Patent Publication Number: US-11644145-B2

Title: Pig loader device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation application of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 15/967,190, which is a continuation application of U.S. Pat. No. 9,989,186, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/166,412, filed on May 26, 2015, the entire contents of each is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments relate to a device for seating a pig within a pipe, and in particular introducing and properly seating a pig within a pipe through a breech assembly. 
     Background of the Related Art 
     Subterranean extraction of oil and gas and transportation of the same typically includes the use of a pipeline to direct the oil and gas under volumetric pressure for processing and tapping. Surfactants, dispersants, and other compounds may be introduced into the pipeline to facilitate the processing of the extracted oil and gas. These compounds, as well as the organic and volatile compounds extracted with the oil and gas, tend to adhere to and create obstructions within the pipeline. A common practice is to clean the bore of the pipe comprising the pipeline with the use of a wad or a plug, commonly known as a pig. The pig is introduced into the pipe and forced through the pipeline to entrain and push any buildup deposited on the pipe to be extracted from the pipeline. 
     Typically, the pig is introduced at a mouth or other entry point of the pipeline to be seated within the pipe before being forced through the line. This can be a dangerous operation due to the pressures involved and the forces used to properly seat the pig within the pipe. Existing pigging operations typically require operators to introduce the pig through a funnel placed at an entrance way of a pipe. Operators can hold the pig in place on the funnel with a rod, pipe, or piece of timber while the pig is pushed into the pipe via mobile equipment, such as an excavator or bulldozer. Consequently, this exposes operators to possible pinch points and objects subjected to large forces (i.e., objects becoming projectiles). 
     The present disclosure is directed at overcoming one or more of the above-mentioned problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The device can include a breech assembly having a chamber body, a ramrod compartment, a breech, and a neck. A ramrod having a push plate, a rod, and a breech plate may be disposed within the ramrod compartment and configured to slideably traverse the ramrod compartment and breech. In use, the device can be connected to an ancillary pipe via the neck. A pig may be placed within the breech and aligned to be slid within the breech and neck upon engagement with the ramrod. The ramrod compartment may be configured to prevent both the push plate and the breech plate from entering the ramrod compartment, thus preventing over retraction/extension of the ramrod. In addition, the ramrod compartment may be configured to align the ramrod so that when advanced from the ramrod compartment to the neck, the breech plate makes contact with the pig and forces it towards the neck. 
     Some embodiments may include a breech shield configured to selectively cover the breech, which may prevent ingress and egress of objects through the breech. Securement means may be used to temporarily secure the breech shield in a covered position. For example, during operation of the device, the breech shield can be secured in the covered position so as to prevent objects from entering and/or exiting the chamber body though the breech. 
     The neck can be used to connect the device to an ancillary pipe to facilitate pigging operations performed on the pipeline. With the breech shield in a non-covered position, the ramrod can be drawn back to a retracted position so that a pig may be loaded into the breech. The breech shield may then be placed in a covered position and secured in place via the securement means to ensure no ingress or egress through the breech may occur. The ramrod may then be forced forward to an extended position, thereby urging the pig through the neck and into the ancillary pipe. The device may then be detached from the pipe to enable continued pigging operations. 
     The device can enable operators to achieve a preparatory step of pigging a pipeline, which may include loading a pig into the pipeline, in a clean, safe, and efficient manner. When attached to the pipe and with the breech shield in a covered position, the device may generate a contained work area ensuring that moving parts, potential pinch points, and potential projectiles are confined within the device. The device may not only obviate the need for operators to handle the pig when it is being introduced into the pipe, but it can also prevent operators from inadvertently being injured within a pinch point or by an object being projected from within the chamber body. 
