Non-Intrusive Inspection’s Future

Non-Intrusive Inspection’s Future

NII is here already

Here at Wilkinson Coutts training, we’ve learnt one important thing from our involvement with API and other inspection codes.

For a few years, they have thinking that NII can be a valid replacement for Internal Visual Inspection (IVI).

API 510 allows ‘on stream’ inspections (as they call them) to replace IVIs for vessels in straightforward process conditions with good operating history.

Similarly, API 570 (pipework inspection) has never been supportive of breaking pipework containment for internal examination of pipe spools and valves.

Generally, many US codes take a similar view; inspection is a support activity for pressure plant, not the main reason for its existence.

Back in the UK, the DNV publication, ‘RP-103 Non-Intrusive Inspection’ was first published in 2007.

It set an important benchmark for methods of assessing the validity of replacing NII with IVI.

Several upstream and downstream facilities in the oil & gas industry claim to have tried it and have received positive results.

The regulatory authorities recognise its existence with one caveat; they sit firmly on the fence as to whether they agree with it or not.

The Reality of POD

A lot of successful Integrity Inspectors come from an NDT technician background.

Therefore, they appreciate the benefits of NDT as an inspection tool.

What remains largely hidden in many NDT techniques is the factor of probability of detection (POD).

This becomes important when the techniques are used in real in-service site conditions.

Even codes and standards that would claim to be at the centre of NDT implementation matters are often reluctant to mention it.

In practice, POD governs the real effectiveness of NII techniques.

Various industry studies over the years have tried to quantify POD for different NDT techniques but results and opinions differ widely.

Even independent industry bodies and classification societies find it a difficult subject to address.

Thus, it remains as an obstacle to the wholesale acceptance of NII as a replacement for IVI.

Future Trends

If you follow the trends in inspection publications, and reports of companies in the oil & gas industry, NII is here to stay.

Several major upstream and downstream operators have aired their intention to eliminate all IVIs on their equipment over the next 5-10 years.

Many have already started with replacing IVIs with NIIs on non-hydrocarbon plants, with plans to extend this to hydrocarbon equipment is soon as it can be justified.

Looking forward, the increasing use of robotic inspection equipment will almost certainly result in a reduction of IVIs, so it’s a growing area.

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And who are Wilkinson Coutts Engineering Training?

Wilkinson Coutts Engineering Training Ltd was founded to meet the needs of the inspection and management of static pressure equipment industry.

Having delivered API, ASME and other Plant Inspection training to individuals and companies across the globe, we know how important it is that delegates receive personal attention and support during our courses.

How we differ?

As a small company, we are interested in the integrity training industry and the people in it.

If you work with us, you will experience this in our five-star customer service promise.

Over the coming months, you will see the rapid expansion of our course scopes and list of technical publications.

If you have any direct queries, then pick up your phone and give us a call.