impulse
May 2015
‘Being where opportunities lie’
Be the best PHOTO ↑ TONE ROKSTAD
BEING WHERE OPPORTUNITIES LIE
Offshore and onshore… support where it’s needed
Applus RTD DemoTruck RTD DTI TREKSCAN A snake in the grass? spotted on Google Earth!
Impulse is going digital!
Welcome to a new issue of Impulse. In this number, as well as a range of interesting and varied articles from different corners of the world, we are taking this opportunity to advise you that this will be the last copy of Impulse which you will receive in its current format. From our next issue, scheduled for November this year (and from then on) Impulse will be presented in a digital format. We hope you will agree that this new digital approach is a positive step forward and should you wish to make any comments, we will be delighted to hear from you. For further information on any of the articles in this issue, please contact the Editorial team. We will arrange for you to receive that information via the author of the article.
Anouska Kroon Company Journalist
Be responsible Be the best Be interested Be valuable Be open Our values represent who we are today and who we aspire to be
For further information on any of the articles, please contact the Editorial team. We will arrange for you to receive that information via the author of the article. Other questions, comments and suggestions should be sent to:
Impulse-Editorial Team Applus RTD Postbus 491 2900 AL Capelle aan den IJssel, The Netherlands
T +31 10 716 61 13 F +31 10 716 63 73 impulse@applusrtd.com www.ApplusRTD.com
Care has been taken to ensure that all information contained in Impulse is correct and up-to-date. However, Applus RTD accepts no liability for any inaccuracies or changes to published material.
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→ T o make certain that you continue to receive Impulse, we would be grateful if you would send us your e-mail address so that we can ensure that you are on the ‘readership list’. Simply send you information to impulse@applusrtd.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Contents
4
MAY | 2015
6
10
12
Applus RTD DemoTruck Offshore and spotted on onshore… support Google Earth! where it’s needed → 10
16
BEING WHERE OPPORTUNITIES LIE
WORKING TOGETHER FOR SAFETY
→4
Federal Republic of Iraq and Applus RTD. A focus on safe operation
MEETING ‘MULTI-PROBE CHALLENGES’
An unusual request! →6
Going digital! → 10 A NEW NORTH AMERICAN APPOINTMENT
A new face… a new challenge → 10
NEW ADDRESS
→ 18
On the move in Syracuse
RTD DTI TREKSCAN
→ 11 INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS – A KEY STEP FORWARD
Applus RTD MECA Gulf DMCC – certification achieved → 14 INTRODUCING THE RTD PLANT MASTER
A breakthrough in permanent monitoring technology
A snake in the grass? → 20 PIPELINE FORUM REPORT
Key information exchange opportunities → 22 CLAFIS ACADEMY SAFEGUARDING AND OPERATIONS
Applus RTD Demo Truck on the road! →23
→ 16
LEVEL 5 RADIATION
A YOUNG DUTCH
SHARING KNOWLEDGE IN
PROTECTION
WELDING WIZARD!
THE WORLD OF WELDING
EXAMINATION COMMITTEE
NEXT STOP…
WELDING SEMINAR
RADIATION PROTECTION.
THE WORLD
→ 15
KEEPING UP
CHAMPIONSHIPS!
STANDARDS
→ 13
→8
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BEING WHERE OPPORTUNITIES LIE
Offshore and onshore… support where it’s needed PHOTO ↑ TONE ROKSTAD
Kristiansund, the town by the ocean ↑
To support Applus RTD Norway’s intention of becoming Norway’s biggest inspection specialist being fast and responsive is vital… and that means being on the spot when needs arise. To support this aim, the Norwegian organization is literally ‘following its clients’ and has opened a new office in Kristiansund. From here, major offshore and onshore clients who also have facilities in Kristiansund now have access to the key inspection services they need to help maintain their operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Kristiansund… old in history. Modern in outlook Dating back to 1742, Kristiansund is located on the north western coast of Norway, and features a natural harbour that is sheltered by four islets which are connected by bridges and communication vessels. Despite only 25,000 inhabitants there is a definite ‘city feel’ as neighbouring municipalities boast some 40,000 to 50,000 people with Kristiansund being seen as the regional centre where business and leisure opportunities abound.
