Pipeliners Dictionary

Ultrasonic Pigs, also known as smart pigs, are specialized tools that are used to inspect the internal surfaces of pipelines

The term “pig” comes from the early days of pipeline inspection, where pipelines were cleaned by sending a scraper, known as a “pig,” through the pipeline to remove any debris. Over time, pigs have evolved into complex devices that are capable of performing a variety of inspections and maintenance tasks.

Ultrasonic pigs use high-frequency sound waves to inspect the pipeline’s walls for thickness and integrity. These sound waves are generated by transducers that are attached to the pig, and they travel through the pipeline’s walls and are reflected back to the transducers by any imperfections or damage in the pipeline. The data from the reflected sound waves is then processed to create an image of the pipeline’s interior.

Ultrasonic pigs are used to inspect pipelines for a variety of issues, including corrosion, cracks, dents, and deformations. They are especially useful for inspecting pipelines that contain hazardous materials, as they can be used to inspect the pipeline’s interior without exposing workers to the hazardous material.

There are several different types of ultrasonic pigs, each designed for a specific type of inspection. Some of the most common types of ultrasonic pigs include:

• Standard Ultrasonic Pigs: Standard ultrasonic pigs are used to inspect pipelines for thickness and integrity. They use a single set of transducers to generate and receive the sound waves, and they are often used to inspect pipelines that contain liquids.

• Phased Array Ultrasonic Pigs: Phased array ultrasonic pigs use multiple transducers that can be phased and adjusted to create a more detailed image of the pipeline’s interior. These pigs are often used to inspect pipelines that contain gas, as they can be adjusted to inspect the pipeline’s walls for specific types of damage.

• Dual Sensor Pigs: Dual sensor pigs use both ultrasonic and magnetic flux leakage sensors to inspect the pipeline’s interior. These pigs are often used to inspect pipelines that contain liquids, as they can be used to inspect both the pipeline’s walls and its contents.

Ultrasonic pigs can be launched into a pipeline in several different ways, depending on the type of pig and the type of pipeline. Some of the most common ways to launch a pig include:

• Pig Traps: Pig traps are specialized launching devices that are used to launch pigs into pipelines. They are often used to inspect pipelines that are located in remote areas, as they can be easily transported and assembled on site.

• Pipeline Launching Stations: Pipeline launching stations are specialized facilities that are used to launch pigs into pipelines. They are often used to inspect pipelines that are located in populated areas, as they can be easily monitored and controlled.

• Direct Launch: Direct launch is a method of launching pigs into pipelines without the use of a pig trap or launching station. This method is often used to inspect pipelines that are located in remote areas, as it is faster and less expensive than using a pig trap or launching station.

In conclusion, ultrasonic pigs are specialized tools that are used to inspect the internal surfaces of pipelines. They use high-frequency sound waves to inspect the pipeline’s walls for thickness and integrity, and they are used to inspect pipelines for a variety of issues, including corrosion, cracks, dents, and deformations. There are several different types of ultrasonic pigs, including standard ultrasonic pigs, phased array ultrasonic pigs, and dual sensor pigs, and they can be launched into pipelines in several different ways, including pig traps, pipeline launching stations, and direct launch.

← Go back to list

← Previous

Next →