     While embodiments described herein illustrate use of the device for pigging oil and gas pipeline, the device is certainly not limited to such use. The device may be used for introduction of a pig, or similar wad/plug, into other industrial fluid-processing operations that may require cleaning and unclogging of the pipeline used therewith. In addition, the device is not limited to clearing obstructions, but may also be used to prepare a pipeline for batch treatment of fluids being processed through the pipe. For instance, it may be beneficial to “clear” the pipeline of remnants of a first fluid or first stage of a batch treatment process before processing a second fluid or subsequent batch. As another example, the device may be used for introduction of a pig into a pipeline to prepare the pipeline for hydrostatic testing or other type of structural integrity testing. 
     While these potential advantages are made possible by technical solutions offered herein, they are not required to be achieved. The presently disclosed device can be implemented to achieve technical advantages, whether or not these potential advantages, individually or in combination, are sought or achieved. 
     Further features, aspects, objects, advantages, and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from a study of the exemplary embodiments and examples described below, in combination with the Figures, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other objects, aspects, features, advantages and possible applications of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a side view of an exemplary pig loader device. 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of an exemplary ramrod that may be used with a pig loader device. 
         FIG.  3    is a top view partial view of an exemplary pig loader device showing a breech and chamber compartment. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of an exemplary pig loader device with a breech shield in a covered position. 
         FIG.  5    is a partial view of an exemplary pig loader device showing a locking bolt and keyed plate that may be used with the device. 
         FIG.  6    is a partial perspective view of an exemplary pig loader device with a hydraulic actuator that may be used with the device. 
         FIG.  7    is a partial perspective view of an exemplary pig loader device with two cylinder and piston assemblies that may be used with a hydraulic actuator. 
         FIG.  8    is a partial perspective view of an exemplary pig loader device with a pig being forced into a neck of the device. 
         FIG.  9    is an example hydraulic circuit that may be used for a hydraulic actuator of an exemplary pig loader device. 
         FIG.  10    is an example petroleum powered engine in connection with the hydraulic circuit of  FIG.  9   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following description is of an embodiment presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles and features of the present invention. The scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to the claims. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , a pig loader device can include a breech assembly  10  having a ramrod compartment  12  at a first distal end  14  and a neck  16  at the second distal end  18 , where a chamber body  20  lies between the distal ends  14 ,  18 . The breech assembly  10  may be constructed of a material suitable to withstand strains and stresses associated with repeatedly forcing a pig from the chamber body  20  into an ancillary pipe. The material of construction may include metal or metal alloy. An aperture may be formed into a surface of the chamber body  20  establishing a breech  22  through which a pig (the pig is shown in  FIG.  8   ) may be introduced to be placed into the chamber body  20 . The neck  16  may have a cross-sectional shape complementing that of the ancillary pipe to which it can be temporarily attached during operation of the device. 
     In some embodiments, the breech assembly  10  can be an elongated cylindrical body having a bore extending from the first distal end  14  to the second distal end  18 . A diameter of the bore can be the same as or similar to a diameter of a pig to be used with the device, yet the diameter of the bore can differ from the diameter of the pig. For example, a pig can be constructed of a tough, resilient material capable of being compressed without experiencing plastic deformation. With such embodiments, the diameter of the pig can be as much as 1.5 times the diameter of the bore. Typically, in pigging operations, the diameter of the pig is approximately 1.5 times the inner diameter of the pipe through which the pig is introduced. Pipelines for various oil and gas operations may require various sized pipes, and thus various sized pigs. Therefore, breech assembly  10  may be constructed to accommodate a particular sized pipeline, and thus a particular sized pig. 
