The pig launcher is installed
subsea by
coupling it to a launcher manifold. The launcher manifold is installed substantially permanently
subsea as a part of a pipeline. The pig launcher includes a dual bore
collet connector for
coupling to the launcher manifold, and a rotary storage
magazine for storing the pigs. The launcher manifold can be manufactured, for example, as part of an inline lateral tie-in sled or as part of a pipeline end manifold (PLEM). A
branch connection from the pipeline to the pig launcher is provided in the launcher manifold via a piggable Y connection to a dual bore
collet connector male hub. The pig launcher is landed and latched to the launcher manifold to complete the pig launching
system. A closure valve between the Y connection and the hub prevents a pressure loss when the pig launcher is not installed, and the closure valve is opened to permit passage of the pigs during launching. A
throttle valve upstream of the Y connection allows the pipeline pressure to be dropped downstream so that a pig can be launched using upstream pressure. During launching, a kicker valve is opened to bypass the
throttle valve and direct the higher upstream pressure through the secondary bore of the dual bore
collet connector and into the rotary
magazine.