Intelligent PIG (2019-05-29) by Ted Humble-SmithMuseum of Engineering Innovation
The winner of the 1989 MacRobert Award: the Intelligent PIG
The ‘intelligent pig’ (pipeline inspection gauge) travels along remote gas and oil pipelines to inspect for defects.
The practice of using pipeline inspection gauges is known as ‘pigging’. Devices can clean and inspect pipelines without turning off the pipes and stopping the flow.
Pigging systems are used across industries, including cosmetics, paints, oils, and foodstuffs.
In oil and gas, ‘intelligent pigs’ are used to prevent leaks and explosions. ‘Intelligent pigs’ can also be used to separate different products in a multiproduct pipeline.
The artist reimagined the device as almost animal in form, with magnifying glasses closely observing everything as it works its way down the pipe.
no sound Intelligent PIGMuseum of Engineering Innovation
Behind the scenes of the Intelligent PIG model
Intelligent PIG (2019-05-29) by Ted Humble-SmithMuseum of Engineering Innovation
British Gas: Winners of the MacRobert Award
Artist Ted Humble-Smith was inspired by the Intelligent PIG to mark the 50th Anniversary of the MacRobert Award
50 years of the MacRobert AwardMuseum of Engineering Innovation
MacRobert Award for Engineering Innovation: Fran Scott interviews Ted Humble-SmithMuseum of Engineering Innovation
The artist inspired by engineering
Ted Humble-Smith is a photographer and director who brings a sense of magic to the meticulous conceptual images he creates for the luxury fashion, beauty, jewellery, and business worlds.
Ted Humble-Smith uses his imagination and technical expertise to produce vibrant images that push the boundaries of commercial photography. He talked to engineers involved in MacRobert Award-winning projects to picture the concepts behind the innovations. His images capture the thought process behind the breakthroughs, rather than illustrating the innovations’ technical workings.
PIGMuseum of Engineering Innovation
From the sketchbook
The creative process of the PIG artwork