     The inner diameter of the neck  16  can be slightly larger than an outer diameter of an ancillary pipe to which the device can be attached. The inner diameter of the neck  16  can greater, lesser, or the same as the diameter of the bore. For example, an inner surface of the bore can step in or step out at the neck  16  to generate a neck inner diameter of a dissimilar diameter of that of the bore. In addition, or in the alternative, the neck  16  can exhibit a flare (i.e., increasing in diameter from a neck/chamber-body interface to the second end  18 ) or a taper (i.e., decreasing in diameter from a neck-chamber-body interface to the second end  18 ). In some embodiments the flare or taper can be exhibited by the inner diameter of the neck, while the outer diameter of the neck remains constant. Some embodiments may include any one or any combination of the step, the flare, and the taper. Providing a step, a flare, and/or a taper can facilitate easier engagement of the device with a pipe and/or introduction of a pig into a pipe. For example, a user might not know the outer diameter of the mouth of a pipe, thus a flared inner diameter of the neck  16  can facilitate engagement of the device with the pipe. As another example, a stepped inner diameter can ensure that a neck/pipe interface is generated that enables proper alignment of a pig into a pipe. 
     Further embodiments may include at least one guide to better steer and/or align a pig for introduction into a pipe. For example, an inner surface of the chamber body  20  and/or neck  16  can include deflectable tabs, spring-loaded rollers, etc. that can urge a pig in a certain direction (e.g., a radial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis  54  of the device) as the pig is caused to traverse the bore of the breech assembly  10 , neck-chamber-body interface, and/or neck/pipe interface. 
     The chamber body  20  can include a hollow portion of the breech assembly  10  configured to receive a pig. An inner surface of the chamber body  20  may exhibit a shape complementing the shape of the pig. Generally, the pig is cylindrical in shape to match that of the pipe, thus an inner chamber body  20  may have a cylindrical shape, but other shapes may be used. For example, an inner surface may be square, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. The neck  16  can extend from the chamber body  20 , and may serve as a collar to assist guiding the device onto a pipe and facilitate attachment of the device to the pipe. For example, the device may be attached to a pipe by sliding the neck  16  over a distal end of the pipe. In addition, the neck  16  can assist with guiding a pig into the pipe during operation of the device. In some embodiments, the device can be clamped in place after being slid over a distal end of a pipe. This may be achieved via welding clamps or similar clamping mechanisms temporarily securing the device to a pipe. In addition to clamping, a portion of the neck  16  may be welded (e.g., spot welded) to the pipe. After welding is complete, the clamps may be removed. While the device can be secured to a pipe via clamping and/or welding, it need not be. For example, the device can be used by sliding the neck  16  over a distal end of a pipe where the neck, acting as a collar, effectuates sufficient retention of the device onto the pipe to facilitate effective operation of the device and introduction of a pig into the pipe. 
     The ramrod compartment  12  can be adjacent the chamber body  20  and be configured to retain a ramrod  24 . The ramrod  24  may include a rod  26  having a push plate  28  at its first distal end and a breech plate  30  at its second distal end, wherein the rod  26  may be configured to slideably traverse the ramrod compartment  12  and chamber body  20 . The ramrod  12  may be constructed of the same material as that of the breech assembly  10 . While it is shown for the push plate  28  to be smaller in diameter than that of the breech plate  30 , it need not be. 
