A Pig for Every Situation

Despite the fact that the technological aspects of pipeline pig hardware continues to be fairly constant, the way they are used consistently changes.

The first mechanical pigs were fairly primitive in nature, being pieced together with barbed wire and wadded fabric. That same basic design has evolved into today's polyurethane or poly pig marvels. Different manufacturers, of course, create their own unique pigs  This is done as they select the types and ratios of materials, including pre-polymers and curing agents that ultimately come together to create a castable product with abrasion resistance, elasticities, various foam densities that influence its effectiveness and durability in any given application.

The types of pigs, and the applications they can be used for, are as varied as the piping industry itself. Typically, pigs are are made in sizes with a 1.5 length to diameter ratio. Keeping your bends, or ells, to a minimum of 1.5D is therefore important for them to be easily piggable. However, tandem pigs can be used to navigate the tighter ells.

Inline inspection tools are also available that when used, give you a more accurate and detailed view of your system, thereby giving you a better plan of ‘attack’ on cleaning your system.

With all the different situations and the various products to choose from, it is always best to hire the services of a qualified pipeline cleaning service, like Professional Piping Services, Inc. to keep your system clean and in peak condition.