How Argus is solving the energy industry’s toughest challenges with eco-friendlier pipeline technology 

Standing at the forefront of innovation in manufacturing, Argus boasts over 65 years of expertise in the industry. With fully equipped manufacturing facilities and a dedicated assembly plant, it delivers world-class quality machined parts, pipeline products, and threading solutions to diverse industries across the globe. Its advanced machining, engineering, and design capabilities enable the company to tackle projects of any size, meeting each client’s specific needs. From concept to implementation, Argus’ skilled team is invested in collaborating with customers every step of the way to ensure their satisfaction. Dwayne Sample, President and CEO, summarizes the organization’s evolution. 

“Since 1958, Argus has been a trusted name in the oil and gas energy sector in Western Canada. What started as a necessary pivot when the original company was set to close, quickly evolved into a staple in the industry and the community. The business began when eight employees, including the two founding owners of Argus, stepped up to acquire the company. Before long, the founders bought out the remaining shares and played an active role in Argus until 2014. By then, 13 employees took over the business, keeping the spirit of employee ownership alive. Today, Argus operates as a broad-based Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP), allowing all employees to invest in shares of Argus while they work here. Argus plays a crucial role in supporting the global oil and gas industry with comprehensive product and machining services, building on decades of experience and commitment,” he declares. 

On that note, we take a closer look at Argus’ suite of products and services, as highlighted by Dwayne. “We design and manufacture pipeline pigging solutions and energy products that support the reliable and safe operations of well site control and pipeline integrity. As a progressive machining and manufacturing company, our role is to provide our customers with technically advanced manufacturing solutions by building parts for products used in all aspects of the industry, from complex downhole tools to products utilized in well site operations and beyond. These services are complemented by our in-house engineering team, which is in charge of helping to design products that not only meet the needs of each client’s application but can also be manufactured most efficiently without diminishing the intent of the design. Moreover, we provide threading services for Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) and accessories used in well site development. As part of that, we hold 11 different licenses for various premium and semi-premium thread connections that are used globally. Finally, we also support new and existing customers in diversified industries such as hydrogen, marine, and public transport. The support we provide across engineering and manufacturing enables new product designs in other industries that are critical to sustaining and enhancing our lives,” he summarizes. 

Among its broad range of offerings, Argus’ pigging products particularly stand out in the market, Dwayne explains. “Our pigging valves provide pipeline operators of dirty and liquid-rich medium with a solution for completing regular maintenance and inspection of their infrastructure in a clean and environmentally friendly manner. Additionally, by utilizing our pigging solution, operators can optimize pipeline production by removing buildup that chokes off the flow capacity of the line. This product also enables operators to install intelligent pig tools, smart pigs, or in-line inspection (ILI) tools to inspect the pipeline’s interior and validate its integrity without stopping the product flow. 

“Beyond that, our pigging product offers numerous advantages, including the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 91 percent, an increased number of pipelines operators can maintain simultaneously, and a compact size that facilitates pigging in tight locations. In terms of safety, its functionally simple design minimizes training and maintenance expenses, and reduces exposure to harmful conditions, while built-in safety features protect personnel and reduce human error during operation. Furthermore, its vertical orientation eliminates the projectile threat during the loading or removal of the pig,” he enlightens. 

Soon, Argus will be showcasing its expertise in pipeline pigging technologies at ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s most influential platforms for the energy industry. Dwayne reveals why this exhibition is of value to the company. “The Middle East holds vast petroleum reserves, yet many operators face significant hurdles in maintaining pipeline integrity. Aging infrastructure, limited labor availability, and the remote locations of assets make routine maintenance and inspection especially difficult. These are precisely the issues that our pigging products division aims to address. Our primary goal at ADIPEC is to raise awareness about our specialized solutions (with a focus on our pig valves and automatic pigging systems), which are tailored to enhance accessibility, safety, and efficiency in maintaining challenging pipelines. Such technologies empower operators to reduce emissions, mitigate corrosion, and extend the lifespan of their infrastructure. Equally as important as showcasing our solutions is our commitment to partnership. As a partner-first company, we are participating in ADIPEC to listen to operators, understand their unique challenges, and explore how we can best support them as a long-term solutions provider. Our collaborative ethos sets us apart in the industry, and we are eager to build strong, supportive relationships in the region,” he ends. 

Through its advanced capabilities and collaborative approach, Argus has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner, equipping clients across diverse sectors with the cutting-edge tools and tailored support required to overcome the toughest of challenges.  

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