Which Industries Commonly Use Pig Detectors?

In the pipeline industry, pipeline inspectors frequently use Pipeline Inspection Gauges (PIGs). Pipeline activists use important devices, referred to as pig detectors, to monitor and identify the movement of pipeline pigs. These gadgets are essential for the proper upkeep and running of pipelines. During a pigging operation, use a pig detector to detect the presence of a pig in the pipeline. The pig detector’s LED light indicator alerts the operators when the pig is located on the pipeline’s exterior. Different types of pigs and industries commonly use pig detectors, such as oil and gas, the chemical industry, and others.

Which industries commonly use pig detectors?

Different industries commonly use pig detectors for pipeline maintenance, inspection, and cleaning. Here are the major sectors that mainly use pig detectors:

1.  Oil and Gas Industry:

   In extracting and transporting crude oil and natural gas from drilling sites. For the transportation of crude oil, natural gas, and refined products through pipelines. In refineries for the distribution of petroleum products.

2. Petrochemical Industry:

   Pipeline integrity and cleanliness in chemical feedstock and product transportation. Water and Wastewater Treatment Maintenance and inspection of drinking water, sewage, and wastewater conveyance systems.

3. Food and Beverage Industry:

   Avoid contamination, such as dairy, juice, and beverages, while transferring liquids to maintain their purity.

4. Pharmaceutical Industry:

   Pipeline’s cleanliness to transport raw materials up to final products adhering to health standards.

5. Power Generation:

   Maintenance of thermal power plant piping with emphasis on steam or cooling water transportation.

6. Mining Industry:

   Slurry pipelines are used to transport mixtures of mined material and water, allowing for easy movement and thereby preventing any sticking of the material.

7. Chemical Industry:

   Various chemicals need to be transported through pipes while ensuring nothing is mixed with others.

Therefore, different industries commonly use pig detectors in pipeline maintenance.

Different Types of Pigs and Their Uses in Pipeline Maintenance

1. Utility pigs: Utility pigs are very versatile in pipe pigging, which is commonly used to carry out routine maintenance activities such as pipeline cleaning and pipe drying that will prevent corrosion and maintain flow efficiency. With the right task, we can make foam, mandrel-type brush pigs, or gel pigs.
2. Cleaning Pigs: Cleaning pigs goes one step further. Designed to remove unwanted debris and build-up inside the pipe with special features like scraping brushes or blades, these types of pivots ensure that materials that have accumulated within a conduit remain dislodged.
3. Inspection Pigs: They are considered “smart” inspection pigs because they are advanced devices used for finding abnormalities or potential threats in the structure of a pipeline. These may include the magnetic flux leakage (MFL) technique or ultrasonic testing (UT) method. Through this, it generates comprehensive information about the pipeline’s condition, looking for areas that might need some attention.
4. Measurement of pigs:  The pipeline’s form and dimensions influence its integrity over time. Measurement pigs check the pipeline’s internal bore to ensure it remains undistorted. Or impacted by passing through the pipeline with a plate-sized to match the diameter of the pipeline and noting any abnormalities.
5. Pigs Tracking: For instance, it is important to know where pigs are as they move along in the pipeline system. Tracking pigs have signal transmitters that help operators follow up on their movement. This may cause damage if left unattended.

Conclusion

Pig detectors are very important for the efficient, safe, and smooth operation of pipelines. Moreover, they give operators a real-time view and accurate information on pig movements. Thus ensuring that they adhere to the relevant regulations, maintain the integrity of their pipelines, and minimize operational costs. The appropriate pig detector, whether mechanical, magnetic, ultrasonic, acoustic, or electromagnetic, will make a significant difference. Ineffectiveness during pigging activities in different pipeline systems.

 At ESP Safety, we are one of the major producers who know how critical Non-Intrusive pig detectors are in maintaining safety, efficacy, and integrity during pipeline operations. Our state-of-the-art pig detector solutions go beyond industry standards due to our dedication to quality and precision engineering. Our advanced technology serves oil and gas fields, water transportation systems, chemical plants, and other industries. Moreover, individual customer requirements influence all.