WenSheng Instrument: How to Select Parameters for Pig Launcher and Receiver? A Clear Guide to Pressure, Pipe Diameter and Material

In long-distance and gathering pipelines for petroleum, natural gas and chemical engineering, pig launcher and receiver serve as key equipment to ensure pipeline cleaning and safe operation. Proper selection of design parameters and materials directly determines pigging efficiency, service life and operational safety.

Based on the product standards of Shenyang WenSheng Instrument Equipment Co., Ltd., a Chinese manufacturer, this article explains in detail the logic for selecting design pressure, nominal diameter, dimensional structure, as well as materials for the cylinder, Quick Opening Closure and key accessories. All content is practical professional knowledge worthy of collection.

Core Design Parameters, Pressure and Specifications of WenSheng Instrument Equipment

The pig launcher and receiver produced by WenSheng Instrument Equipment strictly complies with industrial standards in terms of design pressure and pipeline specifications. It covers medium-low pressure to medium-high pressure working conditions and meets pigging needs of pipelines with different diameters.

Design Pressure

The design pressure ranges from 1.0MPa to 25.0MPa, with mainstream conventional models concentrated at 1.6MPa–10.0MPa, satisfying regular pigging pressure requirements for onshore oil, gas and chemical medium transmission pipelines. Common specifications such as DN250, DN350 and DN550 adopt a standard design pressure of 1.6MPa, suitable for most urban gas networks, oilfield gathering pipelines and small and medium-sized chemical pipelines. For high-pressure long-distance pipelines, products with pressure ratings of 10.0 MPa and above can be customized to ensure structural safety and sealing reliability under high-pressure conditions.

Pipeline Diameter Specifications

Products cover a full range of diameters from DN100 to DN1400mm, with mainstream models at DN150–DN1000mm, enabling direct connection with main pipelines of the same size without additional modification.

· DN100–DN300mm: mostly used for process pipeline pigging in chemical and power industries

· DN350–DN800mm: commonly applied in oil and gas gathering pipelines

· DN900–DN1400mm: suitable for long-distance oil and gas trunk lines to achieve efficient pigging for large-diameter pipelines

Dimensional Design

Overall dimensions are customized according to nominal diameter and pig type. The cylinder length is usually 3–5 times the diameter of the main pipeline to ensure smooth loading and receiving of pigs. The launcher uses an eccentric low-profile reducer, while the receiver adopts a concentric reducer. The length of the reducer section is designed in standard proportion to ensure stable pig passage and avoid jamming. The overall height and width adapt to on-site installation space. Saddle-type supports are adopted in line with pipeline support and hanger design specifications, ensuring convenient installation and high stability.

Material Selection and Applicable Medium

Material selection for Shenyang's pig launcher and receiver is based on medium characteristics, design pressure and operating temperature. Key components including cylinders, Quick Opening Closure and pipe fittings use combined materials to balance strength, corrosion resistance and cost efficiency.

Cylinder （Major barrel）and Guide Tube(minor barrel ) Materials

Under regular working conditions, Major barrel and minor barrel mainly use SA516GR.60/70N, API 5L X 52/60/65/70,SA333GR.6

· SA516GR.60/70N: special pressure vessel steel plate with high yield strength and good toughness, suitable for medium and high pressure conditions.

· API 5L X 52/60/65/70: excellent comprehensive mechanical properties, balanced weldability and corrosion resistance, adaptable to most oil, gas and chemical media.

· SA333GR.6 steel: good plasticity and easy processing, widely used in low-pressure and normal-temperature pigging operations. For corrosive media such as sour natural gas and acidic chemical liquids, 304 or 316L stainless steel cylinders can be customized to extend corrosion-resistant service life.

Quick Opening Closure Materials

As a core opening and closing component, Quick Opening Closure is made of SA105N/SA266/SA350/A694F60/65 grade steel with high strength and excellent fatigue resistance. It is compatible with vane-type, clamp-type, lock-ring type and other structures, ensuring reliable sealing and safe operation under high pressure. The sealing surface is treated with stainless steel overlaying or anti-corrosion coating. Sealing rings are selected from nitrile rubber, fluororubber and other materials based on medium temperature and corrosiveness.

Materials of Other Components

· Pipe fittings such as flanges and reducers use the same material as the cylinder for consistent welding and mechanical performance

· Accessories including pig indicators and pressure gauge interfaces adopt carbon steel or stainless steel for operation detection and safety monitoring

· Internal anti-collision devices (receivers) and launching racks (launchers) use wear-resistant alloy steel to resist high-speed impact from pigs and prolong service life

Conclusion

With the above professional guidance on core parameters and material selection, you now have clearer criteria for equipment selection, working condition matching and project procurement. Only reasonable pressure ratings, accurate diameter matching and medium-adapted material combinations can ensure stable, reliable and long-lasting performance of pig launcher and receiver.

If you have questions about pressure ratings, diameters, anti-corrosion materials or need customized solutions for special working conditions, welcome to contact us for further discussion. In the next issue, we will elaborate on applicable media and typical application scenarios with practical cases to help you select and use equipment properly. Stay tuned and leave your comments. See you next time!