PROtect LLC, a trusted provider of pipeline integrity and inspection services, has adopted the PLX-Portable from Plastometrex - a next-generation system for in-situ material verification. The decision enhances PROtect’s ability to deliver immediate, highly accurate yield and tensile strength data for safe, efficient pipeline operations.
PROtect’s Integrity Services team selected the PLX-Portable for its unique combination of speed, accuracy, and consistency in the field. A full Mega Rule-compliant test (including system health check and surface preparation) can be completed in just 90 minutes, with final data available immediately. The process is guided by intuitive software and supported by more than 100 built-in safeguards, helping technicians generate reliable results with confidence and efficiency.
Unlike correlation-based tools that rely on vibration-sensitive load-displacement curves, the PLX-Portable uses a powerful, physics-based simulation method to determine yield and tensile strength. This makes it inherently resistant to vibration and well-suited for use at compressor stations and other challenging environments. The system's accuracy has been independently verified through a PRCI-led round-robin study, confirming the lowest average and maximum error rates on the market.
Thanks to its reliable performance, data from the PLX-Portable can be reported with a known tool tolerance, without requiring an automatic knockdown. This helps minimize unnecessary derating of pipe segments and supports more informed decision-making. The system is also the only in its class currently progressing through formal ASTM standardization, offering users an added level of assurance and regulatory alignment.
Andrew Wollum, VP of Pipeline Integrity at PROtect, shared:
"The PLX-Portable aligns perfectly with our mission of providing the most reliable, high-quality inspection services in the industry. It offers fast, defensible data that supports safer, smarter decisions for our clients. Its built-in checks, streamlined operation, and real-time data output reduce turnaround times and give us confidence in the results."
Dr. Mike Coto, Chief Commercial Officer at Plastometrex, commented:
"We’re pleased to see PROtect integrate the PLX-Portable into their field operations. This collaboration highlights the system’s value in delivering fast, high-quality material insights exactly where and when they’re needed. It’s designed to help inspection teams do their work efficiently, without compromising on data quality."
With a team of Certified Users now deploying the PLX-Portable in the field, PROtect builds on its reputation for excellence, enhancing its ability to deliver rapid, accurate material data in even the most demanding environments.
Find out more about the PLX-Portable here.
