Measuring Metallic Pipe Wall Thickness - PPIC is working closely with the U.S. EPA, Battelle Research and Louisville Water Company to evaluate pipeline condition assessment technologies that measure metal wall loss circumferentially and longitudinally. PPIC demonstrated two technologies during the tests on a 24” cast iron pipeline, the PipeDiver™ free swimming tool and the Sahara® tethered system. The two technologies are complementary as one is capable of inspecting long distances while the other can be used for localized needs. Results of the study are expected to be released later this year.

Ultra Sensitive Technology - During a recent Sahara® leak detection deployment in South America, the accurate Sahara® acoustic sensor combined with the skill of the operator successfully identified a leak on a parallel water pipeline over 12 feet away! A key to this success was the ability of the operator to stop the tethered sensor until he positively identify the noise anomaly. The client was able to verify the leak on the adjacent metallic line and quickly repair it.

Ready and Waiting - Near Sacramento, California, a leading pipeline contractor turned to Sahara® technology as an “insurance policy” during the commissioning of a new 6 mile, 72” mortar line steel pipeline.  In the event that the hydrostatic pressure test could not be successfully completed, the Sahara® unit could be quickly applied to pinpoint the source of any leak(s), keeping the project on schedule and ensuring a high quality installation for the end user. 

Major Pipe Rupture - It was an urgent situation when a 48 inch prestressed concrete cylinder pipeline (PCCP) failed for a major city in the mid west United States. A PPIC crew was on-site and supporting the client within 48 hours of the incident with an RFTC PipeRider™ unit. Inspections were conducted up and down stream from the rupture point to determine the condition of the remaining pipeline. Preliminary analysis results were supplied to the client on a priority basis.

If you would like any additional information on any of these projects or if you would like to discuss a new project, please contact us.

The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) has focused on water loss management programs for the past decade and is well known for its annual water audit and for pioneering new methods such as the use of District Metered Areas (DMA) and advanced pressure management. In 2007 PWD also began to use the Sahara® system for precise leak location.

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The first tool designed for live inspection of large diameter water mains, the Sahara® Pipeline Inspection System remains the most accurate tool available for detecting leaks, pockets of trapped gas, and structural defects in large diameter pipelines.

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PPIC will be an exhibitor at the ASCE Pipelines Conference in San Diego on August 15-19 at booths #303 and #305. We will be featuring our PipeDiver™ and Sahara® leak detection technology and we look forward to seeing you there.

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