SIA adopts Plastometrex's PLX-Portable platform
Across North America, there is an increasing demand for improved pipeline integrity management due to ageing pipeline infrastructure and more stringent regulatory pressures. The Structural Integrity Associates (SIA) have pledged to support the maintenance of the pipeline network through the deployment of integrity management services and technologies.
To help meet the increasing demands placed on SIA, the engineering company has invested in Plastometrex’s PLX-Portable platform. This decision was taken with the belief that the platform will help SIA’s engineering and non-destructive evaluation (NDE) service offering.
About Structural Integrity Associates
Established in 1983, Structural Integrity Associates (SIA) specialises in the delivery of asset life cycle services. The organisation comprises of a selection of industry experts from various sectors including energy, engineering, and science. SIA aims to predict and maximise the lifespan of equipment while also ensuring the reliability of plants and equipment.
SIA battle to meet pipeline integrity demands in North America
Plastometrex's PLX-Portable.
To address the increasing demands on pipeline testing seen across North America, SIA invested in Plastometrex’s PLX-Portable platform. The new addition hopes to deliver fast and reliable material verification data, with the results said to be available immediately in the ditch.
According to its developers, the PLX-Portable platform works by utilising an indentation-based test method which can extract stress-strain curves from pipes, in in-situ. This ensures that the pipeline operator can verify the pipeline material and determine the maximum operating pressure of said pipes. The latter is now mandated in the PHMSA “Mega Rule” legislation.
The testing process takes up to 30 minutes (per quadrant) with minimal surface preparation required. The platform also includes in-built system safeguards that remove any data uncertainties, as well as ensure fully compliant data reporting. This makes reliable data readily available for the pipeline operator, who will only require two days’ worth of training before being able to use the technology.
The PLX-Portable platform uses Plastometrex’s proprietary PIP (Profilometry-based Indentation Platstometry) technology, which is already utilised by the likes of NASA, and MIT. Now available to SIA, the technology will provide operators with a reliable method for verifying the mechanical properties of the pipeline structure. This will ensure that the pipeline will meet any compliance, safety, and performance requirements.
Key features of the PLX-Portable by Plastometrex:
- Enhanced accuracy levels and ease of use.
- Automated testing process.
- Simplified surface preparation and testing processes deliver quicker results.
- Result reports are available through Plastometrex’s cloud-based platform.
- Users require only two days of training before being ready to use the system for inspection purposes.
- TVC compliant.
- The entire testing process takes less than 30 minutes.
PLX-Portable ensures the maintenance and operation of pipelines across North America
Since choosing to adopt the new platform, SIA will also benefit from support whenever the company requires it. This is because Plastometrex has an already established US-subsidiary headquarters located in Houston, Texas.
“We always strive to offer world-leading solutions to our valued customers, and through our extensive technical due diligence process, it was clear that Plastometrex brings the best combination of accuracy, ease of use, and technical support in the market,” said Roger Royer, NDE Strategic Leader at SIA. “We are delighted to now offer the PLX-Portable to our mid-stream oil and gas customers across North America.”
“We are thrilled to welcome SIA as a customer and partner,” said Dr James Dean, CEO of Plastometrex. “From our customer-support base in Houston, we look forward to working closely with SIA, as they continue their excellent work in helping to keep North America’s pipelines well-maintained and operational.”
By combining advanced technology with strategic support, as well as reiterating its commitment to North America’s oil and gas operators, SIA is hoping to successfully address all issues regarding the rising pipeline testing demands seen in the area.