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The ‘town by the ocean’ of Kristiansund features parks and forests plus coastal scenery. It is also popular for its local delicacy of Klipfish (salted and sun-dried split cod)! Its unique position means marine and maritime industries have always been an integral part of life, and over the last 15 years the town has experienced a booming development into an operational and supply/delivery base for mid-Norwegian offshore enterprises. At the same time efforts have also been made to support the fisheries and aqua culture industries by establishing the fishery base of Kristiansund (Kristiansund Fiskeribase).
Outstanding local infrastructure Near Kristiansund is the Atlantic Ocean Road (in Norwegian, Atlanterhavsveien), an 8.3 kilometre section of main road which links to the mainland and runs through an archipelago in Eide, and Averøy crossing a number of small islands and skerries which are in turn, connected by causeways, viaducts and bridges. Originally intended as a railway line in the early 20th century the road planning was started in the 1970s and construction began in 1983. Despite suffering the effects of a number of big storms, and costing 122 million Norwegian Krone (partially financed
KEY SERVICES OFFSHORE AND ONSHORE The services available from the new Kristiansund operation provide a vital support facility for the busy operational environment. These include…
by tolls), it was finally opened in 1989. Today, it is a heritage site and a National Tourist Route, popular with anyone from holidaymakers to advertising commercial producers looking for the right location for their filming. It has also been officially declared the world’s best road trip and awarded the title of ‘Norwegian Construction of the Century’. Today a second route is available between Averøy and Kristiansund – the Atlantic Ocean Tunnel… the ideal option when the North Atlantic weather turns nasty!
• Conventional NDT • Advanced NDT methods • Rope Access • Metallurgic field investigations • In-service pipeline inspection • Inspection and Integrity Management • API RP 4G derrick inspection • Advanced inspection techniques of complex geometry welds • Lifting and equipment surveys • DROPS & API 4G surveys • Hazardous area survey • Critical load path survey • Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) testing and certification • API RP 2D crane inspection • Hull Inspection & Class survey • Underwater inspection in-lieu of dry-docking • Lifting equipment and EX surveys
The right support and services… where they’re needed The new support office will have 6 – 10 multi-skilled inspectors who will provide an extensive variety of services.
PHOTO ↑ TONE ROKSTAD
↑ Kristiansund, outstanding local infrastructure
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MEETING ‘MULTI-PROBE CHALLENGES’
An unusual request! In May 2014, Applus RTD’s Probe Development department’s Marjolein Soetermeer received an unusual request from a client in Slovakia… they requested that we developed special multiple-head probes which were capable of inspections in three small pipes, each of a different diameter. The probes should feature four separate elements and be individually designed for operation in each particular size of pipe.
Creating the multiple-head probes Because of the focal distance that is required (in relation to diameter) for each particular pipe, large size crystals and as such, a large housing were needed. The result was probes of a bigger dimension than the pipe! As the ultrasonic ‘sound beams’ of a probe are refracted when they hit another surface, and the refraction becomes greater if that surface is curved, the probe has to be designed to carry out all necessary corrective measures. To establish the exact angle for the probe the design approach can be seen in Fig. 1. Here, the 35º component (A) should point downwards but without angle compensation, so that the ‘sound beam’ would pass outside the pipe. The angle of component (B) of 45º ensures that the transverse ‘sound bundle’ remains in the pipe, but because
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of its positioning halfway over the radius, the crystal must also be located under a corner (roof angle) otherwise the ‘sound beam’ would be refracted to the outside diameter of the pipe. With the angles and dimensions established, the probe must now be produced, and to do this successfully the nature of the design and the exact characteristics of the components plus the location of the crystals, all provided a considerable challenge. The photographs however, demonstrate that the probes could be (and were) produced according to specification and supplied to the client.
OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGE
The challenge from the client was one of coming up with a workable concept and then translating it into reality. Reports from the client have indicated that the multiple-head probes are performing according to specification and that their design and construction have proved to be an ideal solution.
