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

We’re proud to announce that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent No. 12215817 for our InfraShield® Joint System, 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.