PICA Corp
PICA Corp provides in-line inspection and condition assessment services for water, wastewater, and industrial pipelines using proprietary electromagnetic NDT tools, serving municipal utilities and large industrial operators across North America and internationally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersEdmonton, Canada
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What PICA Corp does
PICA Corp (Pipeline Inspection and Condition Analysis Corporation) is a privately held Canadian pipeline inspection services company founded in 2008 and headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, with a U.S. operating subsidiary, PICA USA Corporation, established in 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The company is part of the Russell NDE Systems group, founded in 1972, which designs and manufactures the proprietary inspection tools PICA deploys. PICA provides in-line inspection (ILI) and condition assessment services for water, wastewater, industrial, mining, power, and oil & gas pipelines, serving municipal utilities and large industrial operators across North America, South America, Australia, Europe, and Asia.
PICA's service portfolio is built on electromagnetic non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies delivered through a specialized tool fleet that includes Remote Field Testing (RFT) tools — including the recently released Generation 2 EMIT — Near Field Testing (NFT) probes, the NAVIGATOR free-swimming acoustic sphere for unpiggable potable water mains, the Bracelet Probe, and SeeSnake platforms. The offering has been expanded with optical inspection capabilities including CCTV, laser profiling, and LiDAR-based internal measurement. PICA holds exclusive worldwide commercial rights to Russell NDE's inspection technologies, and Dave Russell, the principal inventor, holds 8 patents underpinning the electromagnetic platforms.
PICA generates revenue through project-based inspection services and related data analysis contracts. Customers include municipal water utilities (e.g., Metro Vancouver, WaterOne, Tarrant Regional Water District, San Diego County Water Authority), power generators (Bruce Power, Cameco), and industrial operators (Shell, AIRBUS). The company leverages a combined PICA and Russell NDE workforce of approximately 50 employees, with tool manufacturing conducted in-house at the parent. Go-to-market is direct to asset owners, supported by technical publications, industry conference participation, and demonstrated track record on flagship large-diameter pipeline programs.
PICA Corp firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PICA Corp
- Legal name
- Pipeline Inspection and Condition Analysis Corporation
- Website
- https://picacorp.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- PICA Corp provides in-line inspection and condition assessment services for water, wastewater, and industrial pipelines using proprietary electromagnetic NDT tools, serving municipal utilities and large industrial operators across North America and internationally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
PICA Corp industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Pipeline Inspection and Condition Assessment Services
- NAICS
- Testing Laboratories and Services (541380), Testing Laboratories and Services (54138)
- SIC
- Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) & Advanced Inspection (Phased Array, TOFD, Guided Wave) (EUAEAKAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Condition Assessment & NDE Services (CUI, Coating, Wall Thickness, Direct Assessment) (TLAGALAH), Leak Detection, Emissions & LDAR Testing (OGI, methane, fugitive emissions) (EUAEAHAL), Condition Assessment & Inspection (CCTV, Acoustic, Leak/Pressure, NDT) (EUANALAG), Corrosion Inspection & Coating/CP Surveys (CUI, CP, DCVG/ACVG) (EUAEAHAF), Structural & Civil Inspection (Steel, Concrete, Foundations) (EUAEAHAI)
Keywords
Where PICA Corp is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Edmonton
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
PICA Corp business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Pipeline Inspection Services: Professional services revenue from providing condition assessment and inspection services for pressurized and lined pipelines. Services range from rapid pre-screening to high-resolution electromagnetic analysis. Pricing based on pipe type, diameter, length, access constraints, and service tier selected.
- Technical Consulting and Analysis: Expert analysis and interpretation of inspection data, translating complex electromagnetic and acoustic data into clear, prioritized, actionable condition assessments. Includes preliminary analysis delivery within 48 hours to two weeks, followed by comprehensive final reports.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Pre-Screening NDT - In-service acoustic leak detection |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Visual NDT - CCTV, Laser, LiDAR inspection |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Standard NDT - Near Field Testing for wire breaks |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Intermediate NDT - Handheld EM and UT spot inspection |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Advanced NDT - High-resolution RFT inspection |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
PICA Corp product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PICA Corp provides pipeline inspection and condition assessment services for pressurized and lined pipelines across water, wastewater, industrial, mining, power, and oil & gas sectors. The company deploys proprietary electromagnetic non-destructive testing (NDT) tools and methodologies, including Remote Field Testing (RFT), Near Field Testing (NFT), HD CCTV, laser profilometry, LiDAR, and multi-sensor acoustic spheres to detect corrosion, wall loss, broken wires, leaks, gas pockets, and other integrity defects in metallic and concrete pressure pipes. Services are organized across five tiers (Pre-Screening, Visual, Standard, Intermediate, Advanced NDT) enabling tailored inspection programs for pipe diameters from 2 inches to 96+ inches.
