Calgary – Alberta, July 25, 2018 — Enbridge Inc. (TSX, NYSE: ENB) and Baker Hughes, a GE company (NYSE: BHGE) have launched testing of new, next-generation ultrasonic phased array pipeline inspection tool sensors designed to enhance accuracy and identification of crack features and to deliver greater detail on the condition of a pipeline. The testing phase follows 14 months of development of a multi-year research and development project to advance pipeline inspection tool sensor technology and, ultimately, pipeline safety.
“At Enbridge, nothing matters more to us than safety, and investing in projects like this helps drive safety and reliability performance to new levels,” said Walter Kresic, Enbridge’s Vice President Pipeline Integrity. “Proactive investments in innovation and technology like this are intended to add another layer of safety to our pipeline networks and ultimately, benefit the industry as whole.”
Similar to MRI or ultrasound technology used in the medical industry, pipeline inspection tool sensors provide the ability to detect and accurately characterize anomalies that could affect the health of a pipeline. The next generation of inspection tools will provide more accuracy and higher resolution, enabling better maintenance and an overall improvement on the assurance of pipeline safety.
“Partnering with BHGE on this project demonstrates Enbridge’s commitment to investing in leading technology solutions to drive enhanced pipeline safety,” says Michael Bellamy, Vice President of Process & Pipeline Services at Baker Hughes, a GE company. “BHGE has a strong track record of partnership with our customers to help support their safety, technology and productivity goals, and this joint project is no different. Next-generation sensor technologies will make a significant contribution to Enbridge’s pipeline integrity objectives.
”The next generation of phased array sensor technology will represent a significant step change in pipeline inline inspection, enabling a more comprehensive assessment of the threats to pipeline integrity. The sensors are mounted on a robotic inspection device, commonly referred to as a ”Smart Pig,” which travels along the inside of a pipeline, measuring the condition of the pipe wall as it goes. BHGE and Enbridge have been working successfully together on developing and deploying solutions for pipeline safety for more than 20 years.
About Enbridge Inc.
Enbridge Inc. is North America’s premier energy infrastructure company with strategic business platforms that include an extensive network of crude oil, liquids and natural gas pipelines, regulated natural gas distribution utilities and renewable power generation. The Company safely delivers an average of 2.8 million barrels of crude oil each day through its Mainline and Express Pipeline; accounts for approximately 65% of U.S.-bound Canadian crude oil exports; and moves approximately 20% of all natural gas consumed in the U.S., serving key supply basins and demand markets. The Company’s regulated utilities serve approximately 3.7 million retail customers in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick. Enbridge also has interests in more than 2,500 MW of net renewable generating capacity in North America and Europe. The Company has ranked on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations index for the past nine years; its common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol ENB.
Life takes energy and Enbridge exists to fuel people’s quality of life. For more information, visit www.enbridge.com.
About Baker Hughes, a GE company
Baker Hughes, a GE company (NYSE: BHGE) is the world’s first and only fullstream provider of integrated oilfield products, services and digital solutions. We deploy minds and machines to enhance customer productivity, safety and environmental stewardship, while minimizing costs and risks at every step of the energy value chain. With operations in over 120 countries, we infuse over a century of experience with the spirit of a startup – inventing smarter ways to bring energy to the world.
