PPIC Launches the Sahara® Leak Location System
Scottsdale, Arizona - April 16, 2004 - The Pressure Pipe Inspection Company (PPIC) is pleased to announce that it has signed an exclusive agreement with the United Kingdom's Water Research Center (WRC) to provide the Sahara® transmission main leak location service.
Sahara® is a proven and patented system that has been widely used throughout the world to pinpoint the location and estimate the magnitude of leaks in water transmission mains of any material construction type.
The system is inserted into a live transmission main through any tap 2" or greater in diameter and is completely safe for all potable water systems. In operation, the probe is carried along the pipe by the flow of water. The system locates leaks as small as 0.25 gallons/hr, in real time, through identification of the distinctive acoustic signals generated by leaks in the pipe wall, the joints or steel welds.
Once a leak has been detected, the sensor head can be stopped at the precise position of the leak. Its location within the main can be identified from the surface using TUE's PipeSpy2000 precision locator unit and accurately marked for subsequent excavation and repair. Consequently, operators can also use Sahara to accurately map the course of a pipeline.
Depending on the pipe configuration, lengths up to 6,000 feet can be surveyed with a single insertion. Inspections can be carried out in mains with a diameter of greater than 12"; there is no limit on the maximum diameter.
By using Sahara® to pinpoint leaks in transmission mains, operators can reduce non revenue water, selectively rehabilitate individual pipe, and avoid the cost of complete pipeline replacement - thereby extending the life of their pipeline." says Brian Mergelas, President & CEO of PPIC.
"WRc has successfully performed over 1,000 surveys using Sahara," adds Dene Marshallsay, Head of Demand Management for the Water Research Center (WRc). "On average, operators have eliminated a water loss of upwards of 57,000 gallons/day/mile surveyed by using the system."
"PPIC was the obvious choice as a partner for WRc," adds Marshallsay. In our opinion, their background and commitment to the condition assessment of water transmission systems is unequalled."
"Sahara significantly expands PPIC's delivery platform," asserts Mergelas. "In the past, PPIC has been able to provide condition assessment services to those pipeline operators who manage Concrete Pressure Pipe. With Sahara®, we can service a pipeline operator's entire transmission network - enabling them to cost-effectively manage their aging infrastructure."
PPIC is introducing Sahara® to the North American marketplace immediately.
About PPIC
A world leader in large diameter water and wastewater pipeline condition assessment, the Pressure Pipe Inspection Company (PPIC) offers forward looking solutions to help customers address aging infrastructure challenges in a reliable and cost effective manner. Our innovative services pinpoint damaged sections of a pipeline to help optimize infrastructure investments, stop leaks, reduce risk and ensure compliance. PPIC has inspected over 6,000 miles of critical pipeline assets over the past decade. For more information, visit www.ppic.com.
For more information, contact:
Michael Stadnyckyj
the Pressure Pipe Inspection Company
+1 905-624-1040 x 301
mstad@ppic.com