Intertek discusses the importance of non-destructive testing and other asset integrity management solutions in minimizing safety risks and improving productivity
28 May 2015
Intertek, a leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide, will be discussing non-destructive examination (NDE) (also known as non-destructing testing (NDT)) and fixed equipment mechanical integrity (FEMI) failures during the International Chemical and Petroleum Industry Inspection Technology (ICPIIT) XIV Conference, June 3-6, 2015.John Reynolds, Intertek Principal Consultant, with 47 years of industry expertise working in the fields of inspection and fixed equipment mechanical integrity, will be providing two presentations during the conference:
Thursday, June 4, 9:00AM – “The Role of NDE in API Codes and Standards”
Friday, June 5, 10:00AM – “The Top Ten Reasons for Fixed Equipment Mechanical Integrity Failures in the
Hydrocarbon Process Industry”
NDT is a technique used to help assure safety and reliability through detection of any flaws or defects in products or industrial components such as pipelines, power stations, refineries and oil platforms, without disrupting operations or delaying processes. Demand for this service has grown, driven by increasing regulation and standardization, extending asset lifespans and the need to protect reputation from product failure. Intertek’s accredited NDE specialists serve a wide range of sectors on-site or from purpose built testing facilities, providing both analytical and technical consulting services. The company supports a wide range of industries including oil, gas, petrochemical, aerospace, nuclear and conventional power generation, mining, engineering, fabrication, rail, defense, marine, motorsport and transportation.
The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc. (ASNT) is the world's largest technical society for NDT professionals. The ICPIIT forum brings together engineers, technicians, management, students and other NDT professionals to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, problem solving, promotion of NDT research and innovation as well as promotion of the NDT profession.
Commenting on the presentation topics, Mr. Reynolds said, “NDE is the science and technology behind inspection practices. Fortunately it is advancing rapidly, allowing operating plants to learn more about equipment damage mechanisms before leaks and failures occur. I will cover the many NDE techniques contained in API Codes and Standards for inspection of vessels, piping, heat exchanger tubulars, and for finding localized corrosion (e.g. corrosion under insulation, contact point corrosion and dew point corrosion). Implementing the right kind of NDE techniques can avoid the huge costs associated with a pipe blowout, large tank bottom leaks, or vessel cracking and rupture from localized in-service damage that goes undetected and creates a substantial process safety incident, sometimes with fatalities.”
Mr. Reynolds went on to say, “FEMI events are few and far between in the hydrocarbon industry. Many companies lose sight of the lessons learned during previous events, and as such lose sight of the importance of having robust, sustainable and documented FEMI systems in place, stewarded by trained and knowledgeable FEMI personnel, to prevent asset integrity losses. During my presentation on June 5 I will discuss the reasons why I believe fixed equipment continues to fail in-service, thus causing significant reliability and process safety events. The reasons are based on human system failures associated with less than adequate or poorly implemented management systems for fixed equipment mechanical integrity.”
Intertek is proud to be a Gold Sponsor for this year’s ICPIIT Conference. Our Asset Integrity Management (AIM) team will be available at booth 5 to discuss how our services can support your infrastructure, facilities and equipment productivity and safety requirements.
Media enquiries:
Niki Schroeder
Intertek Global Marketing Manager, Industry Services
Telephone: +1 281 364 2897
Niki.Schroeder@intertek.com
Technical enquiries:
John Reynolds
Intertek Principal Consultant
Telephone: +1 970 879 9672
John.Reynolds@intertek.com
About Intertek
Intertek is a leading quality solutions provider to industries worldwide. From auditing and inspection, to testing, training, advisory, quality assurance and certification, Intertek adds value for its customers by helping improve the quality and safety of their products, assets and processes. With a network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 38,000 people in more than 100 countries, Intertek supports companies’ success in the global marketplace, by helping customers to meet end users’ expectations for safety, sustainability, performance, integrity and desirability in virtually any market worldwide. Visit www.intertek.com.