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LEVEL 5 RADIATION PROTECTION EXAMINATION COMMITTEE
Radiation protection. Keeping up standards Carel Thijssen, Chairman ↑
Applus RTD has long been recognized as an organization with a high reputation in the field of organizing professional courses on radiation protection. To date, Levels 5A and 5B, covering supervisors in applications with limited risk, and for those whose daily work brings them into contact with instances where radiation may be encountered, are covered. In the past year, Applus RTD’s recognition in this field has been further extended by the company being authorized to carry out courses for dentists and orthodontists level 5A/M and for NDT level 5A/ supervisors. Examination standards and controlling committee Since July last year the statutory requirements in terms of radiation protection, demand that the quality of related courses must comply with specified examination regulations under the supervision of a controlling committee. The appropriate regulations have now been established and the committee appointed to ensure that the following tasks are suitably carried out. • Maintenance of appropriate examination standards
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• Providing a final marking/standard recognition for each candidate • Handling and carrying out any required actions in the event of complaints • Adjudging exemptions and giving permissions for situations in exceptional circumstances • Decisions on unforeseen eventualities The committee, which meets 3 to 4 times per year, operates independently and comprises a chairman together with a number of suitably qualified Applus RTD specialists:
CHAIRMAN C. Thijssen; COMMITTEE MEMBERS E. Luijkx, Ing. R. Helderop, J. van Heyningen, Ir. A van den Bremer and SECRETARY Ms. A. van Limpt.
The Dutch government has identified a number of levels which enable the expertise of those working with ionised radiation to be identified. The levels of expertise required for those working with, or in the vicinity of radiation, are dependent on the nature of the work involved.
↑ Carel Thyssen, Ruud Helderop and Aad van den Bremer
CAREL THIJSSEN, CHAIRMAN
From 1979 to 2014 Carel Thijssen was employed by the Dutch government in a number of ministries and functions. These included Agriculture, Economic Affairs, Municipal Services, Employment, Health, Welfare and Sport, Housing and Community and Environmental Affairs. From 1988 he was involved in a variety of radiation protection and nuclear matters as a policy co-ordinator and also head of the department involved in licences for related nuclear matters. Carel Thijssen was also a member of the Dutch delegation during the establishment of the Euratom Basic principles (1994/96 and 2011/2013). He has also been responsible for a number of changes in the nuclear energy laws and related evaluation procedures (multiple licensing for radioactive materials and x-ray equipment, the reduction of administrative aspects for companies and the modernization of specialist aspects of radiation hygiene. In recent years he has been involved on a part time basis with the Direct Health and
Safe Working operations of the Ministry for Social Affairs as well as contributing to the work of the Program Directorate of nuclear installations and safety of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. From 2010 he was a committee member involved in the Dutch government’s training provisions on radiation which validated new courses and confirmed the acceptability of standards from overseas specialists working in Holland. Carel Thijssen was also a lecturer in both the universities of Leiden and Delft for level 2, as well as for some level 3 courses in Leiden, Nijmegen, Groningen and Eindhoven. He has also been involved in legal publications dealing with radiation protection and is the author of a yearbook on the subject 2014/2015. Editing of the Magazine for Radiation Protection from the Dutch Association for Radiation Hygiene, and work as a committee member for the Radiation Protection Congress Europe 2018 are also amongst his many responsibilities.
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GOING DIGITAL! As mentioned in the Colophon on page 2, the next issue of Impulse scheduled for November this year will be presented online in a digital format. To ensure that our worldwide clients and suppliers receive their copies we would request that you send us your e-mail address so that we can ensure you are ‘on the readership list’! Simply send the information to: impulse@applusrtd.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
A NEW NORTH AMERICAN APPOINTMENT
A new face… a new challenge After more than 40 years’ leadership, the President of the JANX organization John Newland has announced his retirement. Over his many years of service to the company and the industry John has been instrumental in expanding the USA Northern Division and supporting the overall growth of Applus RTD USA. All who have known and worked with John, both within the company and those clients and suppliers he has supported over the years, will surely want to wish him much happiness and health in his retirement.
A new face with big experience Following John Newland’s retirement, John Carr has been appointed to lead Applus RTD USA North. He brings to the challenge a wealth of knowledge and experience plus the essential drive and enthusiasm to take the company’s operations forward. “In my new role” says John “I have the privilege of having the support of an exceptional team. We have both challenging and exciting times ahead, and I am proud to lead this Division into its next phase of success”.
