Validating Envirolock's Performance
Proof Positive: Putting Envirolock to the Test
March 19, 2024
ASME PCC-2 Testing Round 1
Conducted by: Stress Engineering Services
Houston, TX
INSIDE the Envirolock secondary containment system
@ 4,600 psig a 3" x 2" section of the pipeline ruptures
The steel pipe section bends backward like the lid of a soup can
OUTSIDE the Envirolock secondary containment system
"The sound was deafening, vibrations could be felt through the floor above the pit and when the dust settled, Envirolock was whole, undamaged."
In the video to the left, the pipeline rupture occurs at approximately the 40 second mark. Instead of seeing an explosion however, you will see only a slight shift in the surrounding hosing and measurement sensors as Envirolock completely contains the rupture! In the field, this amazing technological breakthrough would have eliminated any fatalities, injuries, evacuations, fire, or pollution that might have resulted from the rupture!
Third-Party Support & Industry Certifications
We understand that your pipeline assets are critical to delivering great customer service, so you need the very best in reliability and performance. Right from the start, TCI resolved to produce a product you can count on. To do so, we consulted with many experts over the years to support our research and validate Envirolock's performance, including:
- American Society of Mechnical Engineers - TCI has been working with Stress Engineering to certify Envirolock according to ASME's PCC-2 standards for Repair of Pressure Equipment and Piping. We are grateful that this work is funded in part through Alberta Innovates.
- NSF - To ensure Envirolock's safe and effective use on potable water systems throughout North America, Envirolock became NSF-61 certified for use on infrastructure joints on June 20, 2024.
- Pipeline Research Council International - In February 2023, TCI partnered with PRCI to conduct the first public demonstration of our technology. The system was installed on a single 10’ spool with a defect (3/8” hole). Envirolock was completely successful in capturing and holding the released material (water) at the 150 psi operating pressure. Approximately six months later, we received confirmation that the system continued to hold pressure; moreover, the system is compatible with inline inspection tools.
- C-FER Technologies frequently partners with TCI to verify the results of our own lab testing and to expand our testing capabilities.
- Hingeneering Consulting provides FEA work for Envirolock's designs, and this innovative research is being featured at the Society of Petroleum Engineers International's ADIPEC Exhibition and Conference 2024 Technical Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- University of Alberta - Dr. Mertiny and his team offer crucial robotic winding as well as engineering analysis support to TCI.
- Corpro Canada supported TCI's work to develop Envirolock in a way that is compatible with cathodic protection.
Innovative
Many companies claim that their products are innovative, but TCI holds the patents to prove that Envirolock is truly cutting-edge. Our first patent was issued in 2021 and more are in the pipeline!
- W02018027312 - SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECONDARY CONTAINMENT OF PRODUCTS CONVEYED BY PIPELINE TRANSPORT
- Granted by: United States of America, European Union, Mexico
- Pending Approval: Canada, China, India, United Arab Emirates
- WO2022178330 - LEAK CONTAINMENT SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED LEAK DETECTION
- Pending Approval: Canada, United States of America, Mexico, China, European Union, India, United Arab Emirates
- W02023283390 - SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LEAK CONTAINMENT, LEAK DETECTION, AND CORROSION MITIGATION IN A PIPELINE ENVIRONMENT
- Pending Approval: Canada, United States of America, Mexico, China, European Union, India, United Arab Emirates
Envirolock's innovation goes beyond our own patents. We are also proud to be partnering with others to create new, more sustainable manufacturing methods to produce our key components. To date, this includes:
- University of British Columbia - TCI is supporting a project to develop next-generation carbon fibers for Envirolock using Alberta's own bitumen resources.
Market-Supported
TCI has received positive feedback from across the industry while meeting with prospective customers and presenting at conferences. In particular, TCI appreciates the support from those within indigenous communities who have been stewards of the land for generations:
"Moving forward, it is the Indian Resource Council's intent to explore partnerships opportunities in Total Containment Inc. and the Envirolock System. The IRC agrees that more must be done to protect the environment from the impact of pipeline spills and leaks, especially in "High Consequence Areas" and the Envirolock System is the best means of ensuring the environment is protected."
~Stephen Buffalo, Indian Resource Council President/CEO
"The method in which [this system [Envirolock] is employed has the potential to be an additional layer of protection in high-risk environmentally sensitive areas. ...Steel River Group, as a construction management entity, would support the implementation of this technology as part of the overall construction process."
~Kelsy Kading, Steel River Group Senior Vice President
Learn More About Envirolock
To learn more about Envirolock, jump to sections describing its design principles comparative benefits, and installation/maintenance requirements, You can also read more about our recommended solutions for municipal wastewater, water utility, oil and gas, and hazardous material operators or email us a general question!