A piggable pipeline is a pipeline that meets the design and operational requirements for inline inspection (ILI) using smart pigs.
A piggable pipeline is a pipeline that meets the design and operational requirements for inline inspection (ILI) using smart pigs. Piggability requires smooth internal walls, consistent diameter, adequate bend radii, pig launcher and receiver facilities, and sufficient product flow to propel the inspection tool.
Key piggability requirements include:
• Minimum pipe diameter (typically 6" and above for standard pigs)
• No unbarred tees, dead legs, or severe bore restrictions
• Bend radii of 1.5D or greater
• Clean internal conditions
• Pig launcher and receiver stations
An estimated 30-50% of the world’s pipelines are considered unpiggable — unable to accommodate ILI tools due to design limitations, age, or operational constraints. For these pipelines, alternative inspection methods are required.
EMPIT’s CMI technology was specifically developed to inspect the unpiggable — providing comprehensive aboveground inspection for pipelines that conventional ILI tools cannot reach, without excavation, shutdowns, or flow requirements.