Surface · Flow Assurance
Pig Launcher
A larger diameter barrel with a quick opening closure at the start of the line, where a pig is loaded and pushed into the flow.
What it does
Lets the crew send pigs to sweep wax, sand and liquid out of the line. Valves isolate the barrel so it can be depressured and opened safely.
Basics
| Parts | Barrel, closure, kicker line, isolation valves |
| Pig types | Foam, cup, disc, brush, soluble |
| Safety | Fully depressure before opening the closure |
Common failures
- Isolation valve passing, so the barrel never fully depressures
Troubleshooting
- Symptom
- Pig does not leave the barrel
- Likely cause
- Not enough differential across the pig
- What to check
- Check valve line up and kicker flow