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INFORMATION
WHAT IS A PIG?
A pig is an object that is sent through a pipeline to clean and maintain it. A typical pig is
normally twice as long as its diameter. Pigs are made up of various types of foam,
rubber, urethane, Teflon or metal. They can have many styles and combinations of
attachments designed to help push or pull them through the line. There are as many
different styles, sizes and combinations of pigs as there are products running through
pipelines.
WHY TO PIG?
With rising costs and inflation, we need to conserve as much energy and production
time as possible. With the push to reduce energy use, which heavy industry bears the
brunt of, pigging is the fastest, most economical way to maintain internal pipe integrity.
The purpose of pigging is to wipe, sweep, scrape, scale or dry a pipeline. Wiping the
line means to clear out one product so that the pipe may be used for another.
Sweeping means the removal of loose debris or dirt in the line. Scraping means to
remove the hard deposits that have built up around the inside walls of the pipe, and
return the flow within the pipe to normal. Scaling is used when a chemical has been
sent through to clean deposits from the sides of the pipe, and the chemical must now be
removed so that normal production may resume. Drying means to remove any dirt or
dust, which may contain moisture, to prevent corrosion from occurring in the pipe.
The most common method of pigging requires a different medium to propel the pig than
the one that normally runs through the line. Usually, water, air or nitrogen is used to
push the pigs because they are easily cleaned out of the line when done. Pigging a line
clean without interrupting service is possible, however. This is called the on-stream
method. A pig is inserted into a line, and is propelled forward by the force of the normal
flow. This is the best method to use where product purity is concerned.
HOW TO PIG
A pig launcher is the portable unit that can be easily attached to a pipeline to send a pig
through the line. A typical launcher is a piece of pipe one size larger and twice as long
as the pig, with an end that is flanged, hinged or union closed.
A pig launcher is probably the most important tool to use with a pig. However, other
methods of launching must be sought when the expense of a launcher would rule out
the benefits of a pigging job. Examples of this would be; when the location is remote
and there is no accessible source of launching medium, or when a launcher cannot
easily be attached onto the pipe.
Other methods of launching are:
Lubricating the pig, and then using a blunt ended rod to manually push it
into the line. This can be done either with or without some form of a
swage (funnel)
Twisting the pig into the line without the aid of a lubricant will work up to a
4 pig
Split the pipe about three/fourths the length of the pig. Then lubricate the
pig, insert it and push it beyond the split. Pull the split back together and
weld.
Adding glycol/water mixture in front of the pig is common, especially in the winter. This
will melt the ice in the line, reduce the friction on the front of the pig and aid in the
cleaning of the pipe. Once the pig is in the line, replace the cap or pipe end and start to
pressure-up. The pig will start to move at different pressures, depending on which
pressure medium is being used.
If using nitrogen, air or gas, once the pressure has built up to half of the normal
operating pressure the pig should start to move. The speed the pig is moving at and the
distance it travels will reduce the pressure per volume behind the pig. Should the pig
stop, before attempting to unblock it, simply allow the pressure behind the pig to build
back up to normal operating pressure; it should start to move again. Most pressure
systems, whether permanent or portable, work at 100 psi.
If water or another liquid is being used, a quick spurt should get the pig moving once the
liquid level is halfway to three-quarters of the way up the back of the pig. Water
pressure will propel the pig through the line with the speed adjusted by the flow at the
inlet valve.
The usual rate of speed for cleaning is about 60 feet per minute, but speeds of twice
this rate have been used on straight pipelines. Slower speeds are necessary, when
passing through tees, crosses, undersized valves or swedging into smaller pipe sizes,
to prevent pressure surges. Complete cleaning usually requires two or more passes of
the pig; however, running two or more pigs through at the same time, has the same
effect but saves money and energy.
A pig receiver is the portable unit that can be easily attached to a pipeline to catch the
pig at the far end. There are two main types of receivers. The most common is a
basket style, which catches the pig and releases the pressure and any debris. The
other is a solid style. It consists of a piece of pipe one size larger and twice as long as
the pig. It has a blockage in it to stop the pig along with a valve to release pressure and
whatever the pig cleaned out of the line. For environmental or hazardous lines, a solid
pig receiver with a debris suppressor containing a filter bag will be required, together
with a legal means of disposal.
A pig receiver, while not as important as a launcher, should be considered. When
allowed, the easiest method is letting the pig exit the pipe and picking it up from the
ground. Remember, the pig will become a projectile when propelled by a liquid; the pig
will fall with the flow. When a receiver is required, a bypass route is also needed so that
the propelling medium can continue unhindered, once the pig has been caught.
Always remember to consult a specialist before pigging your lines. With the different
types of lines, pipe, valves and conditions in every field, pigs that work in one field may
not work well in another.
Note: For bypass (filming) pigs only; insert a pipe swab (YBS), and push it up to the
blocked pig to create a positive seal. Pressuring up normally should then release the
pig.
