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.
For all pigs, the following steps are recommended: 1. Increasing volume and pressure 2. Releasing pressure by opening a discharge valve and dropping pressure to nothing, then reapplying pressure. 3. Releasing pressure and volume by opening a discharge valve, allowing fluid to drain and dropping the pressure to nothing; then flooding the line causing a water hammer. This should propel the pig through the tight spot. 4. Releasing pressure and volume, and then leaving the system down for 30 minutes to one hour. With normal pigging applications, pressure applied to the rear of the pig causes a friction drag on the front of the pig, which therefore compresses the pig. By allowing a rest, the pig can return to its previous size and normal pigging procedures should release the pig without a significant increase in pressure. 5. Applying pressure in the reverse direction back up to the pig. Usually there is no need to back the pig up more than a few feet, normal pigging procedures can then resume. 6. On certain types of lines (chiefly water), flowing a strong concentration of chlorine past the pig can dissolve and break down the cell structure. This should be the last resort!
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.
Type of pipe?
Other
Contents:
SW Gas Hydraulic
Condensate Wax
CO2
Oil
Other Required Information: Is there a regular pigging program in place currently? Are you changing the contents of the line? Are you coating the wall of the line? Is there a build up in the line? Type of build up? Type of launching/receiving equipment? Manufacturer name of launching/receiving equipment?
Argus
Barber
Masterflo
Other
What type of problems are you experiencing with your current pigging application?
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.
FUNCTIONS OF THE VARIOUS TYPES OF POLLY PIGS To follow are the most commonly used Polly pigs: YBS - Yellow Bare Swab 2lb/cuft 32.0 kg/m Mainly Used for Light Drying and Wiping Up to 1 mile
These pigs can also be used: 1. Where daily pressures are low and there is rapid build-up in your line. 2. To clear blocked lines when a bypass pig gets stuck. 3. When line conditions do not allow a heavier density foam pig. Remember these will not do a good cleaning. 4. When the entrance into a larger line is through a much smaller line. Example: 12" line with a 6" opening.
RBS - Red Bare Squeegee 5 lb/cu.ft. 80.1 kg/m Mainly Used for Regular Drying up to 10 miles (16 km)
Best used for drying any smooth interior pipelines and for removal of soft build-ups in any type of pipe. Can be substituted for an RCC when pigging multiple lines and on systems where existing pressure and volumes are questionable. Can also be used where low pressures prevail for mild cleaning, gauging the I.D. of a scaled line, or as a prover pig.
RCC - Red Criss Cross - 5 lb/cu.ft 80.1 kg/m Mainly Used for regular Wiping up to 10 miles
Good for paraffin removal. Also, good for wiping most pipelines with a soft build-up. Best used in minimum pressure lines with a large quantity of short radius 90 bends, tees and valves. Also good where piping conditions, volumes and pressures are questionable. Should be used instead of RCC-WB pigs when using fibreglass, PVC or epoxy lined pipe.
RCC-WB - Red Criss Cross Wire Brush - 5 lb/cu.ft. 80.1 kg/m Mainly Used for Regular scraping up to 10 miles (16 km) and scale removal.
Excellent for removal of large amounts of paraffin build-up. Good for hard scratching on bare walls of steel pipe.
FULLY COATED - 5 lb/cu.ft 80.1 kg/m For wiping lines that contain up to 12% H2S, CO2 or other chemicals that attack regular foam.
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.
