BIRD Wireless PIG Detector

The ClampOn BIRD PIG Detector registers and monitors when the PIG is passing the point of installation. Providing reliable information about the passage of the PIG increases pipeline integrity and produces cost savings. Having a pig signaller installed is essential to confirm the successful launch, arrival, or passage of a pig at specific points along the pipeline.


The BIRD PIG Detector is a unique wireless acoustic instrument for onshore, downstream and unconventional market. It is non-intrusive and can be clamped to the outside of the pipe.

ClampOn PIG detection systems perform this operation in a simple and safe way as they only detect the PIG from the outside of the pipe. The sensor is simply clamped onto the pipe, eliminating any need for welding or drilling during installation. There is no need for inserts in the PIG and the system is capable of detecting all types of PIGs or plugs.

Principle of operation

The BIRD PIG detector senses a passing pig using passive acoustic (ultrasonic) technology. The instrument has internal Digital Signal Processing (DSP). As a pig passes the detectors location, the instrument senses and analyses changes in the signal level at multiple frequencies. A pig can be indicated either via light on the instrument or via wireless signal transmission to a control system indicator panel. This signal can be a “pig passed” signal or a RAW-signal outpout for further processing. By using either a dedicated computer running ClampOn software or sending the output to the MCS, the user can see a graphical representation of the signal received from the PIG Detector.

ClampOn BIRD Wireless detector with light

  • Non-intrusive
  • Wireless
  • Internal PowerModule
  • Versatile
  • Real-time detection
  • Acoustic & magnetic detection
  • Local and remote indication

The ClampOn BIRD PIG Detector is a unique wireless acoustic sensor for the
onshore, downstream and unconventional market. The PIG Detector is non-intrusive and provides reliable detection of any type of pig.

With its wireless connection interface, the ClampOn BIRD instrument utilizes a self-forming mesh network that will add any additional ClampOn BIRD instrument to the network automatically. By connecting to the ClampOn Router data from the instruments is retrieved using Modbus and can be integrated to a control system or standard ClampOn monitoring software.

Mesh network
Mesh network Multi-hop mesh technology, self-forming and self healing netwotk
Wireless connectivity Line of Sight: up to 1 000 m (urban: 200 m)
Security Encrypted data communication
Firmware update OTA - Over the Air
Battery operated 1 year of operation

The instruments can easily be clamped to a pipe. Installing and setting up an entire network of ClampOn BIRD instruments is done in only a few hours. Even installation in remote and rural locations is no longer a problem, as repeaters can be used to extend the network. The PIG signaller is clamped to the outside of the pipe, so no parts are in contact with the flow. It can be installed on pipes of various dimensions.

ClampOn BIRD mounted on straight pipe

BIRD PIG Detector / Signaller
Method of operation
Optional dual detection with magnetic flux gate
Ultrasonic ( acoustic)
Method of installation Non-intrusive, clamped to pipe surface
Detection mode Default: Acoustic
Optional: Magnetic
Pipe surface temperature
Option w/ high temperature fix
-40 °C / +140 °C
-162 °C / +350 °C
Interface options RS-485 (Modbus RTU)
RF Module frequency range 862 MHz to 930 Mhz
Comply IEEE 802.15.4g. FCC and CE
RF Output power <14 dBm
Range LOS ≤1 km
Data transmission rate Configurable from 1 second to 60 minutes
Flow regimes Oil, gas, water, multiphase
Diagnostic features Intelligent "health check"
Ingress protection IP 65 tested to IEC 60529
Housing material Polybutylene terephtalate (PBT) and Stainless steel 316L
Dimensions (l x w x h) 212 mm x 174 mm x 165 mm
Weight (instrument only) 1.2 kg [2.6 lb]
Antenna type Integral omnidirectional, 868 MHz or 915 MHz
Power consumption 0.1 Watt (average)
PowerModule type Intrinsically safe non-rechargeable lithiumthionyl chloride
Electronics platform ClampOn DSP III
All specifications are subject to change without notice

Additional information about ClampOn BIRD PIG Detector