Product overview
PICA Corp provides a comprehensive portfolio of pipeline inspection and condition analysis services organized across five service tiers: Pre-Screening NDT (Navigator multi-sensor acoustic sphere for in-service leak and gas pocket detection), Visual NDT (CCTV, Laser, LiDAR for internal pipe inspection), Standard NDT (Near Field Testing for wire break detection in concrete pipes), Intermediate NDT (handheld EM and ultrasonic tools for localized wall thickness assessment), and Advanced NDT (Remote Field Testing for high-resolution metallic and concrete pipe wall analysis). The company's proprietary inspection tools include SeeSnake, HydraSnake, Chimera, EMIT, and RAFT RFT platforms, the Bracelet Probe electromagnetic scanner, and various UT/EMAT probes. Services span metallic pipes (cast iron, ductile iron, steel) and concrete pressure pipes (PCCP, bar-wrapped, RCP) across diameters from 2 inches to 96+ inches for water, wastewater, industrial, mining, and oil & gas industries.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Pre-Screening NDT Solutions First-tier in-service pipeline screening service using NAVIGATOR multi-sensor acoustic sphere technology with high-sensitivity acoustic and accelerometer sensors to identify leak and gas pocket locations on live, pressurized pipelines. Inspects pipes 6–120 inches in any material; requires only a 4-inch ARV or tap for deployment.
- Visual NDT Solutions (HD CCTV, Laser Profilometry, LiDAR) Dewatered visual inspection service using 360-degree HD CCTV with AI-assisted defect labeling, laser profilometry (4,000 measurements/sec, +/-1 mm accuracy), and LiDAR (4,000 points/sec) to document internal pipe body and joints, verify liner condition, measure dents, quantify deformations, and validate electromagnetic inspection results.
- Standard NDT Solutions (Near Field Testing) Dewatered inspection service using Near Field Eddy Current Testing (NFT) electromagnetic tools with multiple frequencies and detectors to identify and quantify broken wires (sensitive down to 5 continuous wire breaks) in concrete cylinder pipes including PCCP, RCCP, and RCP. Requires minimum 20-inch diameter access openings.
- Intermediate NDT Solutions (Handheld EM and Ultrasonic) Localized spot inspection service using handheld low-frequency electromagnetic (Bracelet Probe) and ultrasonic thickness (UT/EMAT) testing methods for wall thickness trends, individual pits, graphitic corrosion, and erosion in metallic pipes. Can be deployed externally or internally and can detect corrosion through 2+ inches of mortar coating.
- Advanced NDT Solutions (Remote Field Testing) Highest-tier inspection service using Remote Field Eddy Current Testing (RFT) for high-resolution through-transmission cross-sectional pipe wall thickness measurements, detecting internal and external wall loss, graphitic corrosion, cracks, and stress concentrators. Includes SeeSnake (2–16 inch), HydraSnake (6–8 inch), Chimera (16–36 inch), EMIT (36–96 inch), and RAFT (36–96 inch) tool platforms. Inspects through cement mortar, HDPE, coal tar epoxy, and other liners without dewatering for pipes 36 inches and under.
- NAVIGATOR Multi-Sensor Acoustic Sphere Service Standalone branded in-line acoustic screening service using PICA's 3.25-inch diameter NAVIGATOR sphere to travel freely within pipelines identifying leak locations, gas pockets, elevation profiles, and deposits restricting flow in pipes 6–120 inches across any material. 24-hour continuous run time, chemically inert, in-service deployment.
- Pipeline Condition Analysis and Reporting Technical consulting and analysis service translating complex electromagnetic and acoustic inspection data into clear, prioritized, actionable condition assessments. Delivers preliminary analysis within 48 hours to two weeks of field work, followed by comprehensive final reports for use by utility owners and engineering consultants in remediation planning and finite element analysis.
Quantifiable outcome
- 60-75% of catastrophic pipeline failures could be prevented or mitigated through timely inspections at appropriate intervals
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use PICA Corp
Customer profileNamed customers18 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
PICA Corp technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability4 records
Feature6 records
PICA Corp partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Russell NDE Systems Inc.coreParent company and exclusive technology partner. All PICA core inspection tools (RFT, NFT, SeeSnake, Bracelet Probe, NAVIGATOR) designed and developed by Russell NDE with 50+ year history in electromagnetic technology. PICA holds exclusive commercial inspection rights to these technologies. Active technology partnership includes joint development and continuous improvement of tools.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
PICA Corp competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Xylem (Pure Technologies): Xylem acquired Pure Technologies, the historical leader in PCCP and large-diameter water pipeline condition assessment, including the SmartBall acoustic leak and PipeDiver electromagnetic inspection platforms. It is the most direct global competitor to PICA in the same municipal-water NDT category.
