A combined pig is an advanced inline inspection (ILI) tool that integrates multiple inspection technologies into a single device for comprehensive pipeline assessment.

A combined pig is an advanced inline inspection (ILI) tool that integrates multiple inspection technologies — such as magnetic flux leakage (MFL), ultrasonic testing (UT), and caliper measurement — into a single device. This enables comprehensive pipeline condition assessment in one inspection run, reducing operational downtime and cost.

Combined pigs can simultaneously detect corrosion, metal loss, cracks, dents, and geometry anomalies, providing pipeline operators with a complete integrity picture. Advanced data logging and real-time analytics allow for detailed defect classification and growth rate monitoring.

However, combined pigs require piggable pipelines with consistent diameter, pig launching/receiving facilities, and sufficient flow. For unpiggable pipelines — where ILI tools cannot be deployed — EMPIT’s Current Magnetometry Inspection (CMI) provides a non-invasive aboveground alternative that detects corrosion, geometry anomalies, and coating defects without internal tools.