“It was great to have the Prime Minister visit us recently, to see how we’re inspiring, accelerating and funding technology that will transform the industry. We’re challenging how our industry works, reimagining the way we do things and using technology to lower costs, increase efficiency and improve recovery.

“At the same time, we also need a long term vision, making sure that oil and gas are part of a balanced and integrated energy system for the UK as we move to a lower carbon future. Solutions like those offered by Sonomatic, have a vital role to play in this transition.”

Sonomatic and the OGTC’s Asset Integrity Solution Centre

Sonomatic is actively working with the OGTC’s Asset Integrity Solution Centre in a number of areas to support targets of eliminating the impact of asset integrity on operational uptime and achieving no vessel entry for the purpose of inspection of the pressure boundary by 2026.

Non-intrusive inspection (NII) of pressure vessels is a particular focus of the OGTC. It offers significant benefits to operators by reducing shut down durations, maximising production, reducing the cost of inspection and avoiding the hazards of personnel entry in vessels.

Sonomatic has substantial experience in NII and has worked with many of the operator companies to deliver effective NII programmes for both offshore and onshore operations.

Dr. Susan Osbeck, Manager of Sonomatic’s NII Activity in Aberdeen, said: “Sonomatic recognises the need to follow a robust NII process in order to ensure confidence in the integrity of the pressure boundary. This requires a thorough understanding of the integrity management requirements for the inspection, the corrosion risks for the vessel, and the capabilities of inspection tools. We were involved in developing the recommended practice for NII and have now been involved in over 1000 NIIs globally.”

Effective management of corrosion under insulation (CUI) is another a key theme for OGTC’s Asset Integrity Solutions Centre. Sonomatic is developing a unique microwave inspection technology for inspection through polymer clad insulating materials. This type of insulation is being used more widely in the industry and, as with metal clad insulation, there remains a need for effective methods of inspection for CUI.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/11052017/prime-minister-visits-the-oil-and-gas-technology-centre-in-aberdeen/