Pigging systems are fast becoming a must-have investment for food, drink, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics manufacturers, but many myths surround them. This is partly because, as the technology has evolved, so too has its range of applications and value to industry. Here are six of the most frequently asked questions about what pigging systems are and why they’re worth it.
1) What is a pigging system?
Although it can be used to simply clean a pipe, or to separate two liquids using the same pipe, the primary purpose of a pigging system is to recover liquid product rather than wasting it and minimising residue left to be cleaned. Different types of systems are available but they all work on the same principle: a sterile projectile (the ‘pig’) with a diameter slightly larger than the cylinder is fired through at speed, forcing out any unrecovered product.
2) Where is pigging used?
From ready meals and washing-up- to pet food applications, pigging plays an essential role in consumer goods manufacturing. Due to its ability to prevent wastage while ensuring hygienic systems, it has a crucial role in the food and beverages, pharmaceutical, and hygiene products industries.
3) How does pigging lower maintenance costs?
Pigging is often implemented as a continuous cleaning system, with the majority of companies using automated pigging to flush the pipes throughout the production cycle. This enables the system to operate at full volume while avoiding the damage caused by a build-up of debris. The maintenance savings are felt across the board, especially in the avoidance of unexpected downtime.
4) How does pigging reduce energy costs?
Pigging reduces the carbon footprint of a company in several ways. It improves the efficiency of the system, which in turn increases productivity by enabling greater product output for lower energy input and saves on water usage. The process uses energy-efficient hydraulic forces and is effective enough to reduce the requirement for lengthy, intensive deep-cleans.
5) How does pigging help the environment?
More than simply reducing waste, employing a pigging system has a spectrum of positive environmental impacts. A clean system means an efficient system, and efficiency reduces energy consumption. Using less water is environmentally responsible and lowers the amount of contaminated waste that industries produce. Pigging also allows for the safe collection of unrecovered liquids, further reducing the contaminant potential of the cleaning process.
See how a pigging system actually works in this video:
Find out more
If you have more questions about pigging systems, contact Industrial Trading Solutions. Our experienced team can help you to find the most reliable setup for your company.
Traditional valves limit the flow to one direction on one pipeline, pressurising or containing moving fluids and stopping backwash. An inline check mechanism prevents your product / CIP from pushing backwards or escaping under pressure.
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