Demonstration system

In most cases, the industrial application of pigging technology today involves recurring processes that are implemented with a process control system. The processes defined during commissioning are then repeated in live operation by a programmable logic controller. Deviations from the specifications are then detected by sensors and other field devices and trigger the necessary corrections.

A larger pigging system at I.S.T. in Hamburg can be viewed to demonstrate pigging technology in conjunction with a process control system. All the essential components of a process pigging system are included.
Here is a list of the pigging systems and pigging valves used in the demonstration plant:

• One pigging system

  • T14, receiving station with integrated pig catcher
  • T40, dead space-free pigging station with T-outlet
  • T40.29, sending station with integrated pig changing chamber

• Two-pig system**

  • T02, filling head for filling tank and tank wagons
  • T06, rotary distributor
  • T09, ring slide with pig catching device
  • T10.30, Sending station with integrated ball valve
  • T16, pig catching and sending station
  • T42, three-way diverter
  • T50, Barrel filling valve
  • T57, Piggable manifold with full system connection

Product pumping is simulated using two water tanks and centrifugal pumps. It is controlled by a Siemens PLC and can be operated both automatically and manually.
The pigging process is clearly visible thanks to the use of several glass pipes.