Pigging and chemical treatment for oil and gas pipelines

This paper reports that the primary purposes of any pipeline maintenance program is to maximize flow ability and prolong the life of the piping system. The two most common procedures for internal maintenance are chemical treatment and mechanical cleaning using pigs. Although the procedures differ in nature and effect, they are often used together to offer an efficient and cost-effective approach to controlling significant pipeline problems. An understanding of how each method works gives a clearer picture of how to combine the two for a more-effective, comprehensive pipeline maintenance program.