PCMx
The integrity of buried pipelines is of paramount importance for safety, environmental and cost reasons
Available to buy or rent. Training and local support included.
Product details
Radiodetection PCMx
Advanced Pipeline Current Mapper & Corrosion Control System
The Radiodetection PCMx is the industry-standard pipeline current mapping solution engineered specifically for pipeline integrity managers, corrosion engineers, and Cathodic Protection (CP) specialists. Designed to evaluate CP current distribution and locate pipeline coating defects, the PCMx enables rapid, non-destructive survey sweeps over long-distance buried steel pipelines.
Combining advanced electromagnetic signal processing with simultaneous AC Voltage Gradient (ACVG) capability, the PCMx identifies current loss points, holiday defects, and electrical contacts with secondary structures—ensuring compliance and extending asset life.
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Simultaneous Surveys: Conduct Pipeline Current Mapping (PCM) and AC Voltage Gradient (ACVG) coating defect surveys in a single pass.
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Long-Range Signal Propagation: High-power Tx-150 transmitter drives current up to 30 km (19 miles) along buried pipelines.
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Automated Georeferencing: Integrated high-precision GPS/GNSS receiver automatically geotags every measurement trace for effortless GIS integration.
Precision Corrosion Diagnostics and Technical Specifications
Evaluating buried pipeline coating health historically required separate surveys and time-consuming manual measurement steps. The Radiodetection PCMx streamlines pipeline integrity workflows by capturing simultaneous current mapping (PCM) and AC Voltage Gradient (ACVG) data. Operators can trace pipeline paths, measure signal current magnitude and direction, and pinpoint coating faults concurrently.
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Current Direction (CD) Indicator: Confirms target pipeline identity and detects signal return paths or current bleed-over onto adjacent metallic structures.
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ACVG A-Frame Integration: Attaches directly to the PCMx receiver to pinpoint coating defects (holidays) down to precise centimeters.
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Convertible Dual-Purpose Receiver: Removable magnetometer foot easily converts the unit into a full-featured RD8200-class precision utility locator.
Product Description — Key Features
A summary of product features in table format. Suitable for product pages or technical documentation.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Simultaneous survey option | Users can choose to conduct ACVG and ACCA surveys simultaneously or separately, providing measurement flexibility. |
| Removable foot | Removing the foot transforms the unit into a fully featured premium RD8100 pipe & cable locator. |
| Integrated GPS | Automatically captures GPS coordinates in survey logs for accurate location and data records. |
| Companion Android App | Android companion app enabling on-the-go graphing, including walk-back and walk-forward features. |
| Peak+ | Displays guidance arrows for fast location and null arrows to check for signal distortion. |
| Tx-150 | A transmitter capable of sending long-range signals over 30 km, suitable for long-distance transmission pipelines. |
| eCert | Feature to verify and certify the calibration of the PCMx receiver using PCM Manager software on PC. |
| Improved ergonomics | Receiver weighs only 2.2 kg (4.9 lbs), making it comfortable for full‑day field use. |
| One second mapping measurements | One-second mapping measurements help save time and reduce survey costs. |
| Depth of cover | Records pipeline depth along with current, voltage, and GPS data. |
| PC App | PC application providing enhanced charting and data analysis tools. |
| New Tx-25 | A new, smaller, lighter transmitter with a rechargeable battery, ideal for distribution networks. |
| Enhanced self-test | Automatic receiver calibration check, providing user confidence on-site. |
| Software and Apps | Includes Mobile App for Android (data transfer via Bluetooth) and PC App for computers (data transfer via USB). |
- Simultaneous PCM current mapping and ACVG coating defect location.
- Current Direction (CD) arrows ensuring positive target identification.
- Integrated GPS/GNSS receiver for automated georeferenced data logging.
- High-power Tx-150 transmitter delivering up to 30 km (19 miles) current propagation.
- Convertible dual-purpose design operating as a pipeline current mapper and a precision utility locator.
Cathodic Protection (CP) Audits
Measure CP current distribution and identify areas of current loss along transmission pipelines.
Coating Fault & Holiday Location
Pinpoint pipeline coating degradation, soil contact points, and mechanical damage using the ACVG A-Frame.
Stray Current & Contact Detection
Locate short-circuits, touching metallic conduits, or unauthorized structural ground contacts.
Cross-Country Pipeline Tracing
Map long-distance buried oil, gas, chemical, and water pipelines across remote or rugged terrains.
