What is a Pigging System?

Not sure what a pigging system is or if you need one in your process? Don't worry, you're not alone. Although the first pigging system was used in 1930 to clean pipelines, modern digital innovations are revitalizing today's pigging technology.

The versatility of pipeline pigging systems extends across various industries, catering to the unique needs of food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and paint manufacturing industries. Pigging systems are especially suited for fast-hardening materials such as chocolate, toothpaste, and dairy products like cheese and yogurt.

WHAT DOES A PIGGING SYSTEM DO?

A pigging system, also known as a liquid product recovery system, uses a solid projectile to remove liquid from pipelines and tubing. Their main purpose is to minimize waste, boost product yields, and enhance manufacturing efficiency.

You may also install a pigging system to easily clean pipes, avoid cross-contamination, and easily empty any remaining media for collection. They can also be used to inspect pipelines and assess their condition. Some plants will even use pigging to separate different products in a multi-product pipeline.

BENEFITS OF A PIGGING SYSTEM

What are the Benefits of Pipeline Cleaning Pigs?

• Product Recovery: Instead of treating the product as waste during cleaning processes, pigging systems enable product recovery, maximizing resource utilization and minimizing waste.
• Reduced CIP Cost: By precleaning the pipeline with a pig, the amount of time, utility usage and chemicals required for CIP (Clean-in-Place) procedures is significantly reduced, resulting in cost savings.
• Reduced CIP Time: Faster product changeover times facilitated by pigging systems minimize downtime, optimizing production schedules and enhancing overall efficiency.
• Reduced Waste Processing Cost: By recovering product in pipelines with pigging systems, the volume of waste material needing processing in wastewater treatment plants is reduced, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits.

FDA-APPROVED PIPELINE PIGS

If your sanitary application requires FDA-compliant equipment, we recommend LIAG®'s pigging systems. Their 3A-rated sets them apart from other manufacturers, showcasing their dedication to top-notch hygiene and quality standards. These pigs not only meet the 3A rating but are incredibly flexible and can maneuver through piping systems and tight bends as small as 1.5D.

LIAG^® has specialized in Arc valve and DMV pigging systems for more than 20 years. Their DMV pigging systems use either liquid or gas to propel the pig through the pipeline.

HOW DOES A PIGGING SYSTEM WORK?

Understanding Pipeline Cleaning Pigs

A pigging system utilizes a "pig," which is a device that is inserted into the pipeline and travels through it, performing various tasks. Here's how a pigging system works:

1. Insertion: The pig is inserted into the pipeline through a launch point. This can be done manually or automatically, depending on the system design.
2. Movement: The pig is pushed through the pipeline by the product flow itself, or by an external propelling force such as compressed air, water, or a separate pumping system.
3. Cleaning/Inspection: As the pig moves through the pipeline, it can perform various functions such as cleaning the interior walls of the pipeline, removing debris, and inspecting for any damage or irregularities.
4. Recovery: Once the pig reaches the end of the pipeline or the designated retrieval point, it is removed from the pipeline.

The design of the pig can vary depending on the specific application. Some pigs are equipped with brushes, scrapers, or other cleaning tools, while others may have sensors and cameras for inspection purposes.

We prefer LIAG® pigs for their unique design and construction. Most pigs are typically over-measured for the pipeline and statically push/scrape product, but LIAG® pigs use two dynamic lips to create a seal with the pipe wall. The front lip pushes product and the back lip acts like a squeegee, and their pigs are flexible enough to pass through 90-degree corners. LIAG^® pigging systems are often equipped with magnets, sensors, and controls to monitor the pig's progress and adjust the flow of liquid and gas as needed. This ensures optimal cleaning and product recovery while minimizing the risk of pipeline damage.

INDUSTRIES PRIMED FOR LIAG^® PIGGING SYSTEMS

LIAG® Pigging Systems are Perfect for Sanitary Applications

• Food and Beverage: From dairy products like yogurt and ice cream to condiments and sauces like salad dressings, LIAG^® pigging systems streamline production processes, ensuring maximum efficiency and product utilization.
• Semi-Pharmaceutical: In semi-pharmaceutical manufacturing where accuracy and hygiene are of utmost importance, LIAG^® pigging systems provide a reliable solution for hygienic product handling.
• Cosmetic: Cosmetic manufacturing demands strict adherence to hygiene standards. LIAG^® pigging systems facilitate efficient cleaning and product recovery, enhancing production efficiency in cosmetics manufacturing.
• Paint Manufacturing: Even within the realm of paint manufacturing, where dealing with thick substances is the norm, LIAG^® pigging systems present a solution for effective product retrieval and optimized operations.

Looking for a different valve solution? Visit our Valve SuperSource^® page for more options. 

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