Thinking about a pigging system for your production line ?
Leon Anthony , Product Manager in OEM Automatic ’ s Pressure and Flow Department , answers those basic questions you ’ ve got about a pigging system . Leon has almost a decade ’ s experience at OEM and substantial training under his belt . He ’ s advised numerous food and drink companies about how pigging would work for them .
FIRST THINGS FIRST : WHAT IS A PIGGING SYSTEM ?
Pigging refers to ‘ pipeline inspection gauges ’. It ’ s a way of cleaning , inspecting and maintaining a pipeline without shutting down for long periods . It ’ s a fully integrated in-line system .
HOW DOES PIGGING WORK ?
Devices called ‘ pigs ’ are moved , using 24 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk the pressure-driven flow of the product in the pipeline , from an in-line launching station to the stop station . Many systems are bi-directional , sending the pig back to the launching station . Lithium batteries power the data collection function .
Watch how a CIP ( clean in place ) pigging system works on a beverage production line in this 3D animated video produced by Definox , specialists in pigging systems .
WHERE WOULD YOU FIND A PIGGING SYSTEM ?
In many continuous and batch process plants using and producing liquids and semi-liquids - from dairy products to jam to chocolate , and not forgetting pet food !
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INVESTING IN A PIGGING SYSTEM ?
It minimises waste of raw materials , recovering up to 95 %, and reduces consumption of energy , water and cleaning agent .
You ’ ll see production streamlined and fast , straightforward and easy switch between batches . Production rate is increased .