IRM Systems expands to offer full pipeline integrity services

Independent Risk Management Systems BV (IRM Systems), an independent supplier of emergency pipeline repair systems (EPRS) and pipeline integrity services, announced that it is expanding its range of services to offer full pipeline integrity management and emergency response, including inspection, repair and EPRS.

In line with this expansion, IRM has hired five new staff to better support customers and to meet the rising demand for pipeline integrity and emergency response services.

From guidance to full pipeline integrity services

Until recently, the company has been focused on providing customers with guidance about pipeline integrity management, inspection, repair and maintenance. Development of customised EPRS plans has always been the company’s specialty.

In response to demand for the full range of integrity services, IRM has broadened the scope of its portfolio by providing project management of all the necessary aspects of pipeline integrity management both offshore and onshore. To date, demand for an integrated approach to pipeline integrity and emergency response has come from firms operating pipelines attached to petrochemical plants, tank terminals and refineries, but not exclusively.

Expanded portfolio of pipeline services

IRM Systems now endeavours to provide support at every stage of the pipeline integrity process.

The firm’s expanded portfolio extends from defining and implementing the core elements of the Integrity Management System to the practical implementation of inspection, maintenance or emergency repair and response plans. The firm’s new range of services falls into five main categories:

• Risk assessment and integrity management planning
• Emergency response preparedness
• Inspection, cleaning, monitoring and testing
• Integrity assessment
• Mitigation, intervention and repair

In addition to these services, IRM Systems also provides pipeline pre-, de- and re-commissioning support and related engineering and design functions.

In anticipation of an untoward event involving oil and gas assets, the company’s approach to Emergency Response is comprehensive. It encompasses preparedness for all aspects of safeguarding life (e.g. search and rescue services), the environment (e.g. spill mitigation), throughput (e.g. emergency intervention), and assets (EPRS).

New staff for the pipeline team

To ensure that all aspects of pipeline integrity management are effectively carried out, and that customers continue to enjoy prompt and efficient service, IRM Systems has recruited new staff.

Five talented and experienced new employees have joined the IRM team. Dennis Zaal, appointed Project Manager, possesses a strong non-destructive testing background; while Marco Noorlander, also Project Manager, has a wealth of experience in pipeline inspection (ILI), pipeline services and construction. A new Engineering Manager, Sander Everstein, has a strong materials expertise. Appointed as Engineers are Kate Fath, who brings a great deal of engineering and hands-on knowledge of pipeline repair, and Marie Goddard, whose background lies in emergency response and spill mitigation.

The company has doubled in size from five to 10 employees since it opened in 2011, and is actively looking to further grow its talent base.

Pipeline integrity management evolving

The great advantage of this expansion is that IRM systems can now respond even more effectively to the offshore and onshore pipeline market's demand for independent advice and expertise.

"What we're witnessing is a shift in the way that pipeline operators are managing pipeline integrity,” Rutger Schouten, General Manager of IRM Systems, commented.

“They have always been vigilant and dedicated to maintaining their pipelines so that they operate properly, but the industry is evolving in the management of that task. They are very keen to retain expertise and support from independent, experienced pipeline and emergency response advisors, rather than be tied to one supplier or to oversee it in-house. They want an independent project manager who they know will be onsite, taking an active part, whether it involves inline inspection, inspection data analysis, repair works or cleaning activities."

“Managing risk - and being truly prepared in every aspect in the event of an emergency - is no longer viewed as ‘nice to have,’ but as a ‘must have’ for oil and gas operators. IRM Systems independently assists operators to do just that,” added Schouten.

Schouten is excited about this expansion and the full range of services IRM Systems can now offer its clients. The firm is dedicated to helping pipeline operators mitigate risks associated with critical pipeline networks. The Netherlands-based consultancy began operating in 2011, and has been providing valuable guidance to pipeline operators in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This expanded range of services, complemented by a new cohort of talented staff, will now enable the firm to respond effectively to the industry’s desire for independent advice and expertise in every aspect of pipeline integrity management and emergency response.

Adapted from press release by Elizabeth Corner

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/02082013/irm_systems_expands_to_offer_full_pipeline_integrity_services/