Aquatec’s New PIPEguardian System is Finalist for Best Mechanical Engineering Achievement Award

Through-water communications and subsea integrity specialist Aquatec has announced today that its revolutionary subsea pipeline temperature monitoring system, PIPEguardian, has been shortlisted for ASME’s prestigious Albert Woelfel Best Mechanical Engineering Achievement Award.

Aquatec has been recognised for its innovative technology before. The company previously won the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ 2022 Albert Woelfel Best Mechanical Engineering Achievement Award and Offshore Technology Conference's 2022 Spotlight on New Technology Award for its KINEKtron Retrofit Subsea Strain Monitoring System.

This time, the distinction is for PIPEguardian, a cutting-edge, non-intrusive system designed to determine the internal temperature of subsea pipelines with unparalleled precision. In addition, this unique technology can be retrofitted onto existing pipelines, making it an excellent solution for enhancing current infrastructure. 

With the ability to operate in deep waters and corrosive environments, PIPEguardian offers continuous pipe skin and seawater temperature monitoring and reliable product temperature derivation. Moreover, ultra-low power electronics enable a multi-year service life in a compact package. High attachment force makes it suitable for all hydrodynamic conditions, and an innovative deployment mechanism allows easy installation by a single unassisted work class ROV. In addition, this system provides straightforward access to stored data through its integrated state-of-the-art optical modem.

"We are thrilled to be shortlisted for the BMEA Award, which recognises the best mechanical engineering achievement in the offshore industry,"

said Tony Mekky, Engineering Manager of Aquatec.

"PIPEguardian is the result of extensive research and development by our team, and we believe it represents a significant step forward in pipeline monitoring technology. Its non-intrusive design and straightforward deployment allow for easy retrofit onto existing pipelines. In addition, its ability to operate in deep waters with high accuracy makes it a unique and valuable tool for ensuring pipeline infrastructure's safe and sustainable operation."

"As a company, we are committed to developing innovative solutions that positively impact the industry,"

added Andrew Willis, Director at Aquatec.

"Being shortlisted for the BMEA Award is an honour and a recognition of our team's hard work and dedication to delivering cutting-edge technology that meets our customers' needs. We look forward to showcasing PIPEguardian at OTC and demonstrating how it can help operators to protect the environment while optimising their processes."

ASME's Woelfel Best Mechanical Engineering Achievement Award recognises a company for a product, device, or system displayed at the OTC Conference that best reflects innovation and practical use of mechanical engineering in solving problems, improving a design, or maximising performance. Relevant criteria include novelty, impact on the industry, HSE, and state of development. The award winner will be announced during OTC, held from May 1-4, 2023, at NRG Park in Houston, Texas. Aquatec will be exhibiting at the conference and can be found at Booth 338.