The most notable design improvement of these new portable holiday detectors is in the area of ergonomics. Barry Ward, Electrical Engineer at Pipeline Inspection Company, explained, “What we did is listen to our customers and designed a system to better serve the needs of their day-to-day operations. We set out to retain all of the features customers liked in our existing models and redesigned the remainder to address the most popular customer suggestions.”

The new models 780 and 790 feature a new topside handle and a more comfortable ergonomic rear handle for easier maneuvering and less wrist stress while an operator moves down the pipeline. The new topside front handle also makes carrying the holiday detector easier.

A shoulder strap can be attached distributing the approximate 3.9 kg weight of the detector and making long inspections much less physically taxing. With an optional wand the 780 or 790 can be quickly converted to a shoulder carried unit (using the shoulder strap) to inspect tanks, flat and “hard to get to” contoured surfaces.

The circuitry of the new models 780 and 790 is very similar to Pipeline Inspection Company’s earlier designs with the addition of a built in ‘jeepmeter’. The integral jeepmeter features a digital readout and a visible positive ground indicator light that gives the operator the go ahead to begin jeeping. Both new holiday detectors are equipped with a louder more audible alarm for operations around heavy equipment.

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“Some of our portable holiday detectors have been in operation for over 35 years, so we felt the existing circuitry needed little improvement,” said Greg Miller, CEO of Pipeline Inspection Company. “We have however made technological updates to the circuitry. Also, the built-in jeepmeter significantly speeds the voltage adjustment during set up.”

Both models automatically regulate the voltage compensating for pipe size, coating variations or moisture on the pipe. Both models allow infinite voltage settings. Once set, the voltage remains constant throughout the inspection.

Pipeline Inspection Company’s new models 780 and 790 have the same electrode connections as the earlier models 715, 725 and 735. These electrodes enable inspections on pipe from two to sixty inches. A wide variety of other electrodes can also be quickly attached to effectively and efficiently inspect almost any surface contour and width.

Each system includes two 8-hour batteries and a charger to allow uninterrupted operation. The batteries easily slip into position with a snap that announces positive contact. The detector, electrode wand, two batteries and ground cable are packaged in a durable ABS molded carrying case.

To test the integrity of thin film coatings, model 780 provides infinite voltage settings over the 1000 to 5000 volt range. With its 5000 to 35,000 volt range, the model 790 inspects a wider range of coatings including most coal tars, extruded and tape coatings as well as extra thick and somastic coatings.

Pipeline Inspection Company will continue to manufacture and service SPY models 715, 725 and 735 portable holiday detectors. In addition to the new models 780 and 790, Pipeline Inspection Company manufactures a full line of lightweight wet-sponge holiday detectors, jeepmeters, pig tracking equipment and accessories. All products are available through a worldwide distribution network.