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Pipeline Pig Types: Cleaning Pig Comparison Guide

Pipeline pigging operations use several types of cleaning pigs depending on pipeline conditions, debris levels, and inspection preparation requirements. Choosing the right pipeline cleaning pig depends on factors such as pipeline diameter, debris type, flow conditions, and operational objectives. Different pig designs are engineered to perform best in specific situations during pigging operations.


This guide compares the most common pipeline pig types used for pipeline cleaning, helping operators determine which pig configuration is best suited for their application.


Enduro Pipeline Services manufactures a wide range of pipeline cleaning pigs, including STS pigs, Advantage steel-bodied pigs, dual diameter pigs, urethane pigs, and foam pigs, used in pipeline pigging and pre-ILI cleaning programs.

Pipeline Pig Types Used for Cleaning and Pigging Operations

Pipeline pigging operations use several different pig designs depending on pipeline conditions, debris levels, and inspection preparation requirements. Common pipeline pig types include STS cleaning pigs, steel-bodied Advantage pigs, dual diameter pigs, urethane pigs, and foam pigs. Each pig type offers different cleaning force, flexibility, and durability depending on the application.


Engineers often select pig types based on:

• Pipeline diameter and wall condition
• Debris type (scale, wax, sand, mill scale)
• Required sealing capability
• Whether the run is for   pre-ILI cleaning
• Changes in pipeline diameter


Enduro Pipeline Services manufactures a wide range of  pipeline cleaning pigs designed for reliable pigging performance and effective debris removal prior to inline inspection.


When to Use Each PIPELINE Cleaning Pig Type:

STS Cleaning Pigs

  • STS pigs are designed for aggressive cleaning and debris removal. Their cup design allows them to navigate fittings and wall changes while maintaining strong sealing pressure against the pipe wall.

Advantage Cleaning & Batching Pigs

  • Advantage pigs are ideal for standard pipeline cleaning and batching operations where operators require durable pigs that can handle multiple runs.

Dual Diameter Cleaning Pigs

  • Dual diameter pigs are engineered to travel through pipelines that include reducers or transitions between different diameters while maintaining cleaning performance.

Bi-Directional Cleaning Pigs

  • Bi-directional pigs are commonly used during hydrostatic testing where pigs must travel in both directions for filling and displacement operations.

Urethane Cleaning Pigs

  • Urethane pigs provide durable sealing and flexibility, making them well suited for routine cleaning and batching programs.

Foam Cleaning Pigs

  • Foam pigs are typically used for light cleaning, drying operations, or short pipeline runs where flexibility is required.


While foam pigs can be useful for light cleaning or drying operations, most pipeline cleaning programs benefit from more durable pig designs that provide stronger sealing and longer service life. Steel-bodied and urethane pigs are often preferred when pipelines contain significant debris, wax, scale, or other contaminants.


Need Help Selecting the Right Pig?

Every pipeline system is different. The most effective cleaning pig depends on pipeline diameter, product type, debris load, and operational goals.

Enduro’s pigging experts work directly with operators to recommend the best pig configuration for each application.

Phone:  800-752-1628

or request a quote here: https://www.enduropls.com/quick-quotepage


PIPELINE Cleaning Pig Comparison

Pipeline pigging operations use different pig designs depending on debris type, pipeline configuration, and operational objectives. The table below compares the most common pipeline cleaning pig types used in pigging operations.

Pig Type

Best Used For

Pipeline Conditions

Typical Applications

Aggressive cleaning and debris removal

Cleaning programs, debris removal, maintenance pigging

Product batching, debris removal, routine pigging

Cleaning across diameter changes, ILI preparation

Cleaning, batching, debris removal

Light cleaning and drying operations

Pipelines with fittings, wall changes, or heavy debris

Cleaning and batching operations

Pipelines with diameter transitions

Pipelines requiring bidirectional travel

Pipelines requiring flexible sealing and durability

Short runs or pipelines with minimal debris

Cleaning programs, debris removal, maintenance pigging

Standard pipeline cleaning and batching programs

Cleaning across diameter changes, ILI preparation

Fill and displacement operations, hydrotesting

Pipelines requiring flexible sealing and durability

Short runs or pipelines with minimal debris

Learn How Pipeline Pigging Works

If you’re new to pigging operations, read our guide to the Pipeline Pigging Process to understand how pigs are launched, tracked, and recovered during pipeline maintenance.

Pipeline Cleaning Pig FAQs

  • What are the different types of pipeline cleaning pigs?

    Common pipeline cleaning pig types include STS pigs, steel-bodied pigs, dual diameter pigs, urethane pigs, and foam pigs. Each pig type is designed for different pipeline conditions and cleaning objectives.

  • How do operators choose the right pipeline cleaning pig?

    Operators select cleaning pigs based on pipeline diameter, debris type, flow conditions, and operational goals such as cleaning, batching, or preparing the pipeline for inline inspection.

  • Which cleaning pigs are used before inline inspection (ILI)?

    Aggressive cleaning pigs such as steel-bodied pigs, dual diameter pigs, or urethane pigs are commonly used to remove debris and ensure inspection tools maintain proper contact with the pipe wall.