Our Technology
Using technology similar to RADAR, Profile Technologies has created a unique non-invasive, long-range inspection method to locate and identify anomalies and unfavorable conditions of cased and insulated pipelines. Just as a RADAR system emits electromagnetic signals and waits for a response reflected from objects, our equipment sends pulsed waves into the space surrounding a pipeline and receives the responses which can then be located and identified.
The pulses travel as waves lengthwise through the space that is bordered by the outside surface of the pipeline being tested, and the inside surface of the casing or insulating jacket. The inner and outer pipe serve as a guide for the waves as they travel through the annular space between the pipes. Variations in material densities and distortions in the shape of the annulus result in changes to the reflected signal that can then be analyzed to determine cause and location.
In this manner, we can provide :
- Long range detection of anomalies in the annular space of a cased pipeline including corrosion product, electrolytes (water, soil), and electrical or electrolytic contact.
- Detection of water and short circuits.
- Identification of external corrosion and wall loss above a Minimum Detection Threshold (MDT).
- Mechanical deformation detection such as sagging of the carrier pipe or crushing of the casing.
- Resolution of the location and length duration of a single or multiple anomalies.
- Characterization of the magnitude of the anomaly based on data and equivalancy models.
- Continuous or periodic monitoring to detect changes over time – MDT is much lower.
Our Research
Our patented technology for use on cased and thermally insulated pipelines is currently available as a service (EMW-C) to various industries including natural gas and oil pipelines, utilities, power plants, and refineries. Please see our services page for more details.
In addition, we are in the process of the development of this technology to be used inside pipelines to detect internal corrosion as well as a means to detect anomalies on direct buried pipelines. Research in these areas is ongoing.
Research and Development is currently conducted in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our R&D team is headed by Dr. Charles Frost and Dr. Ronald Focia.
Dr. Charles Frost is Chief Consulting Scientist directing development of new electromagnetic wave (EMW) pipeline corrosion testing methodology at Profile Technologies, Inc. He received his PhD in Physics from The University of New Mexico in 1980. From 1980 to 1994 he was a research scientist at Sandia National Laboratories where he developed high power electromagnetics (EM) systems, non-destructive testing, and fast pulse EM measurement techniques. From 1994 to present, he has been President of Pulse Power Physics, Inc., where he develops high power electromagnetic and non-destructive test equipment and performs government and commercial research.
Dr. Ronald J. Focia is Senior Consulting Research Scientist developing new technologies for Profile Technologies, Inc. He received a BS in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University in 1986. From 1986 to 1994 he was a nuclear trained US Naval submarine officer. From 1994 to 1996 he attended The University of New Mexico and earned a MS in Electrical Engineering. He received a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2002. From 1993 to present he has been conducting private, government and commercial research and development in the fields of pulsed power sources, electromagnetic measurement techniques, dielectric materials, and linear motors and control systems. He is currently President of Pulsed Power Laboratories, Inc.
