As a solutions provider with over 35 years’ experience in the pigging industry, we work closely with our clients to deliver bespoke designs tailored to their project needs.

iNPIPE PRODUCTS™ was approached by a major EPC contractor to look at a bespoke pneumatic sphere lifter complete with air operated vacuum pump suitable for 30-40” spheres.

Following a technical review of the client project requirements, iNPIPE PRODUCTS™ proposed a bespoke solution which consisted of the design, engineering, supply and full FAT testing of a sphere lifter / extraction tool built in accordance with the intended application.

The sphere extraction tool was supplied complete with air operated vacuum pump, vacuum hose and cup complete with lifting shack and quick release connection to an articulated pull/push trolley for connection to a 30″ sphere located approximately 3m inside receiving inclined pipework.

The Sphere Lifter is placed into the pipeline locating the sphere with the lifter cup.  As the cup is placed over the sphere the vacuum pump is operated to allow the cup to adhere to the sphere.  Once a suitable vacuum is confirmed the isolation valve is closed to keep the vacuum.

The location poles are then removed from the pipeline by disconnecting the unit from the lifting cup.  This then allows the lifting wires to be connected to suitable lifting equipment and the sphere then withdrawn from the pipeline.

iNPIPE PRODUCTS™ is an internationally recognised leader in the design and manufacture of pipeline pigging products, including foam pigs, cup pigs, bi-directional cleaning / gauging pigs, pig handling equipment, pig signalers, engineered solutions for pipeline isolation and joint testing, launching & receiving systems as well as bespoke pigging solutions based on specific client project requirements.