Plastometrex pipeline tool validation breakthrough
Plastometrex has successfully accelerated its pipeline material verification process while also improving reliability. The move comes ahead of PHMSA’s Mega Rule. During the validation process, Plastometrex’s material verification tool demonstrated a high level of accuracy for measuring yield and engineering strength across pipe diameters ranging from 4" to 36". The testing occurred at the Pipeline Research Council International’s (PRCI) Technology Development Centre in Houston, Texas.
Key information:
- Plastometrex has completed its pipeline material verification process using pipe diameters ranging from 4" to 36".
- The non-destructive mechanical test technology provider also improved reliability and accuracy levels.
- During the validation process, the company tested over 150 pipes of varying sizes and thicknesses.
Plastometrex has established itself across the advanced and additive manufacturing industries, with the aim of providing customers within these industries with precise, quick, and insightful data, both quicker and easier than when using conventional methods. According to the non-destructive mechanical test technology provider, its new tool was developed with this ethos in mind. Additionally, it claims to be easy to use while also providing reliable yield strength and UTS results in real time.
The new verification tool shares similar underlying technology elements as Plastometrex’s Benchtop Plastometer, which is based on 15 years of research and is called Profilometry-based Indentation Plastometry (PIP). The technology creates an indent which can be measured and analysed by proprietary accelerated inverse finite element software. This process will only take a few minutes, afterwards the user will receive full stress-strain curves to UTS and material strength parameters.
It took Plastometrex a year to validate the technology in this new tool format. Over 150 pipes of varying sizes and thicknesses were used during the testing process, with results compared to previous tensile tests. Additional tests that were conducted include electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), extreme temperature, and vibration exposure tests.
"We’re really pleased with the results of this validation process," said Dr James Dean, CEO at Plastometrex. "As the industry braces for the Mega Rule implementation, ensuring the integrity of pipeline systems is paramount. Our Portable Plastometer presents a reliable and efficient means for verifying pipes, aiding operators to adhere to the rigorous standards of safety and performance."