Gel Pigs

NAVIGATING EVERY TWIST & TURN

In the world of pipeline maintenance, efficiency and adaptability are key. One of the most versatile solutions available today is the solid Gel Pig, which plays a critical role in not only pipeline cleaning but also in commissioning and decommissioning processes.

Solid Gel Pigs are not intended to replace or compete with conventional foams or mechanical pigs, as each serves its purpose effectively. Gel Pigs come into their own when conventional pigs cannot be used due to difficult pipeline geometry, the risk of getting stuck from debris accumulation, or the absence of facilities for launching or catching them.

WHAT ARE GEL PIGS?

Gel Pigs are gentle, highly flexible and elastic and conform to very challenging multi-diameter pipelines. What truly sets solid Gel Pigs apart from all other types of pigs is their ability to "self-destruct".

Gel Pigs can withstand compression to half their diameter and still recover, but when compressed beyond this, they break into low-density, flowable pieces. This makes them virtually impossible to get stuck in a pipeline, which is why they are an ideal choice at the start of progressive pigging.

Additionally, when dewatering larger pipelines, Gel Pigs can be ejected through much smaller ports, eliminating the need for recovery.

They can be used in combination with our Pipeline Gels to further enhance their effect. Gel Technology is one of the most useful tools available to pipeline engineers.

KEY BENEFITS OF GEL PIGS

FLEXIBLE

Conform to pipeline shapes, ideal for multi-diameter or complex pipelines.

ADAPTABLE

Along with their physical elasticity we have various formulations to deal with high pressure and/or high temperature across a range of densities.

RISK REDUCTION

Their durable yet soft composition reduces the risk of pipeline damage or blockage - can also be flushed out through any port. Ideal at the start of any progressive pigging campaign.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Pipelines Range

Gel technology is very versatile and can be applied anytime during the lifetime of a field from helping to remove hydrotest fluids when commissioning to the bulk removal of hydrocarbons and solids prior to maintenance or when preparing a pipeline for responsible decommissioning.

M-Gel Pig

M-Gel Pig is a highly flexible gel pig with shape memory used in situations where a mechanical pig cannot be applied. It is capable of extruding through chokes and restrictions up to 50% of its diameter and returning undamaged to its original size and shape once through.

Hyper Gel Pig

Hyper Gel Pig is a highly flexible gel pig with shape memory which is specifically designed for use in environments of extreme temperature. This means that Hyper Gel Pig can be applied under extreme pipe conditions and can also be stored in very hot or very cold climates without damage.

Atlas Pig

Atlas Pig is a highly flexible gel pig with shape memory used in situations where a mechanical pig cannot be applied. It is also capable of withstanding pressures up to 600 barg for up to 72 hours. This allows Atlas Pig to be installed during pre-commissioning.

Mono Gel Pig

Mono Gel Pig is a pipeline pig made from a mixture of gelled monoethylene glycol and water. Having a melting point of around 30°C it is typically used in colder climates and as with all gel pigs it is used in situations where a mechanical pig cannot be.

Hydro Gel Pig

Hydro Gel Pig is a pipeline pig made from a mixture of gelatine and water. Having a melting point of around 25°C it is typically used in colder climates and as with all gel pigs it is used in situations where a mechanical pig cannot be.

Triton Pig

Triton Pig is a patented chemical pig which is 100% soluble in water leaving no reside or other deposit (Patent No:2568045). It was designed for spool filling applications where it is used to push out the gas ahead of the filling medium but unlike a gel pig or foam pig it can be left in the spool where it will dissolve.

Nautilus Pig

Nautilus Pig is a highly flexible, neutrally buoyant, elastic solid gel pig with shape memory, used to protect flexible ends from seawater ingress during vertical subsea flexible riser installations.