O.D. and/or
O.D. and/or
Reducers?
Yes
Bends
Ts
45s
From
To
No
Steel
Fiber Glass
PVC
PSI/LB
Pressure:
90s
Type of pipe?
No
I.D.
I.D.
Insitu Coated
Other
Lined
HDPE Lined
KPA
What is it pushing?
Contents:
H2S%
Inert
COMMON
PIPELINE PIGS
POLLY PIGS
Polly Pigs are internal pipe cleaners made of flexible foam with a variety of urethane coating
and abrasives. They have the greatest versatility, lowest cost, and are the most flexible and can
be the most durable of all types of pipeline pigs.
The standard pig is always slightly oversized to cause a friction drag which is the resistance to
the pressure being applied to the rear of the pig.
When Polly Pigs are put through a line, there is friction drag on the front and pressure is applied
to the rear. When these two forces meet in the middle they make the pig shorter and direct the
forces to the outside wall of the pipe. This causes a high velocity bypass from the rear to the
front past the pig, resulting in a sliding seal, helping to cut loose deposits and flushing ahead of
the pig.
There are three basic types of Polly Pigs that are available in different densities:
1.
Dryers
2.
Wipers
3.
Scrapers
The harder the density of the pig the less flexible and compressible they become. Urethane
coatings and wire brushes add strength and durability to Polly Pigs but also cause the pigs to
become less flexible and compressible.
New pipelines should not be put into service before one or more drying Polly Pigs have been
run through the line to clear out any construction and other debris that may have been left
behind.
BI-DIRECTIONAL
These pigs were made when two directions are to be traversed
by the pig without leaving the pipe. Not recommended for normally
cleaning the line.
Canadian Pump & Packing will make most pigs in any size according to your
specifications. The normal length of a Polly Pig is approximately twice the diameter.
Canadian Pump & Packing will also make lengths either shorter or longer, according to
your specifications.
This list is just a general overall view of the most common Polly Pigs. There are
numerous other styles & densities of Polly pigs not listed (as they are too many to
mention and are made for special conditions) but are readily available. Remember to
always consult a specialist for your specific conditions.
PIG BALLS
Excellent for scraping and sweeping of lines
RCC-WB
RCC
Fully Coated
Foam
Canadian Pump & Packing Co. Ltd. can supply fully coated foam balls in size increments as
small as 1/16". Example: 2-1/16, 2-1/8, etc.
Inflatable Balls
Specialty balls available upon request in a variety of sizes
Other Specialty Compounds may also be available
PL Cups & PL Discs are ideal for Cleaning, Batching and Displacement. They are oil,
gas and abrasion resistant with extra heavy side wall that resist distortion and give
maximum strength. They can be used in single or multiple units to form custom pipeline
pigs that can be used in lines with the most severe radial bends.
PL CUP
Cup Size
2"
1.13"
1.65"
2.12"
3"
1.87"
3.71"
3.17"
4"
2.34"
6.05"
4.2"
6"
3.46"
7.97"
6.2"
Disc Size
2"
1.2"
1.1"
2.2"
3"
1.5"
1.87"
3.17"
4"
2.1"
2.34"
4.2"
6"
2.74"
3.46"
6.2"
PL DISC
BULLET PIGS
Available in:
Buna or Neoprene
Hollow or Filled
Use in place of/or with balls
Size
C - Hollow
C - Filled
2"
2.02"
2.95"
1.86"
1.03"
3"
3"
3.5"
2.76"
1.54"
4"
4.25"
4.31"
N/A
1.75"
Maxi-Disc pipeline pigs are one piece high quality urethane constructed pigs with no
metal parts designed for maximum efficiency. No assembly required.
Maxi-Discs will not by-pass fluids, but will expand against the pipeline wall forming an
efficient seal as the pressure differential across the pig increases.
They are available in Hollow or Solid Core. Use Hollow Core Maxi-Discs only in cases
of low pressures.
Available in 60 Durometer, 70 Durometer and 80 Durometer (+/- 5 Durometer)
Also available with only 3 discs (short)
Sizes available from 2" - 16"
SIZE
WEIGHT
2
50mm
3
80mm
4
100mm
6
150mm
8
200mm
10
250mm
12
300mm
2.165
55mm
3.19
81mm
4.25
108mm
6.25
159mm
8.50
216mm
10.50
267mm
12.50
317mm
1.150
29mm
1.94
49mm
2.25
57mm
3.00
76mm
4.50
114mm
5.50
140mm
6.50
165mm
4.25
108mm
6.25
159mm
8.50
216mm
11.25
286mm
15.25
387mm
18.00
457mm
20.00
508mm
4.90
124mm
7.00
178mm
9.50
241mm
12.50
317mm
16.50
419mm
19.50
495mm
21.50
546mm
.75 lb.
.340 kg
1 lb.
.453 kg
2 lb.
.907 kg
5lb.
2.26 kg
16lb.
7.25 kg
20lb.
