Product recovery system – from a Pig

Product recovery system – from a Pig

Keywords Hygienic Pigging Systems, Cleaning, Pipelines

A simple solution for recovering product is reported to be bringing dramatic cost savings and environmental benefits to manufacturers around the world,thanks to a UK company based in Nottingham, Hygienic Pigging Systems (HPS). The HPS system, known as "pigging" (Plate 9) claims a number of benefits; no product is wasted at the end of runs, far less effluent is produced and production turnover is faster. In some cases, it can also mean that the length of the production run itself can be reduced.

 Plate 9 An airbrush cut-away illustration of the HPS pigging system in operation

According to HPS chemical companies that use pipelines to transfer fluids have chosen this system of recovering product at the end of production runs in preference to conventional steaming and flushing systems. A special rubber "pig"is propelled through the pipeline, pushing through remaining fluids. The pig is returned to its housing at the end of the cycle and is itself cleaned.

Novel features of the patented HPS system are considered to be that the pig can travel up and down "dry" lines, can operate under very low pressures, high temperatures and in zone 1 areas (dangerous gases and substances). The pig is constructed from FDA approved materials; the inside of the pig contains magnetised silicone that reportedly allows it to negotiated 180°1½ "D" bends.

In HPS's opinion, although the basic principle is simple, the incorporation of pigging systems installations can allow very complex and flexible set-ups that can meet any requirement of production system engineers and designers– for new installations and, in some cases, added to existing lines.

Details available from: Hygienic Pigging Systems Ltd: Tel: +44 (0) 115 985 6954; Fax: +44 (0)115 985 6955; e-mail: paul@freestyleuk.com