What is the main function of pigs used in pipelines?

The primary function of pigs used in pipelines is to separate materials from each other. In pipeline operations, pigs—short for "pipeline inspection gauges"—are inserted into the pipeline and travel along its length. They play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the pipeline system by effectively separating batches of different products, such as oil and gas, or even different grades of a single product. This separation helps prevent contamination and optimizes product recovery when transferring materials.

Pigs can also be equipped with various technologies to carry out inspections and gather data about the pipeline's condition while they are in motion. However, their main purpose centers around separating and managing the flow of different materials within the pipeline system, ensuring smoother operations and reducing the potential for mixing incompatible substances. This practice is vital for safety and operational efficiency in the transportation of industrial fluids.