As the specialists in pipeline systems, Drinkwater Products stocks a large variety of different types of pipeline pigs to suit a variety of applications. Although it can be difficult to identify the right pig for the particular project, we have more than 30 years of experience. During this time, we have assisted clients with thousands of projects, and helped them identify the ideal pipeline pigs and equipment for their specific needs.
Pipeline pigs can either be chosen by the material they are made of, or the purpose they must serve.
Types of Pipeline Pigs by Material
The type of material can determine the best use of the pipe pig.
Foam Pigs: The basic pipe pig is mainly used to dewater or to remove debris from pipelines. Foam pigs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes for different purposes and applications, including:
- Coated and bare pipeline pigs are used for general cleaning, batching and proving applications. They are very flexible, which is why they are perfect for cleaning pipes after construction.
- Foam disc pipe pigs efficiently remove liquids.
- Power brush pipe pigs efficiently remove stubborn rust deposits, paraffin, and other debris from inside pipelines.
Cast-Urethane Pigs: These pigs have more flexible bodies that are manufactured using a long-lasting, wear resistant polyurethane formulation and are designed for liquid displacement, wax removal and cleaning.
Steel Body Pigs: These heavy-duty pigs are metal body that can be customized to fit any application. Customizations include added gauging plates, scraper brushes, replaceable discs and cups for extra sealing and wear resistance.
Soluble Pigs: Also known as oil pigs, these inexpensive pipeline pigs can be shaped as cylindrical plugs or spheres that contain a water-soluble surfactant and corrosion inhibitor (water soluble pig) or pour point depressant, paraffin inhibitor and micro-crystalline wax (oil soluble pigs).
Types of Pipeline Pigs by Application
Most often, pipeline pigs are chosen based on the application for which they are needed.
Batching Pigs from Drinkwater Products are specifically engineered to ensure a highly reliable barrier between different products in the same pipeline, and are highly effective in liquid displacement and filling lines with water. Our batching pigs protect your company from the costs, downtime and inconvenience of product mixing or contamination.
Cleaning Pigs - Pipeline cleaning pigs are one of the most cost-effective and simple tools for optimizing flow, reducing corrosion and minimizing contamination in products, thus lowering overall pigging costs and reducing safety risks.
Dewatering Pigs - Liquid displacement is a vital aspect of optimizing performance, production and profitability in pipeline projects. From pipeline dewatering after hydrotesting to capturing valuable natural gas liquids, and liquid displacement during commissioning, batching product in lines that carry multiple products, inerting and nitrogen purging and decommissioning pipelines.
Dual Diameter Pigs are designed to withstand the heavier wear due to multi-dimensional pipe. This pig provides cleaning action and has proven to hold a great seal through multi-diameter lines. Design may be varied to specific line needs; i.e. bend radius requirement, valve bowl lengths etc. and can also be outfitted with brushes specially designed for multi-diameter cleaning.
Need help choosing the correct pipeline pigs? Speak to your specialist at Drinkwater Products today.