Abstract: An in-line pig launching device includes a pair of guide rails on which a pig is stored before launching, a drive system for moving the pig along the guide rails and a drop tube at an end of the guide rails for accommodating the pig just before launching. The drop tube includes a guide rail extension that holds the pig in a proper orientation, against tipping, within the drop tube. The guide rail extension is linked to the drive system, such that only when the drive system moves to move a next pig will the guide rail extension release the pig from the drop tube.

Abstract: An in-line pig launching device includes a pair of guide rails on which a pig is stored before launching, a drive system for moving the pig along the guide rails and a drop tube at an end of the guide rails for accommodating the pig just before launching. The drop tube includes a guide rail extension that holds the pig in a proper orientation, against tipping, within the drop tube. The guide rail extension is linked to the drive system, such that only when the drive system moves to move a next pig will the guide rail extension release the pig from the drop tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching pigs is taught that is vertically compact, simple to operate, holds a plurality of pigs and which can accommodate various kinds of pigs. The launching is achieved by gravity. The apparatus for launching pigs includes a housing that can withstand at least the operating pressure of a pipeline, a supply magazine arranged in the housing with at least two pig-holding chambers, said pig-holding chambers being substantially vertical through-holes in the supply magazine, a closeable inlet port through the housing and providing access to the supply magazine, a launching chute connected to the pipeline and positioned beneath, as determined by gravity, the supply magazine, a drive operatively connected to the supply magazine, said drive causing the supply magazine to rotate about a substantially vertical axis and position the holding chamber generally above the launching chute.