In order to guarantee optimal efficiency and enhance safety, FMC has developed the automatic bi-directional closed pigging system.
The impact of piggable equipment is measured in terms of both reduction of production costs and improvement of the production tool's performance, which in turn means a fast return on investment The savings realized are now a reality for satisfied customers worldwide.
Pigging technology applies to industrial pipes through which liquid products, regardless of viscosity, are transferred. The pig, or sealed element, is propelled through a pipe by means of fluid pressure. Since it forms a perfect fit with the inner surface of the pipe, the pig removes product residuals from the pipe walls. Thus, product retention within the pipe after the passage of the pig is virtually non-existent.
The pigging operation consists in pushing a pig through a pipe by means of a propelling medium in order to clean the pipe inner walls. Multiproduct transfer is rendered possible with limited cross contamination. It can also be used to drain pipes, make sure that a line is completely empty, limit corrosion, eliminate clogging phenomena and reduce inactive inventory.
In the FMC bi-directional closed system, pigs remain permanently in the pipe. The system can be fully automated; a PLC controls the transfer sequences and the position of the pig. One or two pigs may be used; generally, the FMC pigging system uses two pigs.
The highly innovative conical shape of the pig enables it to travel through tight turns of short radius elbows of 1,5D, or larger.
Features
- Proven head line distribution valve design
- Three way valve
- Multidirectional manifold
- Launching and receiving stations
- Four way and eight way valves
- Piggable clarinets
Benefits
- Minimal product loss, elimination of slops
- The pipes are clean and empty after the pigging operation
- Low fluid pressure required to propel the pig
- Insignificant contamination between the different products transferred
- The recycling of degraded products is eliminated
- Certain applications like the paint industry still require a cleaning medium in addition to the pigging operation to perfectly eliminate the potential pigments. However, this C.I.P. process combined with a pigging operation reduces the consumption of cleaning medium and its treatment or reprocessing
- Increase in the flexibility of the production process. Cleanup operations are fast and efficient, which helps to meet demanding production specifications (small amounts of various products, quality of products, etc.)
- Enhanced safety and ease of operation. The system is automatic and the operator does not have to remove the pigs from the line after each operation
- Reduced overall space required for an installation
- Reduced investment and operating costs