Pigging is a time-tested technique that uses specialized devices called pipeline pigs to clean, inspect, and maintain pipelines without interrupting the flow of product. Think of pigs as the unsung heroes inside your pipeline scrubbing, separating, and surveying as they move along with the fluid.
Modern pigs come in all shapes and sizes, typically foam or urethane, but can also include steel components for tougher jobs. They’re inserted into the pipeline at a designated launch point and pushed along by product pressure until they reach the receiving station, carrying debris or data with them.