Reduction and avoidance of shutdowns: new solutions introduced for ultrasonic inspections at high temperatures by TÜV Rheinland

UAE, 5 November 2016: TÜV Rheinland, a German based global provider of technical, safety, and certification services, has recently developed an online inspection strategy for plants operating at high temperatures. The objective placed by the strategy is aimed towards assisting plant operators of oil companies in maximizing the availability and production efficiency of their assets and to reduce or even avoid shutdown time. The application of conventional and automated ultrasonic techniques is currently possible up to temperatures of 887 degrees Fahrenheit (475°C).

Experts at TÜV Rheinland have developed a set of standard procedures to be able to conduct corrosion mapping and weld inspections in low-alloyed carbon steel at up to 662 F (350°C). The resulting services can be performed quickly and reliably at reasonable costs all over the world. Besides regular inspections, TÜV Rheinland has made progress in providing the appropriate solutions for inspections from 662 F (350°C) up to 887 F (475°C) at elevated temperatures on complex geometries. 

Clients benefit from higher production efficiency based on standardized high quality services and from reasonably priced inspections according to the highest safety standards. Due to the availability of inspections at elevated temperatures, shutdown and maintenance periods can be avoided or shortened. Additionally, cracking and corrosion spots can be monitored during production. Furthermore, the risk of time consuming weld repairs during the construction phase of heavy wall vessels and “golden welds” is reduced. All equipment and couplant used are heat resistant and all operators work in full high temperature protective clothing. 

The developed services are available to clients worldwide and will be showcased at the upcoming edition of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC), the world's most important oil and gas exhibition and conference, which will be held from November 7 to November 10, 2016 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The exclusive 4-day event is being held under the patronage of His Highness (H.H.) Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Companies operating in the Middle East will have the opportunity to meet TÜV Rheinland experts to learn about these and further solutions in the area of ultrasonic inspections at elevated temperatures with the help of their interdisciplinary expertise.