     The ramrod compartment  12  may be configured to prevent both the push plate  28  and breech plate  30  from entering the ramrod compartment  12 . The ramrod compartment  24  may be further configured to align the ramrod  24  so that when advanced from the ramrod compartment  12  toward the neck  16 , the breech plate  30  forces a pig placed within the breech  22  through the neck  16  and into a pipe connected thereto. For example, the ramrod compartment  12  may be an enclosed barrel-shaped member with rod-apertures formed on the distal ends thereof, which may be arranged to enable sliding motion of the rod  26 . The enclosed structure of the ramrod compartment  12  may prevent the ramrod  24  from being over retraced and/or over extended due to the abutment of the breech plate  30  and push plate  28  against the ramrod compartment ends  34 ,  34 ′ in the fully retracted and extended states, respectfully. For example, as the ramrod  24  is retracted, it is moved toward the first end  14  of the device. In a fully retracted position, the breech plate  30  may abut a ramrod compartment second end  34 . The abutment of the breech plate  30  with the ramrod compartment second end  34  can prevent further retraction of the ramrod  24 . Thus, a fully retracted state can be caused by abutment of the breech plate  30  with the ramrod compartment second end  34 . Similarly, as the ramrod  24  is extended, it is moved toward the second end  18  of the device. In a fully extended position, the push plate  28  may abut a ramrod compartment first end  34 ′. The abutment of the push plate  28  with the ramrod compartment first end  34 ′ can prevent further extension of the ramrod  24 . Thus, a fully extended state can be caused by abutment of the push plate  28  with the ramrod compartment first end  34 . It is understood that the ramrod compartment  12  need not be enclosed to achieve prevention of over retraction/extension, and that other forms of mechanical stops may be used. For example, a spring-loaded pin tumbler assembly may be disposed within the breech assembly  10  with a complementary detent in the rod  26  may be used to prevent retraction/extension beyond a certain point. However, the enclosed structure of the ramrod compartment  12  may prevent operators from inadvertently coming into contact with the movement of the ramrod  24 . The enclosed structure of the ramrod compartment  12  can also prevent operators from being caught within a pinch point of the device. Embodiments with an enclosed ramrod compartment  12  can include a first rod-aperture and a second rod-aperture through which the rod  26  traverses during retraction and extension. 
     In alternative embodiments, the ramrod compartment  12  may include guides that engage with the ramrod  24  to ensure proper alignment and smooth motioning of the ramrod  24 . This may include a rail and track assembly, spring-loaded roller wheels, ball bearing assembly, a bearing race assembly, etc. For example, a ball bearing assembly may be disposed on at least one of a first rod-aperture and a second rod-aperture, each ball bearing assembly configured to engage the rod  26 . The rod  26  is shown as having a cylindrical shape, but other shapes may be used. These may include, but are not limited to, cubic, hexagonal, triangular, etc. For instance, a cubic shape of the rod  26  may exhibit better alignment and slidable motion as that of the cylindrical shape. 
     In alternative embodiments, a breech plate  30  may include an attachment mechanism to temporarily attach the breech plate  30  to a pig. If a pig becomes improperly lodged within the device and/or pipe, the ramrod  24  may then be used to extract the pig by attaching the pig to the ramrod  24  via the attachment mechanism and retracting the ramrod  24 , thereby pulling the pig back into the chamber body  20  where the pig can be repositioned and/or removed from the device. The attachment mechanism may include a shackle countersunk within the breech plate  30  from which a chain, cable, or rope may be tethered and similarly attached to a pig. 
     The breech  22  can include an aperture formed in the chamber body  20  and a hollow portion of the chamber body  20  adjacent the neck  16 . The breech  22  may be configured to receive a pig through the aperture and hold the pig in an aligned position for introduction into the pipe through the neck  16 . For example, the ramrod  24  can be retracted to clear the chamber body  20  while a pig is placed into the breech  22 . As the ramrod  24  is extended, the breech plate  30  is moved toward the second end  18  to abut the pig and urge the pig through the neck/pipe interface until the pig is seated within a pipe. In a fully extended position, the push plate  28  can abut the ramrod compartment first end  34 ′ to ensure that the ramrod  24  does not lodge into the pipe and/or seat the pig too far into the pipe. Abutting the push plate  28  against the ramrod compartment first end  34 ′ can further ensure that the pig is fully seated into the pipe. Thus, the ramrod  24  can be configured so that a distance between the breech plate  30  and the push plate  28  may determine the seat-length of the pig within a pipe when the ramrod  24  is in a fully extended position. The seat-length can be defined as the distance the pig extends into the pipe. 
     In alternative embodiments, the position of the push plate  28  along the rod  26  may be adjusted so as to adjust the seat-length of the pig. For example, a push plate  28  can be threadingly engaged with the rod  26 , telescopingly engaged with the rod  26 , or form some other traversable engagement with the rod  26  so as to enable adjustment of the push plate&#39;s  28  position relative to the rod  26 . 
