Current generation
PLE — Pipeline Engineering Software
Today, PLE is used by pipeline engineers worldwide for the design, analysis, and integrity assessment of pipeline systems. The software embodies decades of engineering knowledge and is continuously updated to reflect the latest codes, standards, and best practices.
Key capabilities:
- Comprehensive pipeline stress analysis
- Modern 3D visualisation and modelling
- Code compliance checking (NEN, ASME, EN, PGS)
- Soil-pipe interaction analysis
- Seismic and dynamic loading analysis
- Fit-for-purpose and life-cycle assessment
- Installation engineering support
PLE supports analysis of pipelines with any type of medium — from natural gas and oil to hydrogen, CO2, water, and chemical products.
Our software
Materialisation of know-how
The development of pipeline software has a long history at EDS. In 1965, the first pipeline stress analysis programs were developed for Gasunie, the Dutch gas transport company. This early work laid the foundation for what would become a comprehensive pipeline engineering software suite.
The evolution of our software:
- 1965 — First pipeline programs developed for Gasunie
- 1970s — Belipo: a comprehensive pipeline program for mainframe computers, used extensively by Gasunie and other operators
- 1987 — PLE-micro-CAD: the first PC-based pipeline analysis program, bringing pipeline engineering to the desktop
- 2007 — PLE: the current generation of pipeline engineering software, featuring modern 3D visualisation, comprehensive code compliance checking, and advanced analysis capabilities
Licensing & approvals
Spread of pipeline know-how
PLE software is licensed to pipeline operators, engineering companies, and educational institutions worldwide. The software has received formal approvals and is used by leading organisations across the industry.
Key approvals and clients:
- Approved by Dutch pipeline authorities for use in pipeline design and assessment
- Approved by Shell Expro UK for offshore and onshore pipeline engineering
- Used by major pipeline operators including Gasunie, NAM, Shell, and various international clients
- Licensed to engineering consultancies for pipeline stress analysis and design verification
- Adopted by universities and technical institutes for pipeline engineering education
Through licensing and training, EDS ensures that pipeline engineering know-how is spread to engineers and organisations that need it, contributing to safer and more efficient pipeline infrastructure worldwide.
Try PLE
Visit the PLE Software website for downloads, documentation, and pricing.