In response to growing operator demand, Circle B NDE, a testing and integrity services provider, has adopted the ASTM-standardized PLX-Portable from mechanical testing experts Plastometrex, strengthening its in-field material verification capability with greater consistency and operational efficiency.
Circle B has integrated the PLX-Portable into its pipeline integrity toolkit. As the only material verification system covered by an international standard (ASTM E3499-25), it strengthens Circle B’s non-destructive testing capability through improved repeatability, faster on-site turnaround, and consistent performance in field conditions.
“This technology allows us to give clients high-quality, standardized mechanical strength data immediately from the ditch, with a level of repeatability we can stand behind,” said Shawna Bell, CEO at Circle B. “Our operator customers look to us to provide the best tool for the job and the PLX-Portable delivers both in terms of accuracy and consistency, as well as efficiency. It gives our teams confidence in the results and helps our clients make better-informed decisions.”
The system’s accuracy has been demonstrated as industry-leading through independent round robin and validation studies, supporting its growing adoption among pipeline operators seeking reliable and efficient material verification.
At the core of the system is PIP Testing (Profilometry-based Indentation Plastometry), a physics-based method adopted by organizations like NASA and Airbus that determines material strength directly rather than relying on correlations. The approach is supported by numerous built-in quality controls and a software guided workflow, helping maintain repeatability across field deployments.
Efficiency is another aspect appealing to operators. A full Mega Rule-compliant dig can be completed in just 90 minutes, with test results available immediately on-site, enabling faster decisions without compromising on data quality.
Now fully deployed across its integrity operations, the PLX-Portable strengthens Circle B’s ability to provide compliant, defensible mechanical property data efficiently from the field, supporting faster decision-making while maintaining the rigor required for critical infrastructure.
