GeoFields Announces New HCA Analysis Tool for Gas Pipeline Operators

Business Wire, Sept 30, 2004

ATLANTA -- New RiskFrame HCA Analyst Supports Any Data Model and Handles the Analysis Required by Pipeline Safety Regulations Quickly and Efficiently

GeoFields, Inc., a recognized leader in managed data solutions for the pipeline industry, announced today a new high consequence area (HCA) analysis tool for pipelines transporting gases, called RiskFrame HCA Analyst.

According to Office of Pipeline Safety rules, gas pipeline operators must identify high consequence and risk areas as part of a comprehensive integrity management plan. Building on its experience and leadership in HCA impact analysis for liquid lines, GeoFields now offers an analysis tool specifically geared for gas pipeline operators.

RiskFrame HCA Analyst calculates potential impact zones (PIZ), which are classified into three types: mobility PIZ, areas difficult to evacuate; Public PIZ, areas where people congregate; and dwelling PIZ, places where people live. Once identified, RiskFrame HCA Analyst analyzes the potential impact on identified sites. The technology supports all of the analysis options allowed by the pipeline safety regulations, enabling operators to choose model parameters and to produce and compare results using each method.

"By combining our technology leadership in liquid HCA analysis and experience with major gas transmission operators, we developed RiskFrame HCA Analyst to meet the unique requirements of gas transmission rules," said Brad Schaaf, president of GeoFields.

RiskFrame HCA Analyst is geared to provide maximum processing power coupled with flexibility for any size operator or pipeline system. It is designed to:

--Be data model independent - the application supports PODS, APDM and client-specific data models,

--Provide unparalleled geo-processing capabilities - this release includes ArcGIS Engine version 9.0 from ESRI,

--Operate as a stand-alone product or as part of an enterprise data management solution, and

--Employ multiple methods for capturing and maintaining structure and identified site data- without requiring additional GIS technology.

For more information on RiskFrame HCA Analyst, visit http://www.geofields.com/hca_gas.html

About GeoFields

GeoFields, Inc., is a recognized leader in managed data solutions for the pipeline industry, offering products and services in asset data management, pipeline integrity management, and project data management. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, with a regional office in Houston. For more information about GeoFields, visit the company Web site at www.geofields.com or call Keith Chambless at 404-875-2550.