Intertek's Innovative Real-Time CUI Screening Service
Intertek, a leading total quality assurance provider headquartered in London, has recently launched a cutting-edge screening service aimed at detecting Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) in industrial piping systems. This innovative service allows for the real-time identification of corrosion risks without necessitating the removal of insulation materials, enhancing safety and minimizing production downtime.
Understanding the Scope of CUI Risks
CUI poses a significant risk within various industrial sectors, including oil, chemicals, energy, and manufacturing. It's estimated that corrosion losses in the industrial sector amount to several trillion pounds each year. CUI specifically results from corrosion occurring beneath the insulation, which can be challenging to detect from the outside, leading to various dangers:
- - Equipment failures or leaks
- - Severe safety risks
- - Decreased productivity
- - Prolonged equipment outages
Traditionally, inspections of insulated pipelines often required insulation removal, causing both financial burdens and operational interruptions. Hence, a more efficient management solution was necessary.
How the New Screening Service Works
Utilizing proven non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques, Intertek's CUI screening solution employs real-time radiographic inspection. Experienced CUI inspectors can assess hundreds of meters of insulated piping within just hours, detecting anomalies as small as 250 microns. High-resolution images and videos provide clear visual representations of the inspections.
One of the key advantages of this pioneering technology is its capability to conduct inspections while facilities are operational, thereby substantially reducing the impact on production schedules.
Major Benefits of the New Service
The newly introduced CUI screening service offers several compelling benefits:
- - Enhanced Safety: Mitigates risks associated with hazardous environments and confined space work.
- - Swift Decision-Making: Real-time acquisition of inspection results enables quick business decisions.
- - Cost Efficiency: Minimizes the downtime caused by necessary equipment stoppage.
- - Streamlined Preparation: No need to remove insulation, paint, coatings, or jackets prior to inspection.
- - High Portability: Allows for quick access to job sites.
- - High-Precision Visualization: Evaluation through high-resolution still images and videos.
Integration with CUI Management Solutions
The CUI screening service can also be integrated with other management solutions, such as:
- - Moisture monitoring sensors
- - Precision sizing technologies at specific locations
- - Corrosion analysis and material evaluations
Additionally, Intertek's renowned CAPCIS program offers expert analysis and consulting services in the fields of corrosion and material assurance.
Expert Commentary
Sigve Barvik, Global Head of Advanced Digital Integrity Solutions at Intertek, remarked, "Our CUI screening solution combines safety, speed, and cost-effectiveness. Customers across diverse industries now have access to real-time high-resolution inspection results without incurring substantial preparatory costs or production downtime. Our experts are committed to delivering the insights necessary to ensure the safety of infrastructure assets."
According to Tomoaki Kimura, President of Intertek Japan Group, "In Japan's manufacturing and energy sectors, the dual challenge of addressing aging infrastructure while ensuring stable operations is a priority. Our real-time CUI screening facilitates inspections without the need for insulation removal, thereby minimizing downtime while enhancing safety and optimizing maintenance costs. Intertek Japan Group is committed to bringing our globally validated advanced inspection technologies and expertise to the Japanese market, supporting the protection of our clients' assets and sustainable growth."
About Intertek
Intertek is a leading total quality assurance company headquartered in the UK. With a network of over a thousand laboratories and offices across more than 100 countries, we provide tailored assurance, testing, inspection, and certification solutions optimized for our clients' operations and supply chains. Our mission is to bring quality, safety, and sustainability to life, supporting our clients in their critical quality assurance needs, 24/7, to enable sustainable and functional business operations.