Today, we’re excited to share insights from our recent webinar, “Transforming Inspections: The Role of Robotics and Pulse Eddy Current in NDT,” hosted by BIC Magazine. This event highlighted the innovative ways ARIX® Technologies is addressing the biggest challenges in pipeline corrosion and asset integrity through advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) methods.
WATCH THE FULL WEBINAR ON DEMAND HERE
Industry Background and Challenges
The oil and gas industry is facing unprecedented demands with U.S. refining capacity exceeding 18 million barrels per day. Despite the transition towards renewable energy, the need for crude oil continues to grow, increasing the pressure on asset integrity and inspection programs. These programs are crucial for maintaining safety, regulatory compliance, and productivity, especially with aging plants that are decades old.
Corrosion is a significant issue, costing U.S. industries $276 billion annually. It poses safety risks, causes operational disruptions, and leads to substantial financial implications. Effective corrosion management necessitates early identification and assessment, which can save money through preventative maintenance rather than costly post-damage repairs.
Conventional Inspection Methods and Their Challenges
Traditional inspection methods are often labor-intensive, costly, and limited by accessibility issues. Inspections frequently involve accessing difficult-to-reach locations, working at heights, or in confined spaces, and dealing with hazardous materials. These factors not only increase costs but also limit the completeness and accuracy of the data collected.
Innovations in NDT: Pulse Eddy Current and Robotics
ARIX Technologies is at the forefront of integrating advanced technologies into NDT to overcome these challenges. One such innovation is Pulse Eddy Current (PEC) technology, which allows for the inspection of ferromagnetic materials through non-conductive coverings like insulation, coatings, and even marine growth.
PEC is especially effective in detecting corrosion under insulation (CUI), a severe form of corrosion that often goes unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. CUI accounts for 40-60% of maintenance costs in refineries and chemical plants, making its early detection and management crucial.
Advantages of Pulse Eddy Current
PEC offers several advantages:
- Non-invasive inspection: It can detect corrosion through various coverings without needing to strip insulation.
- High accuracy: Advanced analysis tools provide precise assessments of remaining wall thickness.
- Versatility: Applicable in various industries, including oil and gas, power generation, and marine environments.
The Future of Inspections: Robotics and Comprehensive Data Analysis
Combining PEC with robotics enhances inspection capabilities, allowing for continuous scanning and real-time data collection without disrupting operations. This integration provides a holistic view of asset integrity, enabling targeted maintenance and resource allocation.
Conclusion
ARIX Technologies continues to lead the way in transforming inspections through innovative NDT methods. By leveraging PEC and robotics, we are not only improving safety and performance but also significantly reducing costs associated with corrosion management. As the industry evolves, we remain committed to advancing our technologies to meet the growing demands and challenges.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from ARIX Technologies as we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in NDT and asset integrity management.
WATCH THE FULL WEBINAR ON DEMAND HERE
