Hexagon Digital Wave signs long term agreement with Certarus using Modal Acoustic Emission technology to requalify Type-4 cylinders
Hexagon Digital Wave has signed a long-term agreement with Certarus Ltd. (Certarus), a leading provider of turnkey virtual pipeline solutions in North America. Hexagon Digital Wave will perform in situ Modal Acoustic Emission (MAE) requalification of Type-4 cylinders used for transportation of compressed natural and renewable natural gas (CNG/RNG).
MAE enables the requalification of Type-4 cylinders without removal from the trailer, resulting in reduced downtime and operator overhead, all while providing the most effective assessment of composite structural integrity available. The long-term agreement has a 3-year term and estimated value of USD 2 million ( approx. NOK 21 million).
Driving Energy Transformation
“This agreement confirms that the future of MAE in the CNG and RNG industry remains strong. It’s also a testament to Certarus’s continued commitment to safety by leveraging best available technology” says Melissa Holler, President of Hexagon Digital Wave. “We look forward to supporting Certarus with requalifications of Type-4 cylinders and are pleased to be working with such an industry leader to further this adoption in the years to come.”
“Hexagon has been instrumental to the growth of Certarus and we look forward to continuing our relationship through this new agreement. MAE will ensure that our equipment remains safe and reliable while reducing the downtime and expense typically associated with requalification. We also believe that MAE will support current data suggesting that the useful life of our assets extends beyond initial industry expectations,” said Curtis Philippon, President and CEO of Certarus.
About the market
MAE uses advanced electronics and sensors that capture broadband waveforms to identify whether structural integrity deficiencies are present in Composite Overwrappped Pressure Vessels (COPVs). The use of MAE is a requalification method adopted by the US Department of Transportation (US/DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and Transport Canada for the five (5) year requalification requirement. Hexagon Digital Wave performs requalification of COPVs under its US DOT special permit 20396. By performing inspections in situ, the need to vent trailer contents to the atmosphere is eliminated, enabling our customers to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and meet their sustainability goals.
A significant increase in customer demand for compressed gas transport is driving module owners to seek safe, yet time efficient methods of cylinder requalification. Hexagon Digital Wave’s MAE services meet these requirements, and when leveraged, alleviate pain points for customers and module suppliers alike.
Timing
Requalification is set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2022.
