Why Pig Tracking Matters

Pig tracking (sometimes referred to pig locating) is a key operational requirement during any pigging job.  It involves monitoring the movement of a pig along the pipeline or confirming the location of a stationary pig.  In many cases, tracking is simply used to verify that a pig has reached the expected location, such as the receiver.  In other situations, it may be needed to help locate a pig that has stalled on its way through the line.  Knowing exactly where the pig is at each stage is vital.  Confirming arrival in the receiver removes uncertainty and avoids unnecessary delays, while identifying the location of a stalled pig becomes critical to prevent further disruption to the operation.

This urgency is even greater during subsea pigging campaigns, where vessel costs are high and delays can quickly affect project budgets.  Stalled pigs in subsea environments can lead to extended vessel time and operational downtime, making rapid and reliable tracking essential.

Pig tracking systems typically consist of two key elements:

1. A device attached to the pig such as an electromagnetic transmitter
2. A device outside the pipeline – often a handheld receiver – used to detect the signal

Pig tracking as a concept is straightforward – detect a signal generated by a device mounted on the pig such as a transmitter – but industry expectations have changed significantly.  Operators now expect a higher level of reliability, accuracy and real-time visibility and there is increasing focus on using technology to improve assurance and reduce the time spent searching for a pig’s location.  As a result, modern tracking systems are designed not only to detect pig passage but to provide better data, improved flexibility and clearer insight throughout the operation.  

Overview of Pig Tracking Methods

There are several types of pig tracking systems used across the industry.  Each relies on a different method of detecting a signal from the pig, and each comes with its own set of benefits and limitations.

Acoustic Tracking

Acoustic pig tracking has been used for many years and was traditionally the go-to option for subsea pigging projects.  An acoustic pinger is mounted on the pig, and the signal is detected using a diver-held or ROV-mounted hydrophone and receiver.  Acoustic technology is effective for detecting a signal over long distances, but it is not designed for pinpoint accuracy.  It is also limited to subsea, liquid-filled pipelines that are not buried, which makes it far less flexible for wider pipeline operations.

Radioactive Isotope (RAI) Tracking

RAI tracking involves attaching a small radioactive source to the pig and using an external gamma receiver to monitor its progress.  RAI is highly accurate and removes any concern over battery life.  However, it is heavily regulated, requires specialist handling and trained operators and can be difficult and expensive to ship.  These logistical challenges often limit its practical use despite its technical effectiveness.

Electromagnetic (EM) Tracking

Electromagnetic pig tracking is the most versatile of the available options.  It can be used onshore, offshore and subsea, with any pipeline medium, and even when the pipeline is buried or trenched.  An EM transmitter inside the pig generates a signal that can be detected externally using a handheld receiver or an above-ground device.  With IK Trax’s EMRx Receiver, the signal is typically represented by LED bar graphs which display received signals at any three frequencies between 10Hz and 30Hz.   EM tracking can locate a pig to within centimetres, making it a highly accurate option for both routine passage confirmation and the rapid location of a stalled pig.  Many EM receivers can also detect magnetic signatures, adding further flexibility when pigs are fitted with magnets.

Electromagnetic Pig Tracking and Real-World Considerations

Pig design is another important consideration.  EM transmitters may experience reduced signal strength or decreased battery life when surrounded by certain materials.  For example, a 315 stainless steel pig body generally provides good performance, whereas carbon steel can cause significant attenuation.  Correct placement of the transmitter within the pig also contributes to reliable detection.

To address these factors, the recommended approach is to carry out representative testing ahead of the pigging operation whenever possible but especially when there are known factors which could affect the equipment performance.  Testing confirms the capabilities of the selected equipment in real-world conditions and helps identify the most suitable configuration.  IK Trax can support this process by working with clients to assess transmitter performance, review settings and ensure that the tracking setup is optimised before operations begin.

Electromagnetic System Capabilities

Modern EM pig tracking systems offer a range of capabilities that make them flexible and easy to use across different pipeline environments.  Much of this flexibility comes from the use of configuration and visualisation Apps, which allow operators to adjust settings in the field and understand the signal behaviour in real time.  

EM transmitters can be programmed using an app – such as the IK Trax EMTx Config App – to suit the requirements of this operation.  Parameters including transmit frequency, pulse rate, power level and switch-on delay can all be adjusted quickly on site without returning the unit to the manufacturer.  This provides operators with a high degree of flexibility and makes it easy to tailor the transmitter to achieve the right balance between detection range and battery life for the specific project.

On the receiver side, multi-frequency detection is now a common feature.  This allows a receiver to detect more than one transmitter at the same time, provided they are configured at different frequencies.  This is especially useful when dealing with a pig train or when multiple pigs are being tracked in close succession.

