Piggingverktøy

Piggingverktøy, often referred to as "pipeline pigs," are devices inserted into pipelines for cleaning, inspection, or separation. These tools are crucial for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of fluid and gas transportation systems. The term "pig" is believed to originate from the squealing sound some early devices made as they moved through the pipe.

There are various types of piggingverktøy, each designed for specific purposes. Cleaning pigs are typically made of foam, rubber, or polyurethane and are used to remove debris, scale, wax, or other build-up from the pipeline's interior. This helps to restore flow capacity and prevent corrosion. Inspection pigs are more sophisticated and equipped with sensors to detect defects, measure wall thickness, and map the pipeline's condition. Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) pigs and ultrasonic pigs are common examples used for detecting metal loss. Separation pigs, also known as batching pigs, are used to separate different products being transported in the same pipeline, preventing contamination.

The operation of piggingverktøy involves launching them into the pipeline at a designated station and retrieving them at another. The flow of the product itself, or compressed air or water, is used to propel the pig through the pipe. Regular pigging operations are essential for preventive maintenance in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and water distribution, contributing to operational safety and economic viability.