- Pressure Pipe Inspection Company (PPIC): Long-standing PCCP inspection specialist co-founded by Russell NDE in the late 1990s and a direct comp on PCCP wire-break and electromagnetic inspection. Operating in the same asset class and competing for the same municipal utility inspection programs as PICA.
- NDT Global: Specialized pipeline inspection provider for oil & gas, water, and other pipeline operators, including ultrasonic and electromagnetic in-line inspection services. Competes with PICA for large-diameter pipeline condition assessment projects, particularly in oil & gas.
- Echologics (Mueller Water Products): Subsidiary of Mueller Water Products focused on acoustic-based leak detection and pipe condition assessment for municipal water networks. Overlaps directly with PICA's NAVIGATOR acoustic sphere positioning in the same North American utility buyer segment.
- ENTEGRA: Provider of ultrasonic and electromagnetic in-line inspection services for pipelines in the water, oil & gas, and industrial sectors. Directly comparable to PICA's metallic-pipe and NDE inspection service tiers, especially in Middle East and European regions.
Broad incumbents
- Rosen Group: Global pipeline inspection giant offering a broad portfolio of in-line inspection (ILI) tools, integrity services, and roping solutions across oil & gas, water, and other energy pipelines. Overlaps with PICA in metallic-pipe and water-sector inspection at much larger scale.
- T.D. Williamson: Established pipeline integrity and hot tapping solutions provider serving global oil & gas operators. Competes with PICA in pipeline inspection and integrity programs, especially in midstream and upstream energy infrastructure.
- Structural Technologies (StrongRidge): Provides pipeline rehabilitation, strengthening, and integrity services (e.g., Carbon Fiber Solution) for water and wastewater infrastructure. Sits adjacent to PICA on the inspection-to-remediation workflow and is frequently brought in alongside inspection findings.
- Hydratight (Actuant / Enerpac): Industrial NDT and on-site machining services provider serving oil & gas, power, and industrial plant operators. Overlaps with PICA's Intermediate NDT (handheld EM/UT) tier and broader asset integrity mandates in mining, power, and oil & gas.
Regional players
- Pipelines 2 Data (P2D): Australia-based pipeline integrity services firm specializing in pipeline condition assessment and in-line inspection. Operates in adjacent geographies to PICA's Australian and Asia-Pacific footprint with overlapping inspection service offerings.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
PICA Corp social profiles
Digital presencePICA Corp compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance8 records
PICA Corp financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PICA Corp leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
PICA Corp subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
PICA Corp funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
PICA Corp M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about PICA Corp
What does PICA Corp do?
PICA Corp provides pipeline inspection and condition assessment services for pressurized and lined pipelines across water, wastewater, industrial, mining, power, and oil & gas sectors. The company deploys proprietary electromagnetic non-destructive testing (NDT) tools and methodologies, including Remote Field Testing (RFT), Near Field Testing (NFT), HD CCTV, laser profilometry, LiDAR, and multi-sensor acoustic spheres to detect corrosion, wall loss, broken wires, leaks, gas pockets, and other integrity defects in metallic and concrete pressure pipes. Services are organized across five tiers (Pre-Screening, Visual, Standard, Intermediate, Advanced NDT) enabling tailored inspection programs for pipe diameters from 2 inches to 96+ inches.
Is PICA Corp a public or private company?
PICA Corp is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was PICA Corp founded?
PICA Corp was founded in 2008. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is PICA Corp based?
PICA Corp is headquartered in Edmonton, Canada, in the North America region.
How does PICA Corp make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Pipeline Inspection Services are the primary driver. The others are technical Consulting and Analysis.
Who are PICA Corp's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Xylem (Pure Technologies), Pressure Pipe Inspection Company (PPIC), NDT Global, Echologics (Mueller Water Products) and ENTEGRA. Broad incumbents are Rosen Group, T.D. Williamson, Structural Technologies (StrongRidge) and Hydratight (Actuant / Enerpac). Pipelines 2 Data (P2D) is listed as a regional player.
Does PICA Corp have an API?
No public API is recorded for PICA Corp.
What industry is PICA Corp in?
PICA Corp's product category is Pipeline Inspection and Condition Assessment Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAEAKAF, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) & Advanced Inspection (Phased Array, TOFD, Guided Wave), with a secondary code of TLAGALAH, Condition Assessment & NDE Services (CUI, Coating, Wall Thickness, Direct Assessment). Its NAICS code is 541380 and its SIC code is 8734.