pig launcher

plural pig launchers

1. A wider section of pipeline that reduces to the normal diameter, allowing a pig (inspection device) to be inserted into the pipe and pushed along by the pressure of the fluid.

   1 more example

   “This is the AmPetCo gas pipeline.” “Uh-huh” “Runs right underneath these swamps, supplyin' almost twenty percent of America's liquid natural gas demand.” “Right.” “But there's a PIG launcher here.” “Is that what it sounds like?” “It's a Pipe Inspection Gauge, for cleaning the pipeline. It's the only section aboveground, so if Gray wants to attack our pipeline--” “He'll have to do it there.” “Right.” “So we'll set up a defensive perimeter at the launcher and then catch him when he tries.”

   2011 February 17, Boswell Cocker and Adam Reed, “Pipeline Fever” (2:59 from the start), in Archer, season 2, episode 4