PIGGING EQUIPMENT
In addition to operating the most technical and state-of-the-art equipment available, American Pipeline Solutions offers select equipment for our customers.
Equipment for Sale or Rent:
Pig Launchers : 4” Through 60”
Pig Receivers : 4” Through 60”
Test Heads : 4” Through 24”
Pig Tracking Equipment, Including AGM’s
Testing Equipment
Pumps
Cleaning/ Drying Pigs
At American Pipeline Solutions, we bring together field-tested experience and state-of-the-art equipment to deliver high-performance pipeline pigging and inspection services. Every tool we use is chosen for a specific function — whether it's clearing tough debris, preparing lines for inspection, or ensuring compliance with integrity management programs.
Below is a breakdown of the core tools and technologies we operate with across various pipeline systems.
Core Pigging Tools We Use
Effective pipeline cleaning and maintenance begin with selecting the right pig for the job. Each pigging tool is designed to handle specific pipeline conditions, diameters, and project goals.
Foam Pigs
Lightweight and adaptable, foam pigs are used for basic pipeline cleaning, drying, and product displacement. Their ability to conform to a variety of pipe shapes and diameters makes them ideal for systems with tight bends, diameter transitions, or irregular geometries.
Steel Mandrel and Brush Pigs
These robust mechanical pigs are engineered for aggressive cleaning tasks. Fitted with brushes, blades, or scrapers, they remove scale, wax, rust, and other hardened debris. Often deployed prior to in-line inspections, steel mandrel pigs help prep the internal wall for accurate data collection by removing obstructive build-up.
Cup and Disc Pigs
Designed to maintain tight contact with the pipe wall, cup and disc pigs provide effective scraping and sealing action. They are commonly used for removing liquids, pushing slugs, and cleaning pipelines operating under high pressure. Their versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of cleaning operations.
Advanced Pigging Tools for Inspection and Specialty Cleaning
In addition to traditional cleaning pigs, we employ advanced tools for diagnostics, condition monitoring, and specialty cleaning.
Smart Pigs
Smart pigs are sophisticated inspection tools equipped with technologies such as Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT). These devices collect real-time data about wall thickness, corrosion, pitting, weld anomalies, and mechanical damage — all without interrupting pipeline operations. Smart pigs are crucial for long-term pipeline integrity management and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Ice Pigs
Ice pigging offers a unique, non-abrasive solution for sensitive or complex pipeline systems. A slurry of ice is pumped through the pipe, conforming to the internal geometry while scouring buildup from the walls. Once the cleaning is complete, the ice simply melts, leaving no waste or residue. This method is ideal for food-grade lines, aging infrastructure, or locations where traditional pigs could get stuck.
Supporting Equipment & Systems
Our operations are backed by essential systems that ensure safety, efficiency, and control throughout each pigging or inspection project.
Pig Launchers and Receivers (4” through 60”)
Used to safely insert and retrieve pigs, launchers and receivers are foundational to every pigging operation. Our systems are engineered to handle pipelines from 4 to 60 inches in diameter and are designed to maintain flow control, reduce surge risks, and ensure operator safety.
Test Heads (4” through 24”)
We utilize pressure test heads during pipeline commissioning, repairs, or revalidation. These tools support hydrostatic and pneumatic testing by helping confirm the structural integrity and leak-free performance of pipeline segments prior to or after pigging runs.
Pig Tracking Equipment (Including AGMs)
Accurate pig tracking is critical — especially in long-distance or multi-line systems. We use Above Ground Markers (AGMs) and electronic tracking tools to monitor pig location in real time, detect potential delays or hang-ups, and ensure safe tool retrieval at the receiving end.
Pumps
From circulating cleaning fluids to pushing pigs through low-pressure or inactive pipelines, our pump systems are essential to pipeline drying, flushing, and pigging operations. We deploy the right pump configurations based on pipeline length, pressure requirements, and medium type.
Pipeline Testing Equipment
After cleaning or inspection runs, we use specialized testing equipment to evaluate pipeline cleanliness, system readiness, and mechanical condition. These tools help verify the effectiveness of the pigging operation and identify any areas needing further attention.
Matching the Right Tools to the Right Job
No two pipelines are the same. That’s why every project with American Pipeline Solutions begins with a thorough evaluation of your pipeline’s layout, material, contents, and inspection goals. Based on this analysis, we determine the most suitable pigging strategy and toolset.
