Ice pigging

[2] Ice pigging was invented and first patented by Professor Joe Quarini of the University of Bristol.

The process allows for the insertion and ejection of the ice pig using fittings of small diameter, enhancing its adaptability to various piping systems.

As a result of this boundary layer the wall shear generated is negligible, even at high flow rates.

The process provides a low risk solution to cleaning a pipe compared to traditional pigging as, in the unlikely scenario of the ice becoming stuck, it can be left to melt and then flushed out.

The University of Bristol has produced a paper entitled "Investigation and development of an innovative pigging technique for the water supply industry."