9 kg
42 lb.
19 kg
3 DISC
SHORT
N/A
5.18
7.19
10
12.75
N/A
N/A
SIZE
WEIGHT
2
50mm
3
80mm
4
100mm
6
150mm
8
200mm
2.375
60mm
3.375
86mm
4.500
114mm
6.625
168mm
8.500
216mm
6.000
152mm
8.250
209mm
10.000
254mm
12.000
304mm
17.000
432mm
4.500
114mm
6.000
152mm
7.500
190mm
9.875
251mm
13.125
333mm
1.000
25mm
1.500
38mm
2.000
50mm
3.000
80mm
4.000
101mm
0.3 lb.
.13 kg
1.0 lb.
.453 kg
2.25 lb.
1.0 kg
4.75 lb.
2 kg
10.75 lb.
5 kg
2 CUP
SHORT
4
5.7
7.75
11
N/A
Wire Brush
Construction Pig
Metal Body
SCRAPER CUPS
For use with Construction Metal Bodied pigs
Effective sealing without excessive wear on
your pipe
Strong and Flexible
Urethane Cups are available in sizes from
2" - 8"
Size
Height
2.0"
1.6"
2.1"
1.73"
0.76"
2.5"
2.05"
2.55"
2.17"
0.76"
3.0"
2.35"
3.19"
2.75"
1.13"
4.0"
3.46"
4.19"
3.57"
1.41"
6"
5.3"
6.27"
5.4"
1.75"
8"
6.96"
8.2"
7.1"
2.04"
10"
8.58"
10.16"
8.75"
2.35"
12"
10.27"
12.22"
11.58"
2.35"
SPECIALTY
PIPELINE PIGS
1 DISC
2 DISCS
3 DISCS
4 DISCS
2"
2.25"
4"
5"
5.75"
6.5"
3"
3.335"
5.25"
6.25
7.25"
8.25"
4"
4.30"
6.75"
8.5"
10"
6"
6.37"
9.75"
11.5"
8"
8.75"
12.5"
15"
10"
11"
12"
13.0"
5 DISCS
6 DISCS
N/A
2.18"
9.25"
N/A
3.20"
11.5"
13"
N/A
4.25"
13.5"
15.25"
17.25"
19.25"
6.25"
17.5"
20"
22.5"
N/A
8.50"
18.5"
N/A
10.5"
24"
N/A
12.5"
SIZE
TOP CUP
DIAMETER
BOTTOM
CUP
DIAMETER
2 CUP
LENGTH
3 CUP
LENGTH
3"
3-3/8"
3-3/8"
4.3"
7"
4"
4-3/8"
4-1/2"
5-1/4"
8.7"
Only available in 3" & 4" sizes and with either two or three-cups
Made to go from one schedule of line pipe to another without any problems
More flexible than other urethane pigs for more ease around corners
Available in 60 Durometer, 72 Durometer or 80 Durometer
BARBEE PIGS
Designed specially for Barber Pig Ball Valve Injectors
One of the best pigs to use for batching
Used as the lead pig in front of Filming pigs in a batching set
SIZE
2"
2.175"
2.75"
3"
3.375"
4.00"
4"
4-3/8"
6.25"
5.5"
5.50"
6.25"
6"
6-1/4"
8.00
6.4"
6.4"
8.00"
8"
8-1/2"
10.70"
10"
10-1/2"
11.00"
12"
12-1/2"
14.50"
16"
16"
18.50"
FILMING/COATING PIGS
Specially made for Coating Corrosion Inhibitor into lines
This pig can be made in 60 Durometer, 7 Durometer, or 80 Durometer.
The 60 Durometer pigs are made to be more flexible so they can pass through
different schedules of pipe. The 80 Durometer are made for lines with higher
quantities of H2S and C02.
Available in:
Sizes 3" - 8"
Notches are machined into
the middle disc.
Total of 12 notches
SIZE
DIAMETER
HEIGHT
3"
3-3/8"
5"
4"
4-3/8"
6"
6"
6-1/4"
7-3/4"
8"
8-1/2"
10-3/8"
Bottom View
MASTER PIGS
Designed for MasterFlo Pig Ball Valve Injectors
SIZE
2"
2.25"
3"
2.14"
3"
3.375"
4.47"
3.375"
4"
4.25"
6.78"
4.30"
CPP PART #
DECRIPTION
SIZE
PIGT-2CC
2"CC PIG
2"
2.20"
4.75"
PIGT-2CDD
2"
2.20"
4.75"
PIGT-2CDDC
2"
2.20"
4.75"
PIGT-3CC
3" CC PIG
3"
3.35"
5.91"
PIGT-3CDD
3"
3.35"
5.91"
PIGT-3CDDC
3"
3.35"
5.91"
PIGT-4CC
4" CC PIG
4"
4.35"
7.25"
PIGT-4CDD
4"
4.35"
7.25"
PIGT-4CDDC
4"
4.35"
7.25"