Hexagon Digital Wave enters into strategic partnership with Compass Natural Gas

CENTENNIAL, CO., October 19, 2023: Hexagon Digital Wave, a business of Hexagon Composites, has entered into a strategic partnership with Compass Natural Gas, an industry leader of compressed natural gas (CNG) delivery, to perform Modal Acoustic Emission (MAE) requalification of composite Type 4 cylinders used in mobile pipeline trailers in the northeast region of the United States. This agreement expands the footprint and further strengthens the market position of Hexagon Digital Wave’s MAE services.

Driving energy transformation
Compass Natural Gas has commissioned a new site in Montoursville, Pennsylvania strategically located for easy and efficient distribution of natural gas to a large regional customer base using mobile pipeline trailers. The Department of Transportation requires mobile pipeline trailers to be requalified every fifth year.

“We are excited about this new partnership with Hexagon Digital Wave as it will provide mobile pipeline operators in the northeast region with the opportunity to utilize Hexagon’s proven MAE technology. Compass Natural Gas is committed to the safety, quality, and reliability of our mobile pipeline trailers. Partnering with Hexagon Digital Wave on this new Montoursville, PA site will allow us to meet those objectives efficiently and effectively,” says Oscar Mendez, COO, Compass Natural Gas. “Hexagon has been pivotal to the growth of Compass over the years, and we feel that our talented and experienced staff coupled with their skilled team and innovative technology will make this a successful partnership.”

“We are very pleased to strengthen our relationship with Compass Natural Gas – and to make our MAE technology more regionally accessible within North America,” says George Siedlecki, CEO, Hexagon Digital Wave. “This initiative enhances operational efficiency while alleviating major pain points for our customers. Our unique capabilities, together with Compass’ industry operating experience, make this partnership appealing to both parties.”

Timing
Teams from Hexagon Digital Wave and Compass began performing MAE requalification services on Type 4 mobile pipeline CNG fleets in Q3 2023, with services scheduled through Q4 2023. The strategic partnership agreement will automatically be renewed annually.

About the technology
MAE uses advanced electronics and sensors that capture broadband waveforms and specialty algorithms to identify structural integrity flaws present in composite pressure vessels. MAE is an authorized periodic inspection method approved by the Department of Transportation / Pipeline of Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and Transport Canada. Testing using the MAE technology eliminates venting of contents to the atmosphere thereby minimizing environmental impact.