Scraper Pig -- Alyeska Pipeline Viewing Area, Fairbanks AK USA
N 64° 55.778 W 147° 37.767
6W E 470239 N 7200760
This scraper pig is on display at the Alyeska pipeline viewing area not far outside of Fairbanks, Alaska
Waymark Code: WM1733G
Location: Alaska, United States
Date Posted: 11/29/2022
Views: 3
This fascinating machine that moved down the Alyeska pipeline scraping wax from the sides of the pipe. Now retired, this scraper pig is on display at the Alyeska pipeline viewing point outside of Fairbanks Alaska.
Two small signs near the scraper pig read as follows:
"RETIRED PIG
This pig scraped wax from the internal walls of the pipe when the pipeline first began operating. Once the system warmed up from the constant flow of hot North Slope oil, wax buildup ended. At that time the scraper pig was replaced by the lighter and softer polyurethane version in the adjacent display. The polyurethane pig smooths the flow of oil by reducing turbulence making it easier to pump. The oil is approximately 100°F as it passes this location. The scraper pig weighs 2,600 pounds almost 1,000 pounds more than its replacement."
More information about how pigs are still used in the pipeline today is on this sign, near the retired scraper pig. The sign reads:
"PIGS IN THE PIPELINE
Devices called “pigs” improve the flow of oil through the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and monitor its condition. Pigs are launched and retrieved at pump stations and travel through the pipeline with the moving oil. The orange polyurethane sample in this pipe segment is a cleaning and flow improvement pig. Other more sophisticated pigs use magnetic fields and ultrasonic signals to detect small changes in the pipes wall thickness and shape. Pigs are among the most important tools available for protecting the pipeline and detecting potential problems."
Type of Machine: Scraper pig
Year the machine was built: 1970s
Year the machine was put on display: 1980s
Is there online documentation for this machine: [Web Link]
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