Originally, the PIG systems were used, mainly in the Oil and Gas Industries. They were used to recover high value products, as well as to clean the entire production line. 

The projectile made a sound similar to a pig’s squeal, hence the name “PIG”. The “Pigging” as a productive process refers to when a PIG is inserted in the tubing for the purpose of cleaning and/or recovering product. Later, and to maintain the original designation, the PIG initials started being described as “Pipeline Inspection Gadget”. 

Nowadays, PIG systems are used in the Food & Beverage and Pharmaceutical & Cosmetics industries for exactly the same purpose.