Point Guard Pipeline Probe Tool Receives Patent
Once the sensor at the tip of the Point Guard comes in close proximity of any metal, the Point Guard’s indicator light illuminates.
Point Integrity Solutions received a patent for its Point Guard pipeline detection tool, which enhances the ability of the pipeline technician by detecting the pipe before damaging the coating or pipe itself.
Typically, field engineers and technicians rely on mapping, pipe locators and standard probe rods to determine the location of a pipeline before excavation begins. This process allows the chance for pipe or coating damage if a probe rod is applied with too much force or if a probe mistakes a rock or hard surface for a pipeline.
“After having been out in the field with technicians for years, I knew there was a better way to find pipe,” said William R. Shoaf, Point Integrity Solutions president. “While the typical probe rod is still a staple of our industry, the Point Guard has a sensing technology which affords technicians and engineers a higher level of pipe location confidence. This reduces the risk of damage to a pipe or its coating during discovery and excavation.”
Before inventing the Point Guard, Shaf amassed more than 20 years in the pipeline industry as a professional engineer in the state of New Jersey as well as a CP-4, the highest level earned from the National Association of Corrosion Engineers.
Typically, crews use a standard probe rod and replace it with the Point Guard as soon as there is an indication of contact with an object. Once the sensor at the tip of the Point Guard comes in close proximity of any metal, the Point Guard’s indicator light illuminates – giving the operator the reassurance of an accurate location.
Point Guard is available in a standard five-foot length, an extendable model offering three foot rods which screw together, and a non-conductive model for added operator safety. The Point Guard sensor will detect metal through various coatings including wax, enamel and epoxy up to 250 mils thick. Engraved markings every six inches make measuring depth of cover simple.
This weather-resistant tool is designed to be rugged and is powered by two 9-V batteries. Each Point Guard comes with two replaceable polymer tips for the sensor and a Pelican case so that technicians can confidently transport their tools in any vehicle.
Point Integrity Solutions was founded in 2010 and more information is available at pointintegrity.com.
Tags: pipeline inspection, Point Guard
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