Located in Orange, Texas, Pipeline Defense works hard to keep its clients productive without the worry of a leak turning into a spill. BIC Magazine recently spoke with President Donovan Weldon II about how the company's product line keeps leaks contained until a user can address and fix the leak, making it a system of spill prevention tools and not spill response.
BIC: What is the function and purpose of your product, PACS?
WELDON: The Product Absorption Containment Systems (PACS) is a new product used to visually detect leaks, prevent the initial leak from coming into contact with the environment and contain the leak until the problem can be assessed.
It is used primarily for hose connections, valves, flanges, pipe and hoses (i.e., barge transfer hoses). PACS products are made by encapsulating the product with strong, durable, oil-only, melt-blown, poly-absorbent material on the inside and clear, UV-resistant, marine-grade vinyl on the outside. The vinyl keeps the leak from being openly exposed to the environment, and if a leak occurs, then the melt-blown absorbent material absorbs the leak. Since the vinyl is clear, you can see the leak and act to stop the leak before it becomes a spill.
BIC: Why did you decide to create PACS?
WELDON: PACS was initially created for dock lines that were being hydro-tested over the water. We had a customer call us and tell us they were out of options and needing protection for the lines they were testing. That is when PACS was born, and our customer was very impressed by the application and design. It was at that point we knew PACS would be a beneficial product for everyone to use.
BIC: How would a consumer use PACS?
WELDON: Our PACS products are very easy to use and install. First, wrap the PACS product around the application that needs protecting. Next, zip the PACS product to completely encapsulate the application. Finally, clip and cinch the ends to reduce outflow and ensure a secure fit for the PACS product. Once it is installed, PACS does the work for you. If a leak occurs, you will have a chance to see it and react before a spill starts. If a leak has occurred, PACS can be disposed as oily waste.
BIC: How does this product help the industry?
WELDON: PACS is great not only for the industry but also for the environment. This product serves as a spill prevention product instead of a spill response product. We believe PACS helps reduce spills, improves safety and increases a positive brand image for our customers.
The system gives ur customers an extra sense of safety and security. They know that with PACS, their equipment is better monitored and more secure against potential spills.
BIC: What do you hope for in the future of PACS?
WELDON: We are the only company that has a product designed like this one. We also hold a utility patent pending over special designs on some of our PACS products and how they work. This product has the potential to be revolutionary to the industry. We see people working to improve spill response. We are working to improve spill prevention.
PACS is a product that we would like to see everyone using one day. We know this product works. The vinyl is made to last at least six months with temperatures well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and well below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. PACS products are reusable until they become too saturated. At that point, they are disposable.
PACS is the future of spill prevention products, and we are working every day to let people see the opportunity that lies ahead.
For more information, visit www. pipelinedefense.com or call (844) 770-WRAP [9727].