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↑ John Carr
APPLUS RTD DEMOTRUCK SPOTTED ON GOOGLE EARTH!
The distinctive Applus RTD Demo Truck is certainly getting around. And it’s getting noticed too. It’s been recently spotted on Google Earth Street View! Because during the meeting of Applus RTD Division Global Project Service (GPS) last year on the Willemsplein in Rotterdam, Google Earth evidently included the Marcom Demo Truck in their pictures. So you could now say that it’s got truly worldwide recognition! If you feel that a visit from the Applus RTD Demo Truck might be beneficial in your own operations and plans simply contact us at roadshow@applusrtd.com and we can organize things to suit your requirements.
NEW ADDRESS
On the move in Syracuse
The Syracuse office of Applus RTD USA has recently moved to new premises. As the lease on the old premises was coming to an end, it provided the organization with the opportunity to take the positive step of searching for a new address which would offer greater operational capacity and working flexibility. Moving with the times Having been at the previous facility for some 20 years (with some of the technicians being there for 15 years or more), the company’s focus on aerospace component inspections fuelled the need for a more up to date and professional laboratory. The components being inspected were produced in clean state-of-the-art facilities, so it was simply logical that
they should be handled in a similar type of high quality environment. Some clients have already visited and been impressed with the new facility, and to ensure that all interested parties are kept fully in the picture on this positive development an ‘Open House’ is planned for the Spring.
THE NEW ADDRESS IS
Applus RTD USA 1 Dwight Park Drive Syracuse, NY 13209 USA T +1 315 431 4291
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Richard Roolvink ↑
A YOUNG DUTCH WELDING WIZARD!
Next stop… the World Championships! Richard Roolvink from Hengelo in The Netherlands is only 18, but already he is a champion. In Holland’s bi-annual ‘Trainee Wizard Welder’ competition he won first prize! And that means he gets a ticket to Sao Paulo in Brazil next August for the World Skills Championships, where welding is one of the featured events. Because Applus RTD is committed to supporting technical talent, the company ensured that his skills and test samples came under the scrutiny of the examiners!
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For more information about ‘Wizards’ check out the Dutch site: www.devakkanjers.nl
Welding plays a key role A key area of Applus RTD’s activities across a wide variety of markets and their testing and inspection operations, is welding. And perhaps not surprisingly, thanks to the company’s name in this field and the opportunity to further extend Applus RTD’s profile at national and international welding competitions, we were approached by Wim van de Merwe (a teacher in metal techniques and one of two welding experts) to carry out radiographic examinations on Richard’s test samples. The testing processes were then arranged by Senior Sales Manager Evert Frieman and Regional Manager Henk Engelkes.
Richard’s qualification for the World Skills Championships in Sao Paulo came via the ‘Wizards’ competition organized by Techniek Talent. His skills are not least thanks to the experience and knowledge gained from a course on Metal Treatments at the SMEOT, his specialized secondary education at the Technical School for Metal, Mechatronics and Electronics, and his work experience at Eaton in Hengelo. During the challenge in Sao Paulo, he will be competing against entrants from 50 different countries.
An opportunity for tomorrow The professionalism and skills demonstrated by Richard can be seen, according to Techniek Talent as an ‘entry card’ into the technology sector in The Netherlands. Winners are also viewed as role models for other aspiring students. Applus RTD’s support will be playing an important role in helping Richard’s future development in his chosen field.
Good luck Richard!
www.devakkanjers.nl
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INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS – A KEY STEP FORWARD
Applus RTD MECA Gulf DMCC – certification achieved Applus RTD DMCC is proud to announce that it has been successful in its bid for certification for Integrated Management Systems, and now joins other ISO certified companies within the Applus RTD Division. The achievement of obtaining certification is clear proof of Applus RTD Gulf DMCC‘s commitment to the maintenance of outstanding Quality & HSE Management Systems, and represents a major step forward in supporting the organization‘s drive for performance improvement in a wide variety of areas.
