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What Is a Foam Pig?

A Foam Pig is a cylindrical tool made from open-cell polyurethane foam, designed to move through pipelines and perform vital functions such as:

• Debris and scale removal
• Dewatering and drying
• Product separation
• Pipeline gauging and inspection preparation

Thanks to its compressible structure, it can pass through bends, valves, and diameter changes without getting stuck or damaging the pipeline walls.

Why Foam Pigs Are Essential in Oil & Gas Operations

Effective Pipeline Cleaning

Foam pigs clean pipelines by scraping away wax, rust, scale, and sediment. They are often used before intelligent pigging or hydrostatic testing.

Case Study:
A midstream operator in Texas reported a 15% increase in throughput efficiency after using medium-density foam pigs for a full-line cleaning prior to an ILI run.

Dewatering and Drying

After hydrostatic testing or maintenance, pipelines often need drying. Foam pigs remove residual water, preventing corrosion and preparing lines for product flow.

Product Separation

In multi-product pipelines, foam pigs act as separators, minimizing cross-contamination between different fluids such as diesel and gasoline.

Types of Foam Pigs and Their Applications

Many foam pigs can also be customized with abrasive coatings, brushes, or transmitters.

Key Benefits of Foam Pigs

• ✅ Navigates tight bends and diameter changes
• ✅ Cost-effective and disposable
• ✅ Available in all standard pipe sizes (2″ to 48″+)
• ✅ Reduces energy consumption by maintaining optimal flow
• ✅ Minimizes downtime and improves operational safety

Did You Know?
Clean pipelines can reduce pumping costs by up to 20%, according to field data from a leading Gulf Coast operator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often should I use a foam pig in my pipeline?

A: Frequency depends on flow rates and product type. For crude oil pipelines, monthly pigging is common.

Q2: Can foam pigs be reused?

A: Light-duty pigs are typically single-use. Medium and heavy-duty pigs may be reused 2–3 times, depending on wear.

Q3: Are foam pigs suitable for offshore applications?

A: Yes, especially for flexible risers and subsea tiebacks where mechanical pigs may not be feasible.

Why Choose EMT Foam Pigs?

EMT has over 30 years of experience in delivering industry-grade foam pigs for all pipeline applications. Our foam pigs are available in:

• Multiple densities and diameters
• Custom coatings for harsh environments
• Pigging kits with launchers, receivers, and signalers

We back our products with expert technical support and on-demand customization to match your system’s exact specifications.