Since 1980 the company has diversified from the original core business of providing induction heating services for welding, to offering a full range of anti-corrosion, insulation and profile infill solutions for pipeline field joints.

PIH provides application equipment and material solutions that protect pipelines from corrosion, heat loss and mechanical damage at the field joint whilst providing contractors with fast, clean, efficient and commercially attractive sub-contract services.

All the company’s bespoke equipment is designed to provide high speed and repeatable application of the field joint materials. At the same time the automated equipment is built to reduce material consumption, wastage and hence environmental damage. Automatic application also ensures protection to the health and safety of the coating personnel as well as reducing fatigue that can often lead to errors or indeed accidents.

The pipeline construction industry is characterised by rapid advances in welding, non-destructive testing and pipelay technology. This increases challenges for coating applicators as offshore cycle times reduce, overland pipelines are laid in more demanding conditions and in all cases the bare steel section at welded joints becomes larger to accommodate automated welding and inspection. Compound this with ever more stringent specifications for more arduous pipeline operating conditions and it is easy to perceive why the industry is focused on proper and efficient application of field joint coating materials.

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Corrosion poses the single biggest threat to the integrity of the world’s pipelines and anticipating these problems requires PIH to undertake research and development initiatives that provide solution-based services covering application equipment, trained and experienced technicians and suitable materials.

A truly global company, PIH provides services to pipeline construction contractors working on offshore lay barges and at onshore spool bases as well as on overland pipelines. PIH continually works with its customers and material suppliers to develop innovative technologies that fulfil today’s demanding requirements.

As an experienced independent field joint coating contractor, PIH understands the necessity for working alongside both main contractors and owners to provide a total project service for field joint coating of their pipelines. On time, on budget and to specification are key parameters in the PIH business philosophy. This does not overshadow the primarily important factor of health and safety on construction worksites. Operating a fully BSI accredited health and safety management system, PIH places primary focus on achieving zero accidents both in the field and throughout the business operation.

PIH has strived to create coating systems that are efficient and easy to use. By using automation, the task of the coating operator is made less burdensome and hence the risk of error and possible accident is significantly reduced compared to a manual process. Using innovative technology in the coating apparatus has also meant that consumption and wastage are reduced as far as possible. PIH has developed coating machines that reduce overspray and coating material losses during application.