Northwest Pipe Company Receives U.S. Patent for Innovative InfraShield® Joint System

Rhea-AI Summary

Northwest Pipe Company (Nasdaq: NWPX) has received U.S. Patent No. 12215817 for its InfraShield® Joint System, an innovative Geohazard Resistant Steel Pipe solution. The system enhances steel pipeline resilience in geologically vulnerable areas without requiring gasketed joints.

The technology features a strain-based design incorporating a small projection in the steel pipe wall that absorbs deformation from differential settlement or seismic activity without over-stressing the lap-welded joint. This USA-manufactured system is specifically designed for C200 steel pipe, offering a fully welded, easy-to-install solution that provides leak-free reliability and cost savings.

InfraShield® is engineered to withstand challenging geological conditions, including seismic activity, landslides, and soil movement, making it particularly valuable for critical water infrastructure projects.

Positive

• Secured U.S. Patent No. 12215817 for InfraShield® technology
• System provides cost savings while maintaining reliability
• Technology addresses critical infrastructure needs in geologically vulnerable areas

Negative

• None.

Insights

Engineering Technology Analyst

The newly patented InfraShield® Joint System represents a significant technological breakthrough in the water infrastructure sector, particularly for high-risk geological areas. The innovation's key differentiator lies in its strain-based design that eliminates the need for gasketed joints - a feature that traditionally represents a weak point in pipeline systems.

The technology's market implications are substantial. By removing the requirement for gasketed joints while maintaining a fully welded system, the InfraShield® system likely reduces both installation costs and long-term maintenance expenses. This dual benefit positions Northwest Pipe Company to capture increased market share in regions with strict seismic requirements, such as California, Pacific Northwest, and other tectonically active areas.

The patent's timing is particularly strategic given the increasing focus on infrastructure resilience and the growing need to upgrade aging water systems. With many municipalities facing pressure to modernize their water infrastructure while managing budget constraints, a solution that offers both enhanced durability and cost savings could drive significant adoption.

From a competitive standpoint, this patent creates a defensible market position in the geohazard-resistant pipeline segment. The technology's ability to absorb deformation without compromising joint integrity addresses a critical pain point in water infrastructure projects, potentially making it a preferred solution for engineers and utilities operating in geologically challenging environments.

The Company's revolutionary system enhances steel pressure pipe resilience in differential settlement and seismic applications

VANCOUVER, Wash., Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwest Pipe Company (Nasdaq: NWPX), a leading manufacturer of water-related infrastructure, is proud to announce that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent No. 12215817 for the InfraShield® Joint System ("InfraShield®"), an innovative Geohazard Resistant Steel Pipe (GRSP) solution designed to strengthen the resilience of steel pipelines in geologically vulnerable areas without the need for gasketed joints.

Manufactured in the USA and backed by rigorous testing, InfraShield® enhances pipeline performance of C200 steel pipe by offering a fully welded, easy-to-install system that ensures leak-free reliability while delivering significant cost savings. The system utilizes a strain-based design to enhance the resiliency of lap-welded steel pipe. A small projection is manufactured into the steel pipe wall which effectively absorbs deformation imposed by differential settlement or seismic activity without over-stressing the lap-welded joint itself.

"This patent underscores our commitment to engineering excellence and infrastructure resilience," said Scott Montross, President and CEO of Northwest Pipe Company. "Our in-house engineering team has worked on InfraShield® for several years, resulting in a groundbreaking advancement in steel pipeline technology. This patented solution offers unmatched protection against settlement and geohazards while maintaining the long-term reliability that water utilities and municipalities depend on."

InfraShield® is designed to withstand challenging geological conditions, including seismic activity, landslides, and soil movement, making it an essential solution for critical water infrastructure projects. This patented technology reinforces Northwest Pipe Company's leadership in developing advanced water transmission solutions that deliver lasting performance and value. For more information about the InfraShield® Joint System, visit www.nwpipe.com.

About Northwest Pipe Company – Founded in 1966, Northwest Pipe Company is a leading manufacturer of water-related infrastructure products. In addition to being the largest manufacturer of engineered steel water pipeline systems in North America, the Company manufactures stormwater and wastewater technology products; high-quality precast and reinforced concrete products; pump lift stations; steel casing pipe; bar-wrapped concrete cylinder pipe; and one of the largest offerings of pipeline system joints, fittings, and specialized components. Strategically positioned to meet growing water and wastewater infrastructure needs, Northwest Pipe Company provides solution-based products for a wide range of markets under the ParkUSA, Geneva Pipe and Precast, Permalok®, and Northwest Pipe Company lines. The Company's diverse team is committed to quality and innovation while demonstrating its core values of accountability, commitment, and teamwork. The Company is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, and has 13 manufacturing facilities across North America. Please visit www.nwpipe.com for more information.

Contact:
Aaron Wilkins
Chief Financial Officer
Northwest Pipe Company
360-397-6294 • awilkins@nwpipe.com

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SOURCE Northwest Pipe Company

FAQ

What is the new patent Northwest Pipe Company (NWPX) received for InfraShield®?

Northwest Pipe Company received U.S. Patent No. 12215817 for the InfraShield® Joint System, a Geohazard Resistant Steel Pipe solution designed to enhance pipeline resilience in geologically vulnerable areas.

How does NWPX's InfraShield® Joint System work?

The system uses a strain-based design with a small projection manufactured into the steel pipe wall that absorbs deformation from differential settlement or seismic activity without over-stressing the lap-welded joint.

What are the main benefits of NWPX's InfraShield® technology?

InfraShield® offers leak-free reliability, cost savings, easy installation, and enhanced protection against settlement and geohazards, particularly in areas with seismic activity, landslides, and soil movement.

What type of pipe is NWPX's InfraShield® designed for?

InfraShield® is specifically designed for C200 steel pipe and provides a fully welded system that doesn't require gasketed joints.