The scope of the achievement Applus RTD Gulf DMCC has gained ISO 9001 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) and OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health Safety and Management Systems) certification from BM Trada Middle East (UKAS accredited certification body) after establishing Integrated Management System (IMS) to improve client satisfaction, employee safety and to enhance the quality of services provided. The certification lays a foundation for continually improving operations by standardizing quality and HSE management processes for the inspection services, and by periodically monitoring their performance.
market, international standards and certification provide an internationally harmonized management system which allows the industry and the organization to move forward – without each individual client having to request new or different management systems from its stakeholders and service providers. The positive conclusion to the certification process and audits fulfils our commitment to clients and helps ensure the highest levels of quality that they expect from us. The fact that we are successfully certified speaks volumes for the consistency of quality offered to our clients. As we move forward, we will continue to pursue opportunities for improving the quality of our services and the safety of our employees”.
A major step forward Following the award of certification, Applus RTD Gulf DMCC Middle East Caspian and Africa Vice President Derek Allan stated “In today‘s demanding
“Applus RTD Gulf DMCC looks forward to, and expects that the Integrated Management Systems certifications will greatly improve operational
↑ Derek Allan and Sajid Mahammad
performance and effectiveness and thus result in increased business for the region. This is because for the majority of clients, certification in Quality & HSE Management Systems is a basic requirement that is expected from service providers”.
A FOCUS ON BENEFITS
HSQE Manager Applus RTD Gulf DMCC, Sajid Mahammad comments “To survive and thrive in our competitive market, it is vital that we deliver greater value to our clients by building our systems and developing strong platforms, while emphasizing the improved services that differentiate us in the market. Compliance with international standards is an important tool that helps enhance the quality of services and practices in general, and this certification will yield comparable benefits for all interested and concerned parties”.
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SHARING KNOWLEDGE IN THE WORLD OF WELDING
Welding seminar In every region of The Netherlands, companies using welding technology are represented by so-called ‘welding groups’ which are organized by the NIL (The Netherlands Institute of Welding Technology).The aim of these groups is to increase and maintain the knowledge of welding technologies with welders, inspectors and managers through arranging excursions and seminars. As a sponsor of the Welding Group South Limburg, in March this year Applus RTD held a seminar in their own premises in Elsloo.
A high level of interest The seminar, which was organized by Sales Manager Ed Ruijpers and Regional Manager Rob van Hout covered innovative techniques for weld inspection. With over 60 delegates, the attendance was considerably more than expected.
a highly qualified audience! Following the seminar, a tour of the new offices and the radiation bunker at the Elsloo premises was given.
The presentation was followed by one of Applus RTD‘s latest developments RTD IWEX
Casper van Hoek, Manager of the ANDT Department, gave a presentation on Phased Array and this was followed by one on one of Applus RTD’s latest developments RTD IWEX – a new technology that enables scan results to be presented in 3-D, thus making their interpretation a lot easier. The IWEX presentation was held by Gerard van der Steen, a specialist at the ‘Application Center’ for research and development of new techniques. During and following each presentation was an opportunity for critical questions from
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INTRODUCING THE RTD PLANT MASTER
A breakthrough in permanent monitoring technology January 2015 saw the launch of a revolutionary new technology concept from Applus RTD… the RTD Plant Master. First shown at the API Inspection Summit in Galveston, Texas, USA, the new technology’s Global Product Manager Paul Deckers said “Managing and safeguarding the integrity of assets has been a concern for operators of refineries, chemical plants and power plants for decades”… RTD Plant Master… a break with tradition “While regular NDT inspections have allowed facilities to run safely in a costeffective manner, some components are inaccessible to NDT technicians due to extremely high or low temperatures – so a shutdown is needed to perform inspections. In addition, many components may require frequent and repeatable measurements which are not possible using traditional methods… the answer lies with the RTD Plant Master”. The first RTD Plant Master, with a serial no. PMIS-2015-0001 which was part of
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the initial production batch of 30 units, was handed over to Applus RTD CEO Iain Light by Technical Director Rienk de Vries (see photo). The first units are designated for a number of locations worldwide and will form part of an anticipated series of validation tests intended to bring actual full installation of units at clients’ sites within the near future. RTD Plant Master is a permanently installed monitoring system based on ultrasound technology. It provides continuous wall thickness measurements of critical and hard to access components within refineries,
chemical plants, power plants and offshore facilities.
