TPT November 2018

I NSPE C T I ON , T E S T I NG & QUA L I T Y CONT R OL

LTI acquires TAC Technical Instrument Corp LABORATORY Testing Inc (LTI) of Hatfield, Pennsylvania, USA, has purchased TAC Technical Instrument Corp (TACTIC) of Trenton, New Jersey, USA. TACTIC has been in the ultrasonic inspection business since 1962, developing and selling a product line of immersion ultrasonic inspection systems and accessories, providing parts, repairs and training, and performing independent ultrasonic testing (UT) services. of tubular products. Ultrasonic testing is classified as a non-destructive test (NDT) method because it does not damage the tested materials. “TACTIC is a perfect fit for our growing business and our companies have a long history together,” said Mike McVaugh, LTI president and CEO. “LTI was started as a non-destructive testing lab in 1984 and we have been using TACTIC equipment to perform ultrasonic testing since the beginning. They were the leader in the industry back then and still are.” testing and working with the TACTIC equipment makes the companies an ideal match for this acquisition. The leadership team at LTI is anticipating enhancements to equipment and services through a combined effort of the two companies, including new technology, more automation and advanced reporting.

Laboratory Testing Inc is a full-service, accredited metals testing laboratory offering independent destructive and non-destructive testing services. The lab also has a metrology division that provides dimensional inspection and calibration services. LTI serves varied industries, including aerospace, defence, power generation, oil and gas, medical and automotive, and has Nadcap and A2LA (to ISO/IEC 17025) accreditations.

The majority of TACTIC’s standard products are designed to inspect cylindrical materials, such as tube, pipe, bar and billet. The company has also provided UT equipment to inspect hexagonal and square billet. LTI currently runs seven TACTIC immersion UT inspection systems under one roof on two work shifts, and is one of the company’s largest customers. The systems provide high- speed inspection of round materials to locate internal and external defects and inconsistencies in the wall thickness

TACTIC will stay at its current location and will operate as a subsidiary of LTI. The company’s president, Fred Beck, and the other employees will remain in their positions. Quoting and sales of all products and services will continue to be handled by the New Jersey facility, with the exception of ultrasonic testing services, which will be consolidated into LTI’s NDT department. The combination of LTI’s long-term experience performing ultrasonic

Laboratory Testing Inc – USA Fax: +1 215 997 9414

Email: sales@labtesting.com Website: www.labtesting.com Remote pipeline inspection

key to preventing mainline bursts. With a minimal incision, we’re able to obtain real-time data on leaks, flow, blockage, corrosion and pipe thickness – critical information to developing and executing a cost-effective rehabilitation plan,” said Cameron Manners, Aquam’s chief technology officer. “Adding this cutting- edge technology to our pipe diagnostics offerings ensures our customers have the necessary data to extend budget dollars and spend smarter.” As technology improves and reduces in size, the opportunities for adopting remotely operated vehicles and robotics are rising. ROVs have become increasingly common in industries ranging from ocean and space exploration to surgery, telecom- munications, resource extraction and infrastructure maintenance. The underwater ROV market alone is projected to increase from US$2.69 bn in 2017 to $5.2 bn by 2022.

AQUAM Corporation, a provider of risk mitigation technologies for water and energy transmission and distribution assets, has launched Amplus, an advanced remote operated vehicle (ROV) for use in pressurised water, wastewater and industrial pipe applications. Amplus made its international debut at the American Water Works Association ACE18 conference and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in Las Vegas, USA, and represents an advance in the infrastructure and analysis industry. Amplus’s technology allows Aquam to provide remaining pipeline lifespan through high-resolution imagery and pinpoint accurate real-time data, en- abling customers to develop informed maintenance and replacement strate- gies that optimise limited financial bud- gets. Amplus will be deployed by Aquam service providers with commercial, resi- dential, utility and municipal customers in the USA and UK. “Data-driven information is the future of infrastructure management and the

Aquam Corp – USA Email: info@aquamcorp.com Website: www.aquamcorp.com

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NOVEMBER 2018