Hexagon Composites' subsidiary Hexagon Lincoln, with its partner Digital Wave Corporation launch requalification testing program for its Mobile Pipeline® modules. The efficient requalification technology minimizes the operators' out of service time while ensuring an approved, safe and reliable requalification method.
In 2012, Hexagon's first TITAN® modules to the North American market were delivered to customers for delivering compressed natural gas. As part of the U.S. DOT (Department of Transport) approval of TITAN®, the operators of the modules are required to requalify the cylinders every five years to allow continued operation.
The requalification testing program, based on Modal Acoustic Emission (MAE) technology is developed jointly with Digital Wave, a leading provider of MAE requalification services. MAE testing collects data from cylinders under pressure and provides a comprehensive evaluation of the composite structure of each cylinder tested.
NG Advantage is the first customer to make use of the program and has signed an agreement with Hexagon for testing of existing modules scheduled for fourth quarter of 2017.
"We have been running TITAN® trailers from Hexagon since 2013 and know them to be safe and very reliable; they are the work horse of our Mobile Pipeline® fleet," said Rico Biasetti, CEO of NG Advantage. "We are excited to expand our partnership with Hexagon to also include periodic requalification that can be performed near our facilities to ensure that the equipment is returned to service as soon as possible."
"Our goal is to minimize the downtime of our customers' equipment. The MAE (Modal Acoustic Emission) testing process allows us to meet this goal while providing us with the most in-depth look into the structural integrity of our composite cylinders," said Miguel Raimao, Vice President Mobile Pipeline® at Hexagon Lincoln. "Our requalification program allows us to test the cylinders at or very near our customer sites. Furthermore, our requalification test method is performed at normal operating pressures with standard gases, requires no disassembly of the modules, and eliminates the complication of hydrostatic testing. It's simply a superior method that we are confident will prove transformational for our industry."
"Hexagon is a first-mover launching this unmatched service to the gas transportation market. We are expanding our equipment and service offerings to further our ability to meet the needs of our clients. Requalification testing is one of these solutions intended to assist Hexagon customers improve their businesses," said Jack Schimenti, President at Hexagon Lincoln.
The U.S. DOT (Department of Transport) has granted Hexagon Lincoln special permits that authorize the company to conduct the requalification testing program.
For more information:
Jack Schimenti, President, Hexagon Lincoln LLC
Telephone: +1 402 430 3863 | jack.schimenti@hexagonlincoln.com
David Bandele, CFO, Hexagon Composites ASA
Telephone: +47 920 91 483 | david.bandele@hexagon.no
Solveig D Saether, Communication Manager, Hexagon Composites ASA
Telephone: +47 906 34 977 | solveig.saether@hexagon.no
About NG Advantage LLC
NG Advantage provides the economic and environmental benefits of clean-burning natural gas to boiler and kiln operators located beyond the reach of pipelines via one of the largest virtual pipeline trailer fleet in the US. The company pioneered trucking compressed natural gas to end users in the US and is the leading provider of this "virtual pipeline" service in the country. The company's current customers include large regional hospitals, paper mills, asphalt plants, food processors, industrial dry cleaners, manufacturing facilities, and local pipeline companies. The company, which is majority owned by Clean Energy Fuels (NASDAQ:CLNE), is expanding nationwide from its base in the Northeast.
About Digital Wave Corporation
Digital Wave Corporation is based out of Centennial, Colorado, and provides modal acoustic emission (MAE) and ultrasonic inspection equipment and services for the pressure vessel industry. For more information visit www.digitalwavecorp.com.
About Hexagon Composites
Hexagon Composites delivers safe and innovative solutions for a cleaner energy future. We are adapting our leading composite pressure vessel technology for a wide range of mobility and storage applications. The energy transition towards a low-carbon society is constantly opening up exciting growth opportunities for us. For more information: www.hexagon.no
Follow us on Twitter: @HexagonASA