We factor in:
Pipeline diameter and wall condition
Type and location of deposits
Material being transported
Pipeline age and construction
Regulatory and safety compliance requirements
Why Choose American Pipeline Solutions?
At American Pipeline Solutions, we combine cutting-edge technology with decades of industry expertise. Whether you’re preparing for an in-line inspection, tackling heavy debris, or commissioning a new pipeline, our comprehensive pigging and inspection tools are designed to keep your operation compliant, efficient, and safe.
FAQs:
What pigging equipment does American Pipeline Solutions operate?
American Pipeline Solutions operates a full suite of pigging and testing equipment, including pig launchers and receivers from 4” to 60”, test heads from 4” to 24”, foam pigs, steel mandrel and brush pigs, cup and disc pigs, smart pigs, Ice Pigging™ tools, pig tracking systems, pumps, and specialized pipeline testing equipment for post-run verification.
Do you sell or rent pigging equipment, or only provide services?
APS is primarily a services provider, but we do offer select pigging equipment for sale or rent when it supports a project’s needs. In most cases, our technicians bring and operate the equipment as part of a full-service scope, ensuring the tools are correctly selected, configured, and documented for each pipeline system.
What pipeline sizes can your pig launchers and receivers handle?
Our pig launchers and receivers are engineered to handle pipelines from 4 inches through 60 inches in diameter. Within that range we can accommodate a variety of products, pressures, and pigging tools, from basic cleaning pigs to smart pigs and Ice Pigging™ equipment, with a focus on safe insertion, controlled operation, and reliable retrieval.
How do you decide which pigging tool to use on a given pipeline?
Tool selection always starts with the pipeline itself. APS evaluates diameter, wall condition, deposits, product type, age, construction details, and regulatory requirements. Based on that, we design a pigging strategy that might incorporate foam pigs, steel mandrel and brush pigs, cup and disc pigs, smart pigs, or Ice Pigging™ tools to meet the project’s cleaning or inspection goals.
When would you use foam pigs instead of steel mandrel or brush pigs?
Foam pigs are ideal for basic cleaning, drying, and product displacement, especially in systems with tight bends, diameter changes, or irregular geometry. For heavy deposits like scale or hardened wax, we typically use steel mandrel or brush pigs, which provide more aggressive mechanical cleaning before any inspection or conditioning passes.
What is the difference between cleaning pigs and smart pigs?
Cleaning pigs such as foam, steel mandrel, and cup or disc pigs are used to remove debris, liquids, and deposits from the pipeline. Smart pigs are inspection tools equipped with technologies like MFL or UT that measure wall thickness, corrosion, and defects while the line remains in service. APS often uses cleaning pigs first to prepare the line for smart pig runs.
How does Ice Pigging™ compare to conventional pigging methods?
Ice Pigging™ uses a semi-solid ice slurry that conforms to the pipe’s internal geometry and scours buildup as it moves. Once cleaning is complete, the ice simply melts, leaving minimal waste. It is especially useful for sensitive or complex systems, food-grade lines, or older infrastructure where traditional mechanical pigs might get stuck or be too abrasive.
Why is pig tracking equipment important and how do you use it?
Accurate pig tracking is critical for safety and control, particularly in long-distance or multi-line systems. APS uses Above Ground Markers (AGMs) and electronic tracking tools to monitor pig location in real time, confirm that the pig is moving as expected, detect potential hang-ups, and ensure safe, timely retrieval at the receiver.
What role do pumps and pipeline testing equipment play in pigging projects?
Pumps are used to circulate cleaning fluids, drive pigs through low-pressure or inactive pipelines, and support drying and flushing operations. Pipeline testing equipment allows APS to assess cleanliness, system readiness, and structural integrity after pigging or inspection runs. Together, they help verify that the project objectives and acceptance criteria have been met.
Can APS provide both pigging equipment and field crews as a turnkey service?
Yes. In most cases, APS supplies the pigging equipment, launch and receive systems, tracking tools, pumps, and testing equipment as part of a turnkey service. Our trained crews design the procedure, operate the tools, monitor performance in the field, and provide documentation so you have a complete record of each pigging or inspection activity.