Apps such as the IK Trax EMRx App provide an additional layer of insight into how the signal is behaving.  Operators can view live signal strength across up to six colour-coded electromagnetic signals, helping them understand the quality of the received signal at a glance.  The app also shows the frequency and pulse rate of one or more signals simultaneously and provides a spectrum view, which is helpful when troubleshooting or identifying noise sources outside the 10-30Hz range of interest.

In addition to visualization, the Receiver App allows operators to scroll through logged data, add markers to points of interest and export this information for reporting or review.  It also makes receiver configuration more efficient.  Settings such as tracked frequency or gain can be changed directly via the app, rather than using the receiver’s physical push-button interface, which is more time-consuming.

The combined effect of configurable transmitters, multi-frequency receivers and app-based visualisation is a system that is easy to optimise, provides clear insight during the operation and gives operators greater confidence throughout the pigging campaign.   

Remote Pig Tracking with Above-Ground Markers

For certain operations, particularly those involving long distance, remote block valve stations or unmanned facilities, it is not always practical for an operator to track the pig with a handheld receiver.  In these scenarios, an above-ground marker (AGM) provides an effective alternative.  AGMs are positioned at key points above the pipeline and are designed to detect the pig as it passes, without requiring continuous operator presence.

The Patriot AGM is an example of this type of system.  It combines magnetic, electromagnetic and acoustic detection, allowing it to identify a wide range of pigs fitted with different tracking devices.  This multi-technology approach improves confidence during pigging campaigns, particularly when the pig may be travelling through challenging environments.

One of the main advantages of an autonomous system is the ability to communicate pig location information remotely.  The Patriot AGM supports Bluetooth, cellular and satellite communication, making it suitable for pipelines that span remote terrain or areas where physical access is limited.  Operators can view live pig passages, receive notifications and review historical events through the Pat Track software, which displays data such as maps, signal graphs and run history.  This provides a clear and accessible view of the pig’s progress throughout the operation.

AGMs are particularly beneficial during multi-day pigging campaigns or when working on cross-country pipelines where sending personnel to monitor each location would be inefficient or impractical. They reduce the need for continuous field presence, improve situational awareness and provide reliable confirmation of pig passage at predefined points.

Choosing the Right Tracking Method

Choosing the most suitable tracking method depends on a few key factors: pipeline medium, pig type, access to the line and the level of visibility required throughout the operation.  In most cases, electromagnetic tracking provides the most balanced and reliable option, combining accuracy, versatility and ease of use across almost any pipeline environment.

For longer-distance operations for pipelines located in remote or unmanned areas, remote systems such as the Patriot AGM offer an additional layer of visibility by confirming pig passage at fixed points without the need for continuous operator presence.  When used alongside EM tracking, they provide a clear and consistent view of the pig’s progress throughout the run.

Other tracking technologies such as acoustic or radioactive isotope systems have their place in specific scenarios, but they are far less versatile and typically for more niche applications.

Reviewing the operational environment, pig design and monitoring requirements early in the planning stage will help ensure the most suitable tracking method is chosen.  IK Trax can support this process and provide guidance on selecting the right solution for each project.

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Introduction
Titian Service supported an offshore pigging campaign where the IK Trax EMRx receiver and EMTx20 transmitter were used for pig tracking after a pig became lodged in the pipeline. With the in situ signal system not functioning and offshore conditions creating interference, IK Trax equipment provided clear, consistent detection that enabled the team to confirm the pig’s position and safely retrieve it.

Challenges
The pig was launched through a 14 inch gas pipeline around 3.2 km in length. After launch, pressure and noise readings suggested it had reached the receiver. However, when the barrel was opened, the pig was not there.
With the original signal system out of action and offshore vibrations creating background noise, pig tracking became more difficult. The pipe wall thickness was 23.83 and this was taken into account.

Solutions
Titian used IK Trax EMRx receivers at both the launcher and receiver for pig tracking. When the pig failed to arrive, scanning was carried out along the riser and receiver area using the EMRx, alongside an EMTx20 transmitter installed in the pig.
Although false signals were encountered due to background noise, one location showed a consistent, localised transmission. The pig was confirmed to be stuck near a valve, where a mechanical obstruction had occurred. Once corrected, the pig was released and safely recovered.

Conclusion
This project demonstrated the reliability of IK Trax pig tracking solutions by using the EMRx receiver and EMTx20 transmitter in offshore pigging operations. When other systems were unavailable, IK Trax provided the clear, consistent tracking needed to safely complete the campaign.

Result
The EMRx and EMTx20 worked together to deliver a steady, reliable signal that helped the team confidently locate the pig. Detection through the pipe wall in an offshore setting with environmental interference was still possible after six days. The operation was completed without the need for contingency measures, and the IK Trax system supported safe decision making throughout.

Interested in hearing more about this, or other applications?
Contact: sales@iktrax.com

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