     In further embodiments, bumpers  50  may be disposed on the push plate  28 , the breech plate  30 , and/or a ramrod compartment end  34 ,  34 ′ to reduce abrasion and wear, as well as to prevent mushrooming and spurring of the push plate  28  and/or breech plate  30  and/or ramrod compartment ends  34 ,  34 ′. The bumper  50  may include a rubber or polymer member disposed on a surface of any a ramrod compartment end  34 ,  34 ′ and/or any surface of the push plate  28  and/or the breech plate  30 . 
     In alternative embodiments, the device may include a breech flange  36  disposed on the neck  16 , which may be configured to partially extend over the breech  22 . The breech flange  36  may have at least one of flange aperture  38  and may exhibit a semi-conical shape. The breech flange  36  may be used to assist with guiding the pig into the chamber body  20  via the breech  22 , as well as enable operators to view the breech  22  area. Each flange aperture  38  may further assist an operator to view the breech  22  area. This may enable users to observe the breech  22  in case of malfunction or improper lodging, for example, without having to open a breech shield  40  and/or without having to exposing themselves to any potentially dangerous release of energy from an energized portion of the device. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 - 5   , a breech shield  40  may be used to selectively cover the breech  22 . In a covered position, the breech shield  40  can prevent ingress and egress of objects through the breech  22 . This can be beneficial during operation of the ramrod  24  (e.g., when causing the ramrod  24  to traverse the chamber body  20 ) so as to provide added safety for operators. The breech shield  40  may be a solid, rigid member structured to effectively cover the breech  22  and prevent passage of objects there-through. For example, the breech shield  40  can be a metal plate having a concave shape; however, other materials and shapes may be used. Manipulation of the breech shield  40  may be achieved by means of a handle  42  disposed on a surface thereof. 
     Securement means  44  may be used to temporarily secure the breech shield  40  in the covered position, which may include a plurality of keyed plates  46  disposed on the breech shield  40  and the breech assembly  10 , each configured to receive locking bolts  48 . Locking bolts  48  may include an angled bolt member attached via a spring-loaded swivel assembly to a keyed plate  46  of the breech shield  40 . For example, the breech shield  40  can be configured to be removed from the breech assembly  10  to be in a non-covered position and to be placed onto the breech assembly  10  to be in a covered position. Upon placing the breech shield  40  in a covered position, at least one locking bolt  48  may be depressed, compressing the spring, so as to protrude through at least one aligned keyed plate  46  of the breech assembly  10 . The locking bolt  48  may then be rotated and released to enable the angled bolt member to catch onto the keyed plate  46  of the breech assembly  10 , thereby securing the breech shield  40  in the covered position. While a breech shield  40  may be secured with one keyed plate  46  and one locking bolt  48 , a plurality of keyed plates  46  and locking bolts  48  can be used. Furthermore, other securement means may be utilized. These may include, but are not limited to, rotating latches, nut-and-bolt fastener, etc. 
     In alternative embodiments, the breech shield  40  may be hingedly attached to the breech assembly  10 . For example, a non-covered position may be achieved by rotating the breech shield  40  away from the breech  22  and a covered position may be achieved by rotating the breech shield  40  toward the breech  22  until it abuts against a surface of the breech assembly  10 . Further embodiments may include a breech shield  40  that is slidingly engaged with a track assembly of the breech assembly  10  so as to enable sliding the breech shield  40  into and out—from a covered position. For example, a breech shield  40  may be provided with at least one guide channel through which at least one guide rail attached to the breech assembly slidingly engages. A guide rail can be disposed on a surface of the breech assembly  10  adjacent the breech  22 . In some embodiments rollers or bearings may be disposed within a guide rail to reduce friction and assist with smooth motioning of the breech shield  40 . The track assembly may be disposed on an outer surface of the breech assembly  10  so as to not interfere with, or become damaged by, the placement and movement of a pig when a pig is placed within the chamber body  20 . A bulwark may be used to cover and protect the track assembly from damage and obstructions. 
