Pipeline pigging is a maintenance technique involving the use of devices called “pigs” to clean, inspect, and maintain pipelines.
Poly-pigs aka “pigs” are bullet-shaped devices typically made of absorbent material such as open-cell polyurethane.
Poly-pigs are designed to remove deposits such as scale, sediment, organic material, and buildup from the pipeline walls.
Poly-pigs create a sliding seal. Differential pressure moves the Poly-pig.
Yes. Poly-pigs easily navigate 90-degree bends, Tees, Crosses, Valves, and Diameter Changes.
Yes. The risk of the pig getting stuck is one of the challenges of pipeline pigging. For that reason, it is critical to work closely with pipeline pigging consultants who have substantial field experience, like Flowmore Services. The Flowmore pigging consultant will spend time with the engineer and project manager in the pre-pigging stage to take all steps possible to avoid sticking a pig.
Previous to an onsite visit, your Flowmore pigging consultant confirms the “piggability” of the pipeline, the size and type of the line, the analysis of deposit, the issue or problem to be addressed, the available flow and pressure with the engineer or project manager.
The Flowmore pigging consultant also confirms with the project manager that the entire pipeline has been thoroughly inspected for any obstructions and other typical pigging challenges that could impede the Poly-pig’s ability to traverse the pipeline.
The Flowmore pigging consultant also confirms that the project manager has identified and confirmed the location of all valves as well as confirmed that each of these valves has been exercised recently and are operating correctly.
Yes. A stuck pig can be unstuck.
Your Flowmore pigging consultant will review the data collected during the pigging process. There is no “one way” to “unstick” a pig.
Based on experience and the data collected, your Flowmore pigging consultant will have a number of solutions for unsticking the stuck Poly-pig. Each solution will be specific to that situation since every circumstance is different.
Pigging reduces pumping, operational and maintenance costs while increasing flow and improving production saving time and money.
Removing buildup on pipe walls results in improved water quality and improved customer satisfaction in water distribution.
When pigging is included with a regular maintenance routine, pigging may help address fire hydrant maintenance and water pressure issues at the fire hydrant so that firefighting is effective.
A Municipality may reduce fire insurance premiums by ensuring that fire hydrants are regularly tested and maintained, which improves their reliability and effectiveness during emergencies. This enhanced fire protection capability may lead to a better protection class rating, potentially lowering insurance costs for homeowners in the area. Pigging is an important part of a routine testing and maintenance program.
Regular pipeline pigging helps identify potential problems before they become more serious, reducing the need for costly repairs.
Yes. Poly-pigs easily navigate 90-degree bends, Tees, Crosses, Valves, and Diameter Changes.
Any type of foam Poly-pig may be used to pig water or sewer lines to remove sediment and other contaminants from pipelines.
Steel body pigs are NEVER used because they cannot navigate bends.
Tracking equipment consists of a transmitter and a receiver. Tracking equipment is suitable for most but not all projects.
The transmitter is inserted into a specially designed cavity in the body of the Poly-pig. The transmitter’s signal is picked up by the receiver allowing the operator to track the Poly-pig at predesignated spots.
Tracking is one way to ensure that the Poly-pig is moving through the pipeline at the rate calculated by the Flowmore pigging consultant.
Pigging reduces pumping, operational & maintenance costs while increasing flow and improving production.
Removing buildup on pipe walls results in improved water quality.
When pigging is included with a regular maintenance routine, pigging may help address fire hydrant maintenance and water pressure issues at the fire hydrant so that firefighting is effective.
A Municipality may reduce fire insurance premiums by ensuring that fire hydrants are regularly tested and maintained, which improves their reliability and effectiveness during emergencies. This enhanced fire protection capability may lead to a better protection class rating, potentially lowering insurance costs for homeowners in the area. Pigging is an important part of a routine testing and maintenance program.
Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, AC, GRP, HDPE, DIP, PVC
Most gravity pipelines are not piggable.
Pipelines with butterfly valves are not piggable unless the butterfly valves are removed or spooled out.
Closed or semi-closed valves, odd fittings, flow meters, appurtenances, and diameter changes that could impede the poly-pig’s ability to traverse the pipeline.
Pipeline pigging is a maintenance technique involving the use of devices called “pigs” to clean, inspect, and maintain pipelines.
Poly-pigs are designed to remove deposits such as scale, sediment, organic material, and buildup from the pipeline walls.
These pigs are pushed through pipelines by water pressure often through fire hydrants.
The pig scrapes build up off the pipe wall as it moves through the pipeline.
Pigging has been successfully used to address failed Bacteriological Test (Bac-T) when combined with chlorination and flushing.
Yes. The risk of the pig getting stuck is one of the challenges of pipeline pigging. For that reason, it is critical to work closely with pipeline pigging consultants who have substantial field experience, like Flowmore Services. The Flowmore pigging consultant will spend time with the engineer and project manager in the pre-pigging stage to take all steps possible to avoid sticking a pig.
Previous to an onsite visit, your Flowmore pigging consultant confirms the “piggability” of the pipeline, the size and type of the line, the analysis of deposit, the issue or problem to be addressed, the available flow and pressure with the engineer or project manager.
The Flowmore pigging consultant also confirms with the project manager that the entire pipeline has been thoroughly inspected for any obstructions and other typical pigging challenges that could impede the Poly-pig’s ability to traverse the pipeline.
The Flowmore pigging consultant also confirms that the project manager has identified and confirmed the location of all valves as well as confirmed that each of these valves has been exercised recently and are operating correctly.
Yes. A stuck pig can be unstuck.
Your Flowmore pigging consultant will review the data collected during the pigging process. There is no “one way” to “unstick” a pig.
Based on experience and the data collected, your Flowmore pigging consultant will have a number of solutions for unsticking the stuck Poly-pig. Each solution will be specific to that situation since every circumstance is different.
The solution could be “pigging.”
These are Before, During, and After photos of a recent Municipal pipeline cleaning project.
Each pipeline has its own unique characteristics and issues.Each project has specific objectives and operational requirements.Most importantly, “unknown” factors or complications that occur during the pigging process have to be dealt with at the time they occur.Flowmore Services, Inc. has worked in the pipeline cleaning business for 50 years and has the know-how and experience needed.
Flowmore covers all 50 States and North America. For any other areas, please call.
Flowmore provides pipeline cleaning equipment (Poly-pigs, transmitters, launchers, and receivers).Flowmore provides pre-project consultation, estimates, and onsite expertise and supervision during the pigging process.Flowmore provides consulting services and training services as well.
