Reliable air and nitrogen for efficient pigging operations
Our portable air compressors, desiccant dryers, nitrogen generators, and boosters are field-proven for pigging operations in both onshore and offshore environments.
Key applications & benefits of compressed air and nitrogen in pigging
Atlas Copco’s portable air solutions support a wide range of pigging tasks:
- Pipeline cleaning before and after commissioning
- Dewatering and drying post hydrotest or shutdown
- Line displacement and product separation
- Leak testing and pressure testing
- Flushing operations for product changeover
- Inerting and purging with nitrogen to ensure safety
Customer testimonial: A pipeline success with Atlas Copco
Pipeline inspection with Atlas Copco's DrillAir portable air compressor and B18TT booster
- Reliable and consistent air flow for safe pipeline testing
- Reduced downtime thanks to robust performance
- Greater mobility in remote and rugged environments
Read more about how Romania’s pipeline project succeeded with Atlas Copco’s portable air solutions.
In environments like Constanța, you need machines that don’t flinch. We’ve pushed the DrillAir V28 and B18TT to their limits—and they’ve delivered every time. From cold mornings to hot afternoons, their performance stays consistent. That kind of reliability helps us meet safety standards and stay on schedule.
Frequently asked questions about pipeline pigging
What is pipeline pigging?
Pigging involves sending a device — known as a “pig” — through a pipeline to clean, inspect, or separate products. Compressed air or nitrogen is used to propel the pig, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and process continuity.
Common types of pigging include:
- Cleaning pigging: to remove liquids, debris, wax, or scale
- Inspection pigging: for checking pipeline integrity (intelligent pigs)
- Drying pigging: to dry pipelines after hydrotesting
- Displacement pigging: to separate different products in multiproduct pipelines
What pressure is needed for pigging?
Pressure requirements vary depending on pipeline diameter, length, pig type, and the nature of the operation. For example, cleaning pigs may require lower pressure than intelligent pigs used for inspection. Atlas Copco boosters can deliver pressures up to 350 bar, making them suitable for long-distance pigging and deep offshore applications.
Can I use nitrogen instead of air?
Yes. Nitrogen is often preferred in environments where flammable gases or reactive substances are present. It provides a safe, inert medium for pigging, purging, and leak testing. Atlas Copco’s nitrogen generators produce high-purity nitrogen on-site, reducing logistical complexity and eliminating the need for bottled gas.
How dry should the air or nitrogen be?
Dryness is critical, especially after hydrotesting or when preparing pipelines for sensitive products. Moisture can lead to corrosion, contamination, or inaccurate inspection results. Atlas Copco’s desiccant dryers ensure dew points as low as -40°C, meeting industry standards for pipeline drying and integrity testing.
What equipment do I need for a pigging operation?
A typical pigging setup includes a portable air compressor for propulsion, a desiccant dryer for moisture control, a booster for high-pressure requirements, and a nitrogen generator for inerting or purging. The exact configuration depends on pipeline specifications, pig type, and operational goals. Expert guidance is key to selecting the right combination of equipment for safe and efficient pigging.
What kind of equipment is best suited for pipeline pigging in offshore or harsh environments?
When pigging in offshore, desert, or remote locations, it's essential to use equipment that’s purpose-built for rugged conditions. This means corrosion-resistant materials, robust safety systems, and designs that minimize maintenance and downtime. Choosing solutions engineered for these environments helps ensure reliability and safety throughout the operation. Equipment from Atlas Copco is specifically designed to meet these demands, supporting consistent performance wherever your pipeline runs.