RTD Plant Master in operation In operation, the RTD Plant Master uses high temperature piezo-ceramics. Sensors are applied to ultra-thin foils which create flexible ultrasonic transducers which can be permanently dry-coupled directly to the surface of the component. The transducers are then used to enable single point pulseecho measurements of the component’s wall thickness.
MORE INFORMATION?
For more information a video can be seen at https://youtu.be/Eo7_SiqYKBE or by contacting Paul Deckers at paul.deckers@applusrtd.com.
Sensors are designed to be capable of delivering continuous optimum performance for many years at temperatures of up to 200ºC/390ºF, thus enabling extremely high temperature components to be inspected.
‘RTD Plant Master is a permanently installed monitoring system based on ultrasound technology’
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WORKING TOGETHER FOR SAFETY
Federal Republic of Iraq and Applus RTD. A focus on safe operation Throughout the global Applus RTD organization safety is, and always has been of paramount concern in all aspects of the work that is carried out… wherever the need may arise. Protecting people, the workplace and the environment are key, and as such a focus on minimizing risk is vital. When the workplace is to be found in volatile Iraq, safety consciousness can sometimes take on an added meaning. Project Manager Neil Shaw explains…
Overlook nothing “For over three years, Applus RTD has been providing Advanced NDT services to major client’s in Southern Iraq. As with any other contract, oilfield personnel face issues and concerns relating to safety at the workplace. The hostile environment in Iraq however, places additional demands on the way that aspects of safety are approached and handled. Nothing may be overlooked, which means a stringent safety mentality must be maintained by all involved at all times, with each individual being responsible for their own safety and remaining vigilant to potential risks that may cause harm to colleagues. When it comes to safety… you can never have enough pairs of eyes!”.
The importance of teamwork Commencing in 2012 Applus RTD’s prime task was to assess the condition of pressure vessels in the oil field in Southern Iraq. The team included
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Jerry Wilson (Back-to-Back Co-ordinator) plus Lead Operators Kevin Shaw, John Clough, John Sheridan, and Kenny Monaghan. Ricky Hill, Lewis Kirton and Matty MacArdle and Darren Harbisher were Assistant Operators. Thanks to the company’s focused awareness on all aspects of safety plus the good relationship built up with a local security detail, the team was able to travel the extensive distances to each Degassing Station for carrying out necessary inspection work. In order to optimize a safe environment, high levels of teamwork were essential throughout the Applus RTD group (which often extended far beyond the 9-man inspection crew). A 16-man security detail travelled in armoured personnel carriers to protect the field technicians, and this was managed from the ‘military style camp’ security offices, alongside the Applus
RTD project supervisor. The security company’s headquarters were located in Basra, and also Baghdad from where intelligence was shared on a daily basis. The security details had a military background and as such applied the same levels of planning and discipline to their duties with the Applus RTD team. Military intelligence for example, was vital when planning travel movements. Routes were always varied and sophisticated GPS facilities plus advanced radio equipment ensured that teams were always in touch. At the start of every day, security briefings were held to discuss and plan the forthcoming day’s operations.
A strange environment Generally speaking, Applus RTD’s technicians are familiar with challenges in both offshore and onshore environments. Iraq was something new!
NEIL SHAW – PROJECT MANAGER
Neil Shaw operates in Applus RTD’s MECA region. With a Diploma in Science & Technology he is qualified in all conventional NDT techniques, MPI (Magnetic Particles Inspection), DPI (Dye Penetrant Inspection), Radiography and Ultrasonics and since 1993 has specialized in advanced UT techniques. Before moving to Applus RTD, Neil worked for RTD UK and RTD Pipelines. Overseas experience includes Project Management for subsea pipeline inspections in Qatar and Nigeria plus the Specialized Inspection Services contract for major client’s in Iraq.
