When it comes to understanding the condition of your pipelines, accuracy, reliability, and efficiency are crucial. At PICA, we know the importance of ensuring our clients understand the state of their pipelines, and with a commitment to innovation, our tools ensure we get a clear image of the health of pipelines in the municipal marketplace. 

As a leader in non-destructive testing, PICA is proud to announce our new Navigator Mark 2 acoustic sphere. Below, we’ll delve into the key features of these cutting-edge tools that are transforming the way leaks, gas pockets, and magnetic anomalies are detected within pipelines. Continue reading to find out more. 

The Navigator’s Unique Design

PICA’s Navigator Mark 2 Acoustic Sphere boasts a distinctive design that places the acoustic and pressure sensors in direct contact with the water column. This provides superior acoustic sensing across a higher frequency range. In fact, the very first two water mains that we inspected had leaks that we easily detected.

Metal pipes such as Cast-iron, Ductile-Iron and Steel, as well as Asbestos Cement, Plastic (PVC and HDPE), FRP and others can now be inspected with unmatched accuracy and precision. Some additional standout features include:

1) Leak and Gas Pocket Detection

One of the primary functions of PICA’s Navigator Mark 2 Tool is to detect leaks and gas pockets within water, wastewater, and other liquid-filled pipelines. Thanks to their acoustic sensors and ultrasonic capabilities, these tools excel at this task. The Mark 2 can detect leaks as small as 0.6 litres/minute at pressures as low as 20 psi, making them best in class for sensitivity, ensuring that even the smallest leaks are quickly identified. 

Additionally, gas pockets can form within Force Mains, posing risks to the integrity of the infrastructure. PICA’s Navigator tools are often used in conjunction with our external bracelet probe to detect the damage that these gas pockets often cause due to their H2S content. Their ability to navigate through pipelines with the flow, even at flow speeds up to 5 FPS and at pressures up to 150 psig makes them invaluable for maintaining pipeline safety.

2) Pressure Profile Logging

Understanding the pressure profile within a pipeline is essential for assessing its health. PICA‘s Navigator tools can log pressure profiles, providing a correlation to the pipeline’s elevation profile. This data is valuable to help make informed decisions about maintenance and repairs.

3) Magnetic Features on Non-Magnetic Pipelines

While many pipelines are non-magnetic, some contain magnetic anomalies such as repair clamps or ductile iron hydrant leads. The Navigator Mark 2 is equipped to handle this challenge. It can detect and locate magnetic features and match the information to as-built drawings and other corporate records.

Your Source for Non-Destructive Testing

When it comes to pipeline inspections, precision and reliability are non-negotiable. PICA’s Navigator Mark 2 Tools embody these qualities, making them indispensable for detecting leaks, gas pockets, and magnetic features within pipelines. Their innovative acoustic design ensures that they will provide enhanced leak detection.

As industries and their safety standards evolve, tools like these will play a vital role in maintaining the safety and integrity of critical infrastructure. PICA’s commitment to innovation and excellence shines through in the Navigator Mark 2, setting a new standard for Acoustic Leak Detection.

Contact PICA today to learn more about our Navigator tools and how they can detect leak sites in your pipelines.