The Intelligent Pipeline Pigging market is projected to reach a value of US$ 781.3 million by 2025, up from US$ 472.3 million in 2016. Pipelines have long been utilized for the transportation of oil and natural gas, but they often suffer from issues such as metal loss and corrosion on both their internal and external surfaces. While other defects exist, corrosion is the most prevalent problem. This corrosion occurs due to electrochemical reactions between the transported substances and the pipeline's inner walls. Additionally, external environmental factors contribute to metal loss on the surface. Consequently, during pigging operations, the primary focus is on detecting metal loss.
Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) pigging technology is effective for both liquid and gas pipelines. The optimal performance of MFL is observed in pipelines with thinner metal walls. In contrast, for pipelines with thicker walls, Ultrasonic pigging technology is the preferred choice. However, Ultrasonic technology necessitates the use of a liquid couplant to navigate through the pipes, which increases operational costs for users. Therefore, MFL technology is favored globally for its cost-effectiveness.
Pig runs are performed as a maintenance procedure by pipeline operators and owners. Intelligent pigs serve various purposes, including crack and leak detection, geometry and bend detection, and metal loss or corrosion detection. They are also utilized for applications such as photographic and video inspections, profile mapping, and spanning or line cover assessments. Consequently, the market for Intelligent Pipeline Pigging is categorized based on these applications. Additionally, the market is segmented by end-user industries, which include chemical, oil, gas, and other sectors such as nuclear power plants, water and wastewater treatment, mining, and heavy industries. On the technological front, the market is divided into two main categories: Ultrasonic pigging technology and Metal Flux Leakage pigging technology.
The overall market size has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research methods. The research process begins with comprehensive secondary research, utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data relevant to the market. Furthermore, primary interviews are conducted with industry participants and experts to validate the data and analysis. Participants in this process typically include industry professionals such as vice presidents, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the Intelligent Pipeline Pigging sector.