Advanced Technologies Provide a Point of Difference in Materials Science

Source: Sally Wood

The ICR. IAS Joint Venture team is committed to innovation and safety, through complex end-to-end solutions across the Australasian region. ICR. IAS operates its world-class facilities from Perth, with over 80 local employees. Together, the organisation is committed to ongoing maintenance, integrity, corrosion and repair works that meet high customer service standards. The company has recently become a member of Materials Australia, which opens up a suite of new opportunities to connect with likeminded organisations; professional staff; academics; research scientists; and technical advisors in the materials science space. Materials Australia’s corporate memberships are designed to benefit organisations that are committed to ongoing professional development in the materials engineering and science space. It provides a clear and measured pathway to meet future challenges, and grasp a range of opportunities for the future.

A Response-Ready Team with Integrity

ICR. IAS staff form a global network who are committed to three core values: integrity, team, and technology. Together, this ensures a rapid response and high-end results on critical works and other complex scopes. The ICR. IAS team delivers smarter solutions, which boast innovative design and thinking to overcome any challenges that a client is facing. The team uses an out-of-the-box approach that supports clients to extend their asset lifecycle, reduce operational costs, and minimise production downtime. The team uses a series of advanced technologies that are internationally recognised to achieve such an impressive feat. These technologies include the fully accredited composite repair system, Technowrap Structural Rehabilitation System, and the Quickflange technology. These advanced technologies offer an innovative approach to pipe, and flange repair and other complex modifications. In all, these technologies offer cold work solutions, which are a point of difference in the Australasian market.

The team continues to expand and grow, and has ambitious plans to enter the international market.

Finite Element Analysis Modelling

The ICR.IAS team delivers a range of comprehensive and detailed solutions to repair complex composites in steel. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) modelling provides a rapid verification of complex non-standard repairs, which is not matched by other technologies in the sector.

The FEA is supported by test data and industry third party verification. The team also applies the TechnowrapTM system for complex structures to meet pressure containment and applied load demands. The modelling allows ICR.IAS personnel to test and analyse the stress loads in steel and other first layer composites, which support physical test data. ICR.IAS’ ongoing innovation ensures that the company remains at the forefront of technological advances in the sector.

Radio Tower Corrosion Repairs

experienced significant section loss because of external corrosion.

But the ICR. IAS team was unable to conduct hot works on the circular column, as it was located on an offshore platform. As such, a TechnowrapTM was used to provide structural reinstatement of the column.

The project team used ropes to complete the surface preparation, repair works and final coating. Bristle blasters were used to prepare the surface. Finally, the through-wall defects were covered with pre-cured sections of TechnowrapTM, and bonded, to serve as a former for the TechnowrapTM SRS. The project team did not conduct any hot works to complete the repair, and no shut-down periods were required, which maximised platform productivity and service.

The flexibility of the Technowrap SRS application process allowed the rope accessed repair works to stop and start as required, which was dependent on the weather conditions on the platform. The team’s quality assurance and quality control procedures ensured a complete record of the repair materials, and application processes for future reference.