     In alternative embodiments, at least one shackle  52  may be disposed on a surface of the device to assist with maneuvering and positioning the device onto a pipe. This may facilitate rigging the device to a hoisting mechanism, such as a crane, front loader, or similar machinery via the shackles  52  and placed into position onto the pipe. In addition, or in the alternative, at least one lift arm  53  can be disposed on a surface of the device. Each lift arm  53  can be an angled structure (e.g., an L-shaped metal brace) extending from a surface of the device and positioned to facilitate attachment thereto by a hoisting mechanism (e.g., crane, forklift, etc.). For example, the lift arm  53  can be positioned near the first end  14  and extend upwards and forwards toward the second end  18 . Each lift arm  53  can include an aperture enabling rigging to a hoist assembly of the hoist mechanism so that the device can be maneuvered while maintaining the device in an up-right position (e.g., the breech  22  facing upwards). 
     Actuating the ramrod  24  may be achieved by a unidirectional force acting to pull and/or push the ramrod  24  along a longitudinal axis  54  of the device. Pigs can be heavy and/or have a diameter that is up to 1.5 times the inner diameter of a pipe, so introduction of the pig into a pipe from the device can require significant force. Thus, doing so by manual labor may not be safe or even practical. Therefore, actuating the ramrod  24  may be achieved by pulling and pushing it with mobile equipment, such as a bulldozer, front loader, etc. However, alternative embodiments may include means to automate and/or mechanize the operation of the ramrod  24 . This may include a spring loaded catapult mechanism, a hydraulic unit, a pneumatic unit, and/or other pressurized actuation means. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  6 - 9   , at least one embodiment can include at least one hydraulic actuator  59  to generate a unidirectional force along the longitudinal direction  54  (see  FIG.  4   ). The hydraulic actuator  59  can include at least one a cylinder and piston assembly  56  in which a piston  58  can be configured to traverse a cylinder  60  from extend position to a retract position, as directed by a hydraulic circuit. Actuation of the hydraulic actuator  59  may act upon the ramrod  24  to move it in the longitudinal direction  54 . For example, a cylinder and piston assembly  56  can be configured to generate a force vector that is coaxial, or at least parallel, with that of the longitudinal axis  54  so that unidirectional retraction and extension of each piston  58  of a cylinder  60  can cause extension and/or retraction of the ramrod  24 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, two cylinder and piston assemblies  56  can each be attached to a portion of the breech assembly  10 , where an associated piston  58  for each may extend rearward beyond the first end  14 . Distal ends of each piston  58  can be affixed via a coupler  61  to a portion of the ramrod  24 . The coupler  61  can be a collar statically attached to a portion of the ramrod  24  and structured to facilitate unison movement of the ramrod  24  with each piston  58  as both pistons  58  are actuated by the hydraulics of the hydraulic actuator  59 . Each piston  58  can be affixed to the coupler  61  via a shackle-pin assembly, hitch-pin assembly, etc. The hydraulic actuator  59  can be placed into fluid communication with each cylinder and piston assembly  56  via hydraulic hoses and hydraulic couplings, which may include use of quick-connect hydraulic fittings. 
     The hydraulic actuator  59  can include a control valve in fluid connection with a reservoir and a pump, which may also include a filter. Other components can include pressure relief valves, pressure gauges, other motors, etc. In some embodiments, the ramrod compartment  12  can serve as the reservoir. A control lever  66  can be used to operate the control valve to cause hydraulic fluid to be pumped to and from the reservoir. Each cylinder and piston assembly  56  can be caused to extend and/or retract by forcing hydraulic fluid into and/or drawing hydraulic from at least one compartment  62 ,  64  of each cylinder and piston assembly  56 . For example, extension/retraction of a cylinder and piston assembly  54  can be achieved by causing the pump to force hydraulic fluid into a first compartment  62  and/or withdrawing hydraulic fluid from a second compartment  64 , thereby forcing a piston  58  to extend/retract and thus act upon the ramrod  24  and impart a force vector on the ramrod  24  in the longitudinal direction  54 . For instance, the hydraulic actuator can be structured to cause the ramrod  24  to move towards the fully extended position when each piston  58  is being extended or cause the ramrod  24  to move towards the fully retracted position when each piston  58  is being retracted. 
