INGU’s Pipers® solution pairs a baseball-sized, free-floating multi sensor system with AI powered data analytics and a GIS Pipeline viewer. The Pipers® solution accurately identifies and locate potential issues such as leaks, build up, or changes in the pipeline wall without the need for external reference devices. Pipers® are suitable for all pipelines, independent of pipeline diameter and material, and can be used while the pipeline is in service. The information provided allows you to prioritize when and where action is needed to keep your pipelines operate safely and reliably.
Pipers® ‘listen’ for leaks while flowing through the pipeline. Because the Pipers® are free-floating, there is limited to no background noise, making the Pipers® an ultra sensitive leak detection tool. To put it simple, if you can hear the leak, Pipers® can.
Reducing water loss is a global challenge for water utilities. Pipers® accurately detect and locate leaks, giving you the information you need to repair leaks.
Pipers® ‘listen’ for air/gas pockets while flowing through the pipeline. Because the Pipers® are free-floating, there is limited to no background noise, making the Pipers® an ultra sensitive air/gas pocket detection tool.
Gas pockets in wastewater pipelines risk the integrity of the pipelines. Pipers® detect and locate gas pockets, so you can make informed decisions about next steps.
With 100 pressure measurements per second, i.e. every 2.5cm (1 inch) at a 2m/s (6.5 ft/s) flow speed, Pipers® provide a detailed pressure profile over the full length of the pipeline.
Buildup or debris in wastewater pipelines can limit the pipeline’s capacity and be a risk for pipeline integrity. Pipers® detect buildup and provide the location, so you know where to clean.
Pipers® can determine the pipeline path and geometry by combining the information provided by the full sensor suite.
Elevation and heading of the pipeline are directly measured and combined with bend angles, weld patterns, and spool lengths. This allows for a reconstruction of the pipeline path and a visualization in the pipeline viewer.
While flowing through the pipeline, Pipers® continuously measure the pipeline’s magnetic flux. Using this information, a spool-based metal loss analysis can be performed. Spools are categorized in no or minimal, medium, and severe metal loss, and a confidence level will be assigned.
Pipers® serve as an in-between solution between hydrostatic testing and conventional inline inspection tools (smart pigs), and as such help operators keep their pipelines safe.
While flowing through the pipeline, Pipers® continuously measure the pipeline’s magnetic flux. Using this information, a spool-based metal loss analysis can be performed. Spools are categorized in no or minimal, medium, and severe metal loss, and a confidence level will be assigned.
Pipers® serve as an in-between solution between hydrostatic testing and conventional inline inspection tools (smart pigs), and as such help operators keep their pipelines safe.
As part of the inspection deliverables, the results from a Pipers® pipeline inspection can be presented in INGU’s Pipeline viewer. An interactive geographic information system (GIS) environment that shows the inspection results on a satellite map.
The pipeline path including the launch and receive locations will be marked. Depending on the pipeline inspection service selected, also joints, bends, leaks, air pockets, metal loss, hot taps, etc… will be marked. Clicking on a marker will provide specific information for that marker. The pipe tally can also be downloaded.
It is also possible to upload other inspection data and see the comparison in the Pipeline viewer. And full visibility across your pipeline assets equals comprehensive insight and control.
Easily mobilized so fast response when issues are suspected
Assess your pipelines without interrupting regular service
Information about leaks, gas pockets, buildup, and changes in the pipeline wall in a single run
Affordability and ease of use means more visibility more often
Effectively assess any pipeline diameter and material
Leverage historical data for unprecedented analysis
Steven is a Venture Principal with Chevron Technology Ventures on the Core Venture Fund investment team. Chevron Technology Ventures (CTV) was launched in 1999 to identify and integrate externally developed technologies and new business solutions with the potential to enhance the way Chevron produces and delivers affordable, reliable, and ever-cleaner energy now and into the future. Its Core Venture Fund invests in technologies that have the potential to add efficiencies to Chevron’s core business in the areas of operational enhancement, digitalization, and lower-carbon operations.
Steven has 12 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, 10 with Chevron. He has held various assignments in both upstream and downstream, beginning his career in Liquefied Natural Gas Technology Development before transferring to the El Segundo Refinery as a Process Engineer supporting naphtha and gas oil hydrotreaters and then working as a Process Automation Engineer specializing in Safety Systems. Prior to becoming a Venture Principal, Steven first joined Chevron Technology Ventures in 2019 as a Decision Analysis Advisor, supporting projects across the technology portfolio and ensuring high decision quality around development and deployment of externally developed technologies. Prior to joining Chevron, he worked for Baker Hughes Incorporated and ExxonMobil Chemical Company.
Steven holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Science in Data Science, both from Rice University in Houston, TX.
Steve Bolze recently launched Standish Spring Investments to support founders scaling early and growth stage organizations that support the energy transition.
Prior to launching Standish Spring Investments, Steve was a senior managing director and head of infrastructure portfolio operations and asset management for Blackstone’s dedicated infrastructure business. He was one of the founding partners of Blackstone’s infrastructure investment fund, valued at more than $25 billion currently, and partnered with portfolio company CEOs to drive key value creation initiatives.
Before joining Blackstone, Steve had a nearly 25-year career at General Electric, during which time he successfully led several of the company’s largest businesses. In his last role as President and CEO of GE Power and Water, he oversaw the company’s $28 billion power generation and renewables business, operating in over 140 countries with 52,000 employees; at the time its technology helped provide more than one-quarter of the world’s electricity.
George is co-founder and managing partner of Energy Innovation Capital, a capital provider to energy innovators. George is an experienced venture capital investor, having co-founded three corporate venture capital groups: Chevron Technology Ventures, ConocoPhillips Technology Ventures Investments and Energy Technology Ventures. He previously worked in Exploration & Production leadership roles at Chevron and is an active member of AAPG, SEG, and SPE. George holds an MBA from Tulane University, a M.S. in Geology from the University of Kansas and a B.S. in Earth Sciences from the University of New Orleans.