Standard sizes of Polly pigs available: 2", 2-1/4", 2-1/2" 3", 3-1/4", 3-1/2" 4", 4-1/4", 4-1/2" 6", 6-1/4", 6-1/2" 8", 8-1/4", 8-1/2" Up to 60"
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
Most Commonly Available in: Natural Rubber, Neoprene or Buna *Made in sizes of 3/4" - 6" *Black, Colored or Numbered available *Most Numbered Pig balls have the numbers molded, not burnt, into them for longer life of numbers Urethane *Available in sizes of 3/4" - 12" using 1/4" increments *For use in sour service applications Foam *High Density Foam *Solid Foam - white or colored *Fully Coated Urethane (FC) *Red Criss Crossed (RCC) *Wire brush & Urethane (RCC-WB) *Made in sizes 1/2" up to 12"
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
PL DISC
BULLET PIGS
Available in: Buna or Neoprene Hollow or Filled Use in place of/or with balls
PUMP OUT PIGS - SOLID URETHANE For Pumping Out Bottom Hole Pumps
Available in: Sizes from 1/2" up to 6" diameter Length is twice to diameter of the pig Numerous colors
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 2 50mm 3 80mm 4 100mm 6 150mm 8 200mm 10 250mm 12 300mm A 2.165 55mm 3.19 81mm 4.25 108mm 6.25 159mm 8.50 216mm 10.50 267mm 12.50 317mm B 1.150 29mm 1.94 49mm 2.25 57mm 3.00 76mm 4.50 114mm 5.50 140mm 6.50 165mm C 4.25 108mm 6.25 159mm 8.50 216mm 11.25 286mm 15.25 387mm 18.00 457mm 20.00 508mm D 4.90 124mm 7.00 178mm 9.50 241mm 12.50 317mm 16.50 419mm 19.50 495mm 21.50 546mm WEIGHT .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
Maxi-Cups made for batching and general purpose cleaning. They are no maintenance, highly resilient, provide a great seal and have extremely high mileage. Available in 62 Durometer, 72 Durometer, or 80 Durometer (+/- 5 Durometer) Also available in short and long sizes Sizes available from 2" - 8"
2 CUP SHORT 4 5.7 7.75 11 N/A
A 2.375 60mm 3.375 86mm 4.500 114mm 6.625 168mm 8.500 216mm
B 6.000 152mm 8.250 209mm 10.000 254mm 12.000 304mm 17.000 432mm
C 4.500 114mm 6.000 152mm 7.500 190mm 9.875 251mm 13.125 333mm
D 1.000 25mm 1.500 38mm 2.000 50mm 3.000 80mm 4.000 101mm
WEIGHT 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
Wire Brush
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"
*For ease around corners including 90's *No breaking of top fins *The pig that is easier to launch than conventional Maxi Cups & Discs *Will not get caught in valves *Better seal on corners Available in: Sizes 2" up to 12" Hollow or Solid 60 Duro & Up
SIZE 2" 3" 4" 6" 8" 10" 12" A 2.25" 3.335" 4.30" 6.37" 8.75" 11" 13.0" 1 DISC 4" 5.25" 6.75" 9.75" 12.5" 2 DISCS 5" 6.25 8.5" 11.5" 15" 3 DISCS 5.75" 7.25" 10" 13.5" 17.5" 18.5" 24" 4 DISCS 6.5" 8.25" 11.5" 15.25" 20" 9.25" 13" 17.25" 22.5" 5 DISCS 6 DISCS N/A N/A N/A 19.25" N/A N/A N/A C 2.18" 3.20" 4.25" 6.25" 8.50" 10.5" 12.5"
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
*Excellent cleaning & chasing pig *Will manoeuvre around tight 90's easily *Can be used in place of normal pig balls or soft foam pigs *For use with ball valves *For easier pig entry installation *For ease around corners *No breaking of top fins *Standard 70 durometer urethane *Also available in 60 durometer urethane to fit 250 psi fibreglass pipe.
SIZE 2" 3" 4" 5.5" 6" 6.4" 8" 10" 12" 16"
A 2.175" 3.375" 4-3/8" 5.50" 6-1/4" 6.4" 8-1/2" 10-1/2" 12-1/2" 16"
B 2.75" 4.00" 6.25" 6.25" 8.00 8.00" 10.70" 11.00" 14.50" 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
Bottom View
Back fin is machined down 1/8" under I.D of wall size Extra fins can be ordered upon request
MASTER PIGS
Designed for MasterFlo Pig Ball Valve Injectors
*To be used in place of normal pig balls or soft foam pigs *For easier pig entry installation *For ease around corners *No breaking of top fins *No fluid by-pass, will expand against the pipeline wall forming an efficient seal as the pressure differential across the pig increases *Available in 60 Duro & up *Available in Hollow or Solid Core *Available with one or two discs
SIZE
2" 3" 4"
CPP PART # PIGT-2CC PIGT-2CDD PIGT-2CDDC PIGT-3CC PIGT-3CDD PIGT-3CDDC PIGT-4CC PIGT-4CDD PIGT-4CDDC
DECRIPTION 2"CC PIG 2" CDD PIG 2" CDDC PIG 3" CC PIG 3" CDD PIG 3" CDDC PIG 4" CC PIG 4" CDD PIG 4" CDDC PIG
SIZE 2" 2" 2" 3" 3" 3" 4" 4" 4"