       FIG.  9    is one example of a hydraulic circuit that may be used for a hydraulic actuator  59 . Other hydraulic circuits and hydraulic actuator configurations can be used, which may include open or closed hydraulic circuits, additional control valves, series and/or in parallel arrangements of control valves, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the hydraulic actuator  59 , or a portion thereof, can be affixed to a portion of the breech assembly  10 . In other embodiments, the hydraulic actuator  59  can be a separate unit, where each cylinder and piston assembly  56  can be configured to connect to the hydraulic actuator  59  via hydraulic couplings and hydraulic hoses. In an exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic actuator  59  may be attached to a portion of the breech assembly  10  such that the control lever  66  for actuating a control valve is adjacent the breech  22 . For example, the control lever  66  can be positioned between the first distal end  14  and the breech  22 , as shown in  FIG.  8   . Positioning the control lever  66  closer to the first distal end  14  can further ensure that an operator would remain clear from the breech  22  during operation of the device. This can provided added safety, in particular if the device is operated without the breech shield  40 . 
     In alternative embodiments, the hydraulic circuit may be interfaced with an electronic control module to enable control of the hydraulic actuator  59  by way of a push-button controller, a joystick controller, a computer via a user interface, etc. The electronic control module can facilitate operation of the hydraulic actuator  59  in addition to, or in the alternative of, the control lever  66 . Use of the electronic control module can further enable operation of the device from a remote location. For example, a user can operate the device while standing at a distance of 20 feet from the device. Interfacing the hydraulic circuit with an electronic control module can be achieved by electro-mechanical actuators acting on pumps and valves within the hydraulic actuator  59  as command signals are transmitted via a processor to cause components of the hydraulic actuator  59  to actuate in a concerted manner. Further embodiments can include algorithms stored within a non-transitory memory of the processor to cause certain operations to be carried out automatically. Command signals can be transmitted from an electronic control module via a hardwire connection or via a wireless communication link. 
     In some embodiments, the rod  26  can include a plurality of apertures arranged in a serial manner along a longitudinal length of the rod  26 . At least one choker  63  (e.g., a circular collar or a circular clamp) can be slidingly engaged with the rod  26 . A pin can be used to statically position the choker  63  along the rod  26  by insertion of the pin through an aperture of the choker  63  and an aperture of the rod  26 . In such an embodiment, the coupler  61  is not statically attached to the rod  26  but is slidingly engaged with it. As the piston(s)  58  are actuated, their movement can cause the coupler  61  to slide along the rod  26  until it abuts the choker  63  that has been locked in position. Further movement of the piston(s)  58  can cause the ramrod  24  to move (due to engagement of the coupler  61  and choker  63 ) for operation of the device. Some embodiments can include a choker  63  on each side of the coupler  61 . In such embodiments, the pig can be moved through the chamber body  20 , through the neck  16 , and into the pipe via a series of iterative pushes. For example, actuation of the hydraulic actuator  59  can cause the piston(s)  58  to extend to their fullest extent, whereby the choker  63  can be repositioned along the rod  26  to enable another push further urging the pig through the chamber body  20 . This can be repeated until the pig is seated into the pipe to a desired seat-length. Thus, use of the choker  63  can facilitate use of the device with various length pistons  58  via a series of iterative pushes and repositioning of the choker  63 . It is contemplated for the movement of the ramrod  24 , and thus the pig, through the chamber body  20  to be a slow movement (e.g., approximately 1 foot per second) so as to assure against generating quick release of energy and/or dangerous projectiles. However, other push speeds can be used. 
