Innovation in Pipeline Condition Assessment
From a modest beginning in 1997, the Pressure Pipe Inspection Company (PPIC) has quickly grown to become a global leader in large diameter water and wastewater pipeline condition assessment. Driven by a vision that non destructive condition assessment technologies will provide the answer to a massive global infrastructure challenge, PPIC has always focused on a single goal—to develop the most accurate condition assessment technologies that provide customers with trusted results and the confidence to make the best pipeline infrastructure management decisions.
Remote Field Transformer Coupling (RFTC) technology, commercialized in 1997 by PPIC, represented a paradigm shift in non destructive condition assessment technology. The technology was developed through years of dedicated research at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Due to the optimized and patented design, RFTC technology from PPIC remains the most accurate assessment platform for Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (PCCP).
With the addition of the Sahara® product line in 2004 and subsequent capabilities expansion, PPIC was able to offer the most accurate acoustic sensing device available on the market. By using Sahara® to pinpoint leaks, measure wall thickness, and visually inspect pressurized pipelines, utilities and pipeline owners have access to the widest array of condition assessment information for large diameter mains.
PPIC works closely with customers to anticipate the needs of the market and respond with practical solutions for large diameter water pipeline assessments. Today, a complete family of non destructive condition assessment technologies help to optimize both the operating life and infrastructure budget allocations for municipalities of all sizes, private pipeline operators and power plants.
PPIC continues its tradition of innovation with talented people and millions of dollars invested for global research and development since its inception.
Innovation Timeline:
1997 - Commercial introduction of Remote Field Transformer Coupling (RFTC) technology.
1999 - Introduction of RFTC inspection tool for small diameter lined LCP & ECP (36” -66”).
2001 - Purchased Pipeline Technologies autonomous AET systems for PCCP monitoring.
2002 - Introduction of a wide range of RFTC inspection tools for PCCP diameters ranging from 36” – 252”.
2003 - Introduction of a comprehensive RFTC analysis methodology and calibration database for all types of PCCP (LCP, ECP, NCP).
2003 - Introduction of pipeline GIS asset management system.
2004 - Acquired North American license for the Sahara® leak detection system.
2005 - Introduction of the first unmanned RFTC tools for inspection of depressurized PCCP lines.
2005 - Introduction of Sahara® for pre-commissioning of new pipelines.
2006 - Introduction of Sahara® for wastewater mains.
2007 - Introduction of PipeDiver, the first free-swimming RFTC tool for live PCCP inspections.
2007 - Introduction of Sahara® live CCTV inspection.
2007 - Introduction of acoustic emissions monitoring of PCCP using fiber optic technology.
2008 - Acquired worldwide right for the Sahara® leak detection system.