, the productivity level, etc.

That’s not to mention the absolute fortune that the clean-up and repairs could cost in the future!

Heat tracing wire pigged out of a 16" HFO pipeline - oil pipeline cleaning

Those being the possible cases, let us also look at the less dangerous but still damaging effects of the pipeline build-up: productivity will decrease.

Due to the build-up of oil and possible debris, not to mention the underlying issues that may occur, such as corrosion and/or deformation, it is only natural that the product transmission will slow down and eventually reach a halt.

If things do come to an altogether stop on a particular pipeline, it is evident that fixing the problem can become very dangerous very quickly.

Therefore, in order to ensure that the product moves efficiently and safely, pipeline pigs are an essential tool for any kind of pipeline, especially oil.

It can also be considered a reckless mistake not to hire the right company to provide the right pigs for your pipelines.

 

Why choose Pigtek?

Pigtek Ltd is a specialist pigging and pipeline cleaning company that has provided its services to companies such as BP, Shell, Chevron, Texaco, Yorkshire Water, and many more since the year 2000.

This company has had a hand in the use of pigs over the years and in the very design and configuration of the best pigs out there.

Due to their unique understanding of the various, ever-evolving requirements of different companies, different fuel sources, and the different pipelines, Pigtek has provided trustworthy and efficient services since the very beginning.

In fact, we’ve been at the very forefront of revolutionary pig technology since 2000!

With pipeline technology changing rapidly, Pigtek is proud to say that we have always been able to adapt to the job, no matter the challenge, in order to ensure that each task gets completed safely and efficiently.

Pigtek will be with you from initial design and research all the way through to product trials. All pig designs are completed at Pigtek’s home base in the UK and are guaranteed to meet the requirements of ISO 9001.

From advanced pipeline cleaning and specialist pig design to pig tracking services and stuck/lost pig location and removal, amongst many other services, you can trust us for all your oil pipeline demands!

 

For more information on keeping oil pipelines clean and functional, you can contact our team on 01246 850220, or email us at sales@pigtek.com. Simple!


download
Brochure Download
Pipeline Pig Testing and Trialling