     Referring to  FIG.  10   , in some embodiments, a petroleum powered (gasoline, diesel, natural gas, propane, etc.) engine  70  can be placed into mechanical connection with the hydraulic actuator  59 . Further embodiments can include mounting the petroleum powered engine  70  to a surface of the device (e.g., on a top surface of the ramrod compartment  12 ). Transfer of power from the petroleum powered engine  70  to the hydraulic actuator  59  can be achieved via a clutch mechanism  76 . For example, the petroleum powered engine  70  can include a piston-connecting rod and crankshaft assembly  72 , a rotatable gear unit  74 , a clutch mechanism  76 , and at least one drive shaft  78  operably engaged with the hydraulic actuator  59  via a rotatable hub mount and clutch mechanism  76 . Engaging the drive shaft  78  via the clutch mechanism  72  can cause the hydraulic actuator  59  to move the piston(s)  58  and traverse the ramrod  24 , as described above. In addition, a throttle control module can be used to vary the power transferred from the petroleum powered engine  70 . Other configurations of the petroleum powered engine  70  can be used. 
     In some embodiments, hydraulic connectors, hydraulic power take-off (“PTO”) connectors, or other hydraulic power/control interfaces can be disposed on the device and placed into connection with the hydraulic circuit. This may facilitate transfer of power to the hydraulic actuator and/or enable control of the hydraulic circuit from ancillary devices (forklift, tractor, etc.). If the petroleum powered engine becomes inoperable and/or if any component of the hydraulic actuator  59  becomes inoperable, such hydraulic interfaces can facilitate operation of the device via other means. In addition, the device can be operated in a non-mechanized/non-automated manner, regardless of the petroleum powered engine and/or the hydraulic actuator  59  being inoperable. In other words, the ramrod  24  can always be actuated by pulling and pushing it with mobile equipment, as described above. 
     Further embodiments can include mechanical stop associated with lock-out points to improve safety. For example, a mechanical stop, such as a locking slide bar, may be included within the chamber body  20  and/or ramrod compartment  12  to lock the ramrod  24  in a desired position. A locking slide bar may be configured to traverse a cross-sectional path of the ramrod  24  when the locking slide bar is in a deployed state. Thus, when the slide bar is deployed, the ramrod  24  is unable to move along the longitudinal direction  54 , regardless of the force applied to it. For instance, at least one slide bar aperture can be formed within a portion of the breech assembly  10 , and at least one corresponding slide bar aperture can be formed within the rod  26 . Locking-out the device can then be achieved by moving the ramrod  24  so that the slide bar apertures align so as to facilitate insertion of the locking slide bar. In the event an operator would have to gain access to in interior of the device, the device can be first locked-out to provide added safety and reduce the risk of being injured from any release of energy from an energized portion of the device. 
     As noted above, the pig loader device can be used for introducing a pig into the pipe to perform structural integrity testing. For example, after a pig is seated into the pipe, the pig loader device can be removed from the device so that a header or pressure end test cap can be affixed to the mouth of the pipe. The header can facilitate introducing of fluid (e.g., air, water, nitrogen, argon, etc.) behind the pig to occupy a volume of pipeline existing between the pig and the header (i.e., a volume of pipeline designated as a test section) and to generate a desired pressure within the test section. Changes in pressure and other parameters can be monitored to ascertain the structural integrity of the test section. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations of the described examples and embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings of the disclosure. The disclosed examples and embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration only. Other alternate embodiments may include some or all of the features disclosed herein. Therefore, it is the intent to cover all such modifications and alternate embodiments as may come within the true scope of this invention, which is to be given the full breadth thereof. Additionally, the disclosure of a range of values is a disclosure of every numerical value within that range, including the end points.