Technical Toolboxes Introduces a New Pipeline Defect Prove-Up Technology

HOUSTON, Sept. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Technical Toolboxes and Seikowave have partnered together to transform the way pipeline owners, operators, and their select pipeline integrity service vendors "Prove-Up" pipeline defects identified during ILI & routine Inspections.  Technical Toolboxes and Seikowave, Inc., a leading supplier of Structured Light 3D technology, now offer a complete packaged solution of hardware (the 3D Pit Gauge) and software (Image Processing & Integrated Defect Assessment Software including FSS 1,2,3, ASME B31G, RSTRENG, etc.) called the 3D Toolbox.  The new solution is both faster and more cost-effective than anything available on the market today.

Hazardous liquid and gas pipeline operators are tasked with the responsibility of complying with the federal and state regulatory requirements to ensure that field data gathering of pipe and corrosion defects are assessed properly after in-line inspection runs, direct assessment or other maintenance activities. Yet too often, companies are hired using tools and technologies that do not meet today's regulatory standards. Technicians that are qualified in some tasks, but not experienced in all phases of direct examination of corrosion, gouges, dents, weld defects, cracks, wrinkle bends, SCC, construction defects, etc. have the most problems. One critical requirement consists of a systematic approach of gathering consistent defect data. 

The innovative 3D Toolbox solution addresses the industry's needs for both repeatable and more accurate defect measurements, analysis, and storage that can comply with and exceed federal & state regulations and safety requirements.

The 3D Toolbox requires no special ditching, and is rugged (even meeting military grade specifications). It displays an average image footprint of one square foot that has micron accuracy and is repeatable with no special training. This solution can be easily transported, set up, and images can be captured and processed in seconds. The 3D Toolbox will augment any customer's existing prove-up tools with a single, reliable source for gathering and analyzing pipeline integrity information for a fraction of the cost of traditional disparate methods. This will help operators manage risk better, lower operating costs, and improve overall pipeline performance.

"This solution will become the new standard in pipeline inspection prove-up management," said Joe Pikas, Technical Toolboxes Vice President of Pipeline Integrity. "3D Toolbox will radically change the way pipeline owners and operators conduct business, respond to issues, and maintain regulatory compliance. This product solves many of the issues the pipeline industry has faced over the last decade by connecting people with the tools they need to gather more quickly, accurately and repeatable pipeline defect data."

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), there are more than 2.5 million miles of pipelines in the U.S. with about 3,000 pipeline operators. This represents a massive potential market that can benefit from this new integrated management solution.

Joe Summa, President & CEO of Technical Toolboxes said, "This 3D Toolbox provides users with the ability to perform a complete analysis in the field or make real-time pipeline defect data available to the central office, thus enabling more cost-efficient field data collection and analysis. Personnel in the field will be able to connect and update data from laptops, tablets, smart phones and other portable devices."

"We are extremely pleased that Technical Toolboxes selected Seikowave's Structured Light 3D technology," said Matt Bellis, President of Seikowave. "Technical Toolboxes is a well-known, quality brand in the Energy Industry with many not-for-profit research and new technology affiliations which have been used to assist in the development and testing of this exciting technology in the Energy Industry."

About Technical Toolboxes www.TechnicalToolboxes.com

Technical Toolboxes Inc. (TTI) is a provider of integrated energy midstream software solutions, consulting services, and training for engineering and technical professionals. The integrated Toolbox software products developed by TTI provide companies with engineering productivity tools used for standardization and training of their engineering and technical professionals. Technical Toolboxes is also the strategic marketing partner of the Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI) and markets their technical pipeline research reports and software.

About Seikowave www.Seikowave.com

Seikowave is a provider of 3D imaging systems and analysis software.  We live in a three-dimensional world, and our ability to make accurate measurements of these dimensions is critical to a wide variety of applications that is as diverse as measuring parts for automobiles, inspecting pipelines, even direct examination of teeth for dental restoration, along with many others. With measurement capabilities from microns to meters, chances are we have a solution for you.

SOURCE Technical Toolboxes