Point Integrity Solutions Awarded Patent for the Point Guard, Smart Pipeline Probe Tool

Southampton, NJ, February 6, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Point Integrity Solutions proudly announces that it has been issued a patent for the pipeline probe tool known as the Point Guard.  The Point Guard enhances the ability of the pipeline technician by allowing him to detect the pipe before damaging the coating or pipe itself.

Typically, field engineers and technicians rely on mapping, pipe locators and standard probe rods to determine the location of a pipeline before excavation begins. This process allows the chance for pipe or coating damage if a probe rod is applied with too much force or if a probe mistakes a rock or hard surface for a pipeline. 

"After having been out in the field with technicians for years, I knew there was a better way to find pipe," Shoaf said. "While the typical probe rod is still a staple of our industry, the Point Guard has a sensing technology which affords technicians and engineers a higher level of pipe location confidence. This reduces the risk of damage to a pipe or its coating during discovery and excavation."

William R. Shoaf, Inventor, President of Point Integrity Solutions

Inventor and President of Point Integrity Solutions, William R. “Rob” Shoaf had more than 20 years of experience in the pipeline industry before creating this device. Shoaf is a licensed professional engineer in the state of New Jersey as well as a CP-4, the highest level earned from the National Association of Corrosion Engineers. 

“After having been out in the field with technicians for years, I knew there was a better way to find pipe,” Shoaf said. “While the typical probe rod is still a staple of our industry, the Point Guard has a sensing technology which affords technicians and engineers a higher level of pipe location confidence. This reduces the risk of damage to a pipe or its coating during discovery and excavation.”

Typically, crews use a standard probe rod and replace it with the Point Guard as soon as there is an indication of contact with an object.  Once the sensor at the tip of the Point Guard comes in close proximity of any metal, the Point Guard’s indicator light illuminates – giving the operator the reassurance of an accurate location. 

Point Guard is available in a standard  five-foot length, an extendable model offering three-foot rods which screw together, and a non-conductive model for added operator safety.  The Point Guard sensor will detect metal through various coatings including wax, enamel and epoxy up to 250 mils thick.  Engraved markings every six inches make measuring depth of cover simple. This weather-resistant tool is designed to be rugged and is powered by two 9-V batteries. Each Point Guard comes with two replaceable polymer tips for the sensor and a Pelican case so that technicians can confidently transport their tools in any vehicle.    

Point Integrity Solutions was founded in 2010 as a synergy between experienced contractors and highly qualified corrosion engineers.  With increasingly complex individual State and Federal regulatory oversight, decreased staffing levels, and the always paramount desire to operate a safe pipeline system, today’s pipeline operators more than ever, need contractors with experience and knowledge to provide end-to-end sustainable solutions.  Point Integrity offers innovative solutions and the newest technology in pipeline maintenance for gas and oil pipeline operators.  For more information on the company, visit pointintegrity.com.