BLOG | Will Vickers, Product Manager, Ionix.
2020 may have seen non-essential asset integrity inspections delayed and as a result you may have a backlog of such work.
Recent advances in ultrasonic testing (UT) sensors enable on-stream measurements of high temperature assets for wall thickness, erosion, and corrosion surveys.
For high temperature assets this backlog would typically only be cleared when equipment is cool during shutdowns. The result is extended shutdown periods with more contractors on site, leading to lost production and an increase in logistical and safety challenges. The reduction in inspection frequency can also lead to an increase in the risk of loss of containment with a resulting safety, emissions, and financial impact.
Here are three ways this new high temperature UT technology can help get you back on track in 2021:
- Don’t wait until shutdown to inspect high temperature assets
On-stream wall thickness measurements using the latest high temperature UT probes help clear the backlog and minimise the workload during busy shutdowns.
- Utilise non-intrusive methods
Highly effective non-intrusive methods such as Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT) or corrosion grids can now be performed on high temperature assets using inherent high temperature probes and scanners. Corrosion surveys can enable 100% coverage for the detection of localised corrosion mechanisms such as wet hydrogen sulfide (H2S) corrosion to detect issues early and in-line with RBI recommendations.
- Focus inspection resources with automated monitoring
Areas of accelerated corrosion and/or designated corrosion monitoring locations can be monitored using installed sensors and automated monitoring systems. Data from these sensors can be used to provide the most up-to-date information to refine RBI models and to focus in-demand inspection resources.
Ionix Advanced Technologies are the UT extreme environment experts. Our HotSense™ high temperature UT probes enable on-stream inspections using your standard NDT hardware and procedures. We also offer complete, installed monitoring systems to get the latest thickness data direct to where you need it most.
