A selection of metal bodied pigs, solid cast pigs and foam pigs

Even in the early 21^st century why is it that pigging is sometimes regarded a medieval black art?

For many years pigging and pigging manufacturers have only slowly moved forward. In a time when technology seems to move on at an ever quicker pace, the pigging industry seems to have had problems with getting some of its clients to use bi-directional disc tools opposed to cup tools.

Why change things?

It may be a case of if it’s not broken then don’t try to fix it, but in a time when most product improvements are jumped upon, the pipeline industry seems to be ultra conservative.

Is it a case of scepticism by the pipeline operators and if so why?

All things are not equal!

Unlike many areas of the pipeline industry, there is no officially recognised body and very few specifications for pigging tools in existing standards, except for specific items such as calculating gauge plate diameters, etc.

Only a few companies have tried to produce specifications and even then they are open to interpretation and seem not to get adopted company wide.

Many pigging tool manufacturing companies supplying customers worldwide manufacture very similar products to the bystander, but looks can be deceptive.

Is it about time that the industry recognised the need for a more structured approach to pigging tools?

What could be the answer?

This isn’t a call for a formation of a cartel of pigging manufacturers, but  for the introduction of a set of standards that pigging tools can be designed to, that over time, would hopefully dispel the pigging myths and prejudices.

Any set of standards would not happen overnight, but any step forward could help get pigging and pigging tools the recognition that they deserves.