FAQ
Why do I need a Pigging system?
HPS Pigging Systems are used to RECOVER PRODUCT from pipelines, once the pump has emptied the holding tank or the decision is made to stop that particular product run.
Filling the residual product into the final package significantly REDUCES WASTE.
Cleaning a pigged line also requires LESS WATER and LESS TIME.
These benefits help INCREASE PROFITS and promote CARBON FOOTPRINT REDUCTION.
What is a Pig?
A Pig is the object which pushes the product through the pipeline.
The Patented HPS Pig is manufactured from food grade silicon materials, which are tough yet flexible. The Pig will withstand temperatures up to 200° C without significant expansion or degradation, enabling it to be steam cleaned if required. However HPS do not recommend using the Pig immediately after a hot washout or CIP. The Pig should be allowed to cool before it is next used. It is also possible to accelerate cooling by flushing the pig with water or any alternative cooling medium.
Why is it called a Pig?
The name comes from the oil industry, where metal discs connected by a rod were propelled through the oil pipelines, to remove the build up of paraffin wax on the internal wall of the pipe. The action of metal on metal made a squealing noise like a pig. The name stuck!
Will the pig travel through our bends?
YES. The flexible nature of the HPS Pig allows it to negotiate standard 1.5D - 90° bends at pressures typically lower than product pumping pressures.
What is the minimum pressure needed to Pig a line?
The pressure needed to push the pig is typically lower than the product pumping pressure.
What if a pig gets stuck?
The HPS Pig does not get stuck. There is always a logical reason from the Pig not reaching it's destination such as, air pressure not being available, the pipeline has been damaged after testing with the Pig, there is a leak from a pipe connection or there is a closed valve in front of the Pig.
How do we detect the pig in the pipe?
The HPS Pig has special properties which enables it to be magnetised. Specially designed detectors are used to detect the pig at either end of the line. These detectors are non-intrusive to the product line and can detect the Pig’s magnetic field through the stainless steel pipe.
What types of products are piggable?
Any liquid or wet product that is pumped can be pigged. We successfully commissioned systems for products such as food (including pet food), confectionery, soft drinks, water, wine, beer, spirits, shampoos, conditioners, bodywash, bubble bath, toothpaste, deodorants, hairsprays, detergent cleaners, chemicals & pharmaceuticals etc.....
Do I need to remove the pig from the system?
HPS systems are typically fully automatic with no requirement for the oprerator to manually remove or load the Pig.