↑ The importance of teamwork
On arrival at Basra Airport, a personal security detail of fully armed ex-military specialists plus a convoy of armoured vehicles was provided to make the transfer to the base camp. Body armour was issued and a security briefing provided to let new arrivals know what to expect in terms of likely scenarios plus evacuation procedures. Colleagues who had been involved with the contract for a longer period also filled in details of ‘living in a highly safety conscious environment’. Of importance in ensuring a harmonious and safer atmosphere, it was stressed that confrontation with local people should be avoided and that this would be helped by learning and respecting local customs. Learning to live with the ‘local wildlife’ (like venomous snakes and scorpions) and being able to handle extreme summer temperatures of over 50ºC as well as the ever present risk of
terrorist activities, all added a little spice to the day!
indication that the theme of ‘Working together for safety’ can and does work in practice.
Safety is a way of life In Iraq the safety protocols rapidly became a way of life for the Applus RTD team. Weekly drills were carried out which involved getting to a safe bunker or shelter, to counter possible armed threats. The instability of the region meant that this was a 24-hours-a-day concern.
The commitment and expertise demonstrated by the Applus RTD team under sometimes highly adverse conditions has led to a degree of optimism when decisions are made over the award of the next contract in 2015.
It was only by maintaining an awareness and pro-active approach to all aspects of safety that the project could be effectively completed. The success of the Applus RTD commitment towards safety can be measured by the fact that from the start of the project in January 2012 no time was lost due to accidents, injuries or security breaches… a strong
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RTD DTI TREKSCAN
A snake in the grass? Not in the grass… but in the pipeline! Introducing the RTD DTI Trekscan a revolutionary new concept developed by a team from the Applus RTD Technological Center. It’s a free-floating tool that looks a bit like a snake, and is designed to traverse back-to-back through 1D bends at an optimum speed of 1 metre per second (2.2 mph). Trekscan had its first public demonstration in September 2014 at the International Pipeline Conference (IPC) in Calgary, Canada.
Fast and versatile Thanks to this speed and its flexibility, Trekscan can be used on liquid filled pipelines that might otherwise be considered unpiggable. Most petroleum products and crude oils present no problems for this new concept, and the minimum and maximum wall thicknesses which it can measure are from 2.8 mm (0.1”) up to 50 mm (2.0”).
Meeting goals and deadlines Applus RTD CEO Iain Light set the Trekscan team the challenging task of having the first model ready for launching at the IPC and was delighted
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that their commitment and efforts enabled the tight deadline to be achieved. Trekscan is seen as an opportunity to fill a gap in the market and as such, its full scale deployment is now a key priorrity. For IPC, Trekscan was tested in Applus RTD’s new demo loop, and it ran smoothly through 300 litres of water. Together with the Applus RTD Demo Truck it was designed to be one of IPC’s main attractions and it is certainly an achievement with which all involved can be very proud.
← RTD DTI Trekscan had its first public demonstration at the IPC in Calgary, Canada
SHOWCASING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
Applus RTD will be showcasing its latest innovative technology from 8th to 10th June 2015 at the 10th Pipeline Technology Conference (PTC) in Berlin. Since 2006, the Conference’s main focus has been on developments in the international onshore and offshore pipeline industry. In addition to an overview of key projects, new construction methods, and an insight into new operation & maintenance, rehabilitation, in-line inspection and integrity management field studies and technologies, the PTC 2015 will feature special focus sessions on ‘Pipeline Safety’, ‘Challenging Pipelines’, and ‘Offshore Technologies’.
The practical nature of the PTC has always been based on cooperation between technical and scientific supporters and o0n a top class advisory committee. The Conference will feature lectures and presentations on all aspects surrounding oil, gas and product pipeline systems, and Applus RTD will be showcasing its latest technological innovation – the RTD DTI Trekscan.
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PIPELINE FORUM REPORT
Key information exchange opportunities In February 2015, the 29th Oldenburg Pipeline Forum took place at the Jade Hochschule in Oldenburg, Germany. The theme of this important opportunity for news and information interchange relating to the latest developments in pipeline technology, was ‘Pipelines in heat and energy transport’ and once again this key event attracted countless of visitors from throughout the industry.
