PPIC Awarded Additional Funding from SDT Canada

A valuable tool that will help municipalities across North America and around the world avoid potentially disastrous infrastructure failures today moves to the next step of its development, according to Marketwire.
Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) has awarded up to $800,000 in additional funding to a water pipeline inspection technology project led by the Pressure Pipe Inspection Co. (PPIC).

The Pipe Diver project will develop and demonstrate a device that inspects pre-stressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) used by municipalities to transport water to end-users. The device enables the identification of stressed sections of pipe before a catastrophic failure occurs, enabling water utilities to minimize operational risks, optimize their investment and extend the safety and economic life of their pipelines, thereby saving themselves and taxpayers millions of dollars.

Under the initial SDTC funding, PPIC developed a design capable of inspecting small- to medium- diameter PCCP ranging from 24 to 60 in. in diameter. SDTC’s additional funding will allow PPIC to conduct the additional development and demonstration required to overcome the challenges in scaling the technology for use in PCCP larger than 1.5 m in diameter.

“SDTC has been a great partner in the development of innovative solutions for our client’s needs,” said PPIC president and CEO Brian Mergelas. “We have not only benefited from the financial support but also from the ongoing guidance throughout out the execution of the project.”

The $800,000 is additional funding to the $400,000 committed by SDTC to the Pipe Diver project. SDTC has also committed $500,000 in funding to another project led by PPIC, which will develop and demonstrate an enhanced version of the company’s “Sahara” water pipe leak detection technology.

Sustainable Development Technology Canada is an arm’s-length foundation that has received $1.05 billion from the Government of Canada as part of its commitment to create a healthy environment and a high quality of life for all Canadians. SDTC operates two funds aimed at the development and demonstration of innovative technological solutions.