Most Effective Pipeline Cleaning Methods
Before you can choose the right pipeline cleaning method, you need to identify the problem. You don’t need to know all the details, but you should have a general idea of what’s wrong.
For example, let’s say you have a pipe with low flow. Originally, the flow was at a certain level, but now it’s much lower. This suggests that something is blocking the pipe. Normally you need professional industrial pipeline cleaning services for that.
Once you know the problem, you can start to narrow down your choices for cleaning methods. In this case, you’ll need to choose a method that is effective at removing whatever is blocking the pipe.
Evaluate Different Pigging & Pipeline Cleaning Methods
There are many different pipeline cleaning methods available, and some of them use the term “pigging” even though they are not actually pigging methods.
Each method has its own pros and cons, so it is important to choose the right method for your specific needs.
In this article, we will cover the three main pipeline cleaning approaches: flushing, ice pigging, and traditional pigging. This will help you to understand the different methods available and to choose the best method for your needs.
1. Flushing
Flushing is a simple and inexpensive way to clean pipelines. It is often the first method people try because it can be done on your own.
To flush your pipes, simply turn on the water pumps and run the water at maximum flow. This will dislodge any loose debris that may be in the pipes.
Flushing is effective at removing light debris, such as sand and silt, but it is not as effective at removing heavier debris, such as grease or oil, or solidified dirt and debris. If flushing does not solve your problem, you may need to use a more powerful cleaning method, such as pigging.
Here are some of the pros and cons of flushing:
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to do yourself
- Effective at removing light debris
Cons:
- Not as effective at removing heavier debris or solidified dirt and debris
- May require multiple flushing cycles to be effective
Overall, flushing is a good option for cleaning pipelines with light debris, but it may not be effective for more serious problems.
2. Ice Pigging
Ice pigging is a newer pipeline cleaning method that uses an ice slurry to remove debris. The ice slurry dissolves and dislodges lighter debris, such as biofilm, as it travels through the pipe.
Ice pigging is faster than traditional pigging, but it is not as effective at removing heavier debris. Therefore, if you have a serious problem in your pipeline, you may need to use a different cleaning method.
Here are some of the pros and cons of ice pigging:
Pros:
- Faster than traditional pigging
- Effective at removing lighter debris
Cons:
- Not as effective at removing heavier debris
- May need to be used more often, which can be more expensive in the long run
Overall, ice pigging is a good option for cleaning pipelines with light debris, but it may not be effective for more serious problems.
3. Traditional Pigging and Swabbing
Traditional pigging and swabbing is the most effective way to clean pipelines with tough debris. It uses a series of foam pigs to remove debris, starting with a soft pig to remove loose debris and ending with a denser pig to remove solidified debris. This process is continued until the pipeline is free of debris. It is relatively inexpensive, quick and easy to perform, and safe and environmentally friendly.
Here are some of the key benefits of traditional pigging and swabbing:
- It is the most effective way to remove tough pipeline debris.
- It is relatively inexpensive.
- It is relatively quick and easy to perform.
- It is safe and environmentally friendly.
Overall, traditional pigging and swabbing is an effective and efficient way to clean pipelines with tough debris.
Why Chose US:
Flowmore is an American leading pigging company with over 40 years of combined experience.
In the past 40 years, Flowmore has provided clients with comprehensive services for their water mains, wastewater, and overall pipeline integrity needs.
In addition to these services, Flowmore also offers consulting services to clients in need. When called in, Flowmore’s experts assess the client’s problems and recommend the best pigging solution.
