And, of course, it had to fit in or onto a pig. The solution:
a 22 Hz transmitter powered by standard dry-cell batteries
and encased in stainless steel. This soon expanded into a
complete line of standard and multi-frequency transmitters.
CDI’s newest unit, the X100-1N, is about the size of a C-cell
battery. Less than 2 in. long and 1 in. dia., the X100-1N could
be included in a pigging operation of a 2 in. dia. pipe! Like
all of CDI’s X-Series transmitters, the X100 can be set for
pulse or continuous transmission. Best of all, CDI’s patented
configurator, a proprietary wireless RF programming software,
lets an operator balance his transmitter for either optimal
range or extended battery life.
In addition to its extensive transmitter line, CDI also
designs and manufactures state-of-the-art tracking and
location systems, above-ground benchmarkers and related
equipment. The company’s TRAXALL hand-held multi-source
receiver, for example, weighs only 10 lb. An operator can
easily carry the TRAXALL in the field for walking a pipeline
or pinpointing. It can also be placed on the ground over
a pipeline as an impromptu passage detector, or atop a
receiving trap for recovery verification. Passage detection
can even be viewed from a remote location within Bluetooth
range, for example, from the comfort of a truck cab during
inclement weather!
The TRAXALL and other devices can be fitted with CDI’s
optional LineStat global satellite-based event notification
radio service, a radio module that sends passage notification
as emails or text messages anywhere in the world.
Two companies, one service
Like Apache, CDI manufactures its own line of passage
indicators, albeit non-intrusive signallers.
“The decision to go intrusive or non-intrusive is usually
made long before either Apache or ourselves are contacted”
explained Eric Farqué, CDI’s Vice President of Sales. “Therefore,
our relationship, far from being competitive, is one of mutual
benefit. Our product lines complement each other. Which, of
course, is why we teamed up.”
“CDI products allow us to get back into the pig tracking
business, as we field many phone calls from our customers
inquiring on such devices, and it is a great enhancement to
our product line,” added Brett McNabb, Sales & Marketing
Manager, Apache Pipeline Products.
CDI’s non-intrusive signaller lineup includes its renowned
CD52 Bandit, an all-environment passage signaller that can be
quickly mounted with stainless steel bands (hence the name)
or poly straps to a pipeline and left to automatically detect
and record passages for up to a year before a battery change.
The Bandit’s sister product, the CD52 A30/A45 subsea pig
signaller, does the same thing underwater.
And, like Apache, CDI handles all phases of its product line
from concept to design, prototyping, and manufacturing in
house.
“It’s a ‘win-win’, arrangement. CDI’s through-wall
communication technology augments Apache’s already-
formidable product line. Apache’s customer base benefits
from a one-stop source of pigging solutions that now includes
CDI land-based and subsea pig passage detection, and time-
based benchmarking,” said Brett McNabb.
Apache and CDI, both members of the Pigging Products
and Services Association (PPSA), are well equipped to meet
demands of their industry for many years to come.
Figure 4.
A portion of Apache’s pigging inventory at the
company’s Edmonton warehouse.
Figure 5.
Bench testing at CDI. All devices receive a thorough
checkout before they are shipped.
Figure 6.
Ecuador, South America: an Apache DCDX pig
about to be launched into a 36 in. pipeline. The DCDX comes
standard with the combination of two discs, brushes, and two
cups for a positive seal and is typically used for long distance
operations and light cleaning.
32
World Pipelines
/
JULY 2015
