HPS “Pigging” Technology Saves Tonnes of Carbon Every Day – New Report Confirms

Companies that pump liquids through pipelines can reduce their carbon footprint by literally tonnes of carbon every day, by using HPS liquid product recovery (pigging) technology.

ThatÂ’s according to a new report from independent sustainability and energy consultancy Carbon-Zero.

Compared to conventional processes and in terms of equivalent carbon savings, pigging reduces carbon emissions by over 2 tonnes every time a manufacturer changes the product being pumped through the pipe.
And there are usually several product changeovers per day.

Tonnes of Carbon Dioxide Saved Daily

Using water-based and solvent-based paint production as examples, the report demonstrates that up to 2.68 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent is saved every time thereÂ’s a product changeover.

And because many companies will use one line for several different products, they make several changeovers every day.

Results Higher than Expected

The amount of carbon saved by pigging has not been specifically quantified before. And the results are higher than expected.

Commenting on the report, Peter Elgar from HPS said
“We’ve always known that HPS technology lowers the carbon footprint of companies that use it, but we’ve never really put a figure on it before”.

The report also shows that, when taking into account the embodied carbon used in manufacturing the pigging system, the carbon payback periods are instant.

Savings of over 95% carbon emissions per changeover are achievable.

Elgar continues
“The results of Carbon-Zero’s report are fascinating. And to be honest the amount of carbon saved is higher than most of us thought”.

Wide Range of Benefits

As well as carbon reduction, pigging delivers many other benefits to just about any industrial process which pumps liquids through pipework. These benefits include increased yields and capacity, more efficient operation, and significant reduction in product waste, as well as cutting cleaning chemical and water usage.

ThatÂ’s why HPS pigging technology is used in manufacturing everything from paints and coatings to drinks, foods, household detergents, cosmetics, pet foods, confectionery, industrial lubricants, chemicals and many other liquids.

Many Different Sectors

When asked if the carbon savings in paint production are relevant to other sectors that process liquids, Elgar replied,

“The carbon savings from using pigging systems in paint production are a great example. But the principle is much the same no matter what the product – it could be paint, wine, sauces, pet food, industrial lubricants, perfume or toothpaste being pigged – the carbon savings are going to be high compared to the conventional flush process.”