The pandemic has disrupted the entire world economy. Many industries are going through transformational changes due to the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. Businesses that are able to adapt to new situations can enhance their chances of survival. When it comes to the storage industry, the norms and standards keep evolving. Thus, API inspection companies should constantly strive to adopt new advancements and testing techniques. Doing so will not only help them improve their services and stay compliant, but it will also save them time and cost. By employing cutting-edge technologies, they can manage overheads and efficiently address safety issues.

Tank storage inspection companies widely use Non-destructive techniques. NDT inspections offer a wide range of advantages. They provide accurate and reliable results and don’t hinder the functioning of the machinery.

In this blog, we have highlighted some advancement in non-destructive testing.

Phased Array Ultra-Sonic Testing Techniques

One of the recent advancements in the NDT method is Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing or PAUT. Many tank inspection companies have moved on PAUT from the usual ultrasonic testing methods. In ultrasonic testing, pipes are inspected to analyze weld joints, tanks, and pipe lays. Inspection of storage tanks with complex geometries is not possible with the simple ultrasonic method.

This is where the phased array ultrasonic testing comes in handy. Through PAUT, the inspector can analyze the complex assembly of pipes through various angles and positions without moving the device. Phased array ultrasonic testing technology has not only simplified the testing process it has made it more reliable. The technician can probe pipes of the entire storage system in comparatively less time.

Non-Destructive Examination 4.0

While NDT offers more advantages, it has its fair share of downfalls. One of the most significant shortcomings of non-destructive testing is it lacks effective communication. The new NDE 4.0 aims to rectify this shortcoming and enhance internal communication. Digital tools have further helped API inspection services providing companies to speed up the inspection process and decrease the time required to analyze the equipment. Now, the technicians can take pictures of the tanks and equipment and send them to managers for further evaluation. If there is an issue with the installment of the tanks, the manager can send their feedback and have it rectified. The same can be done to check whether a storage facility is compliant.

Data Formats for NDE 4.0

For a very long time, the information for NDT was stored in a proprietary format. The proprietary system leaves little room for open communication between various stakeholders. When it comes to ensuring the correct implementation of tanks and their components, documentation is essential.

Recently, experts have suggested a more feasible model for documenting storage tank requirements. Digital Imaging in Non-Destructive Evaluation or DICONDE has been proposed to support a unified portal for data exchange.

AI and Robotics

Advancements in artificial intelligence have opened new ways for effective tank inspection and evaluation. NDT inspection companies are making use of drones, robotics, and other artificial intelligence technology to reach unreachable regions of the tank for a complete and accurate result.…