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Pipeline Pig Types Comparison

Compare Foam, Urethane, Brush & Dual Diameter Pipeline Pigs

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Pipeline pigging uses different types of cleaning pigs depending on pipeline conditions, debris levels, and inspection requirements. Selecting the right pipeline pig is critical for effective cleaning, batching operations, and preparation for inline inspection (ILI).


This pipeline pig comparison guide breaks down the most common pipeline pig types used in pigging operations—including cleaning pigs, batching pigs, urethane pigs, foam pigs, and inspection tools—helping operators choose the right pig 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: Cleaning, Batching & Inspection Pigs Explained

Pipeline pigging is widely used across oil, gas, water, and industrial pipeline systems to maintain flow efficiency and prepare for inline inspection. Operators 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.


How to Choose the Right Pipeline Cleaning Pig

Selecting the right pipeline cleaning pig depends on several key factors:

  • Pipeline diameter and wall condition
  • Debris type  (wax, scale, sand, mill scale)
  • What pig to use for wax removal
  • Flow rate and operating pressure
  • Sealing requirements
  • Whether the run is for pre-ILI cleaning or routine maintenance

Choosing the wrong pig can result in poor cleaning performance, inefficient runs, or inaccurate inspection data. Matching the pig design to pipeline conditions ensures better results and more reliable operations.


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 a strong seal 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.  You can also learn more about the various types of cleaning pigs HERE. 


Phone:   800-752-1628   or request a quote here: https://www.enduropls.com/quick-quotepagern more about

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.  You can also learn more about our rebuild kits for select tools here.



Pig tracking equipment is often used during cleaning operations to track pig location and ensure complete coverage of the pipeline

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



Download the Pipeline Pigging Guide

Not sure which pig is right for your application? Download our Pipeline Pigging Guide for a complete breakdown of the pigging process, pig types, and real-world best practices—built from over 38 years of field experience.

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.