Information and introductions to the latest concepts Just as they have done for the past 16 years, the representatives of the Applus RTD Region North presented the company’s latest technology. To make things more convenient for attendees, the exhibition booth was located in its usual place and Region Manager Eike Lindau was on hand to help and advise the many interested visitors and business partners. “This year” says Eike, “with the help and support of the GPS (Global Project Services) department, we have been able to present a variety of techniques. In addition to the ToFDScanner, the DTI Trekscan was a big attraction. At first glance, several visitors thought that this ‘snake-form’ tool with its brush elements was used for pipe cleaning! Luckily Francesco Sorrentino and Jan Pols were quick to correct them, and provide valuable information about this new innovation”. Both employees of Global Project Services, Francesco is Business Development Manager and Jan, Technical Authority PIT and together, they presented the DTI Trekscan and the PIT (Pipeline Inspection Tool). Currently under development at Applus RTD, and using the latest ultrasonic technology, the DTI is a free-floating tool which can
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run pipelines generally considered ‘unpiggable’ with liquid. In contrast to the wireless tool, the PIT is self-powered and can pass through pipelines for distances of over 20 km.
Widespread success When questioned on the value of the Forum, Francesco stated that he was convinced that it was a successful platform for the introduction of the DTI tool in this region. As he says “We have been in touch with several utilities and have been able to build initial contacts with companies from the East. Appointments have already been scheduled which will help strengthen relationships. The strong representation of foreign companies, in particular from Russia, has surprised is. Nevertheless, we were able to make the first contacts here as well”. The ToFD system was presented by Ralph Klinger, a Material Tester and quality responsible for advanced techniques. The system exhibited comprised a scanner with 2 ToFD and 2 Phased Array probes. It provides a reliable and fast solution for weld inspection, particularly for pipelines with higher wall thicknesses. The results were presented as B image, based on which the depth dimensions and the length of the indicators were assessed and
analyzed online. The system’s ability to store details, is also beneficial for retesting. The Oldenburg Pipeline Forum represented an exciting change of scenery for Material Tester Ralph. As he says “To be allowed to present our company and our technology at a trade show was a challenge, but it was made much easier thanks to the relaxed collaboration with colleagues. For me, particularly thanks to my discussions with Francesco and Jan, I was able to learn a lot about techniques and systems offered by our company”.
LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR!
Thanks to the successful collaboration with the GPS department, this year’s Pipeline Forum wasn’t just a great success in terms of customer acquisition and contact maintenance, but also in terms of teamwork and knowledge transfer. We are now looking forward to starting the planning for participation in 2016!
CLAFIS ACADEMY SAFEGUARDING AND OPERATIONS
Applus RTD Demo Truck on the road! March this year saw the Applus RTD Demo Truck on the road again! This time, under the guidance of Senior Sales Manager Evert Frieman, and together with the engineering office CLAFIS Ingenieus, a demonstration was arranged for a number of innovative techniques. The Demo Truck was duly located at the CLAFIS in Groningen, The Netherlands premises and it proved to be a real eye-catcher!
Colleagues of the future? A well-organized event was ensured thanks to the efforts of Theo Vinke from CLAFIS. Students at the Hanze High School who were studying engineering, were invited to visit the premises in the afternoon and get to know a bit more about Applus RTD and the services the company offers. This was seen as providing a valuable initial point of contact, as many of these students might be seen as future employees. At the end of the afternoon and during the evening, CLAFIS employees were given presentations and demonstrations of technologies such as Phased Array and ToFD by Albert Klok, while Gerard van der Steen introduced IWEX, and
Cor Stedelaar presented more information on NoBo certifications of Applus RTD Certification B.V..
A very special day! Commenting on the visit which was entitled CLAFIS Academy Safeguarding and Operations, Theo Vinke commented “It was a pretty impressive ‘classroom session’… fantastic for our CLAFIS engineering colleagues and also for those who might be looking at our organizations in terms of their futures. The technical and products presentations from Applus RTD made in the Demo Truck were well received and the whole event gave great opportunity for valuable question and answer sessions relating to their areas of study.
In this way the students gained a greater insight into both technology and the working environment. During the evening session, the CLAFIS colleagues expanded their knowledge and got valuable information from specialists into the ‘hows and whats’ of inspections and their applications. All in all… we had a very worthwhile day in the impressive Demo Truck!”.
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