Applus RTD Launches Revolutionary NDT Technology

Applus RTD, the global leader in the provision of integrity technology services, unveiled Monday its most sophisticated ultrasonic 3D inspection technology to date – the latest addition to its revolutionary NDT3D technology range.

The RTD IWEX (Inverse Wave Field Extrapolation) is an emerging Non Destructive Testing (NDT) technique that allows detailed inspection and mapping of defects within critical pieces of pipework.

The system increases the probability of detection of defects within welds, as well as more accurately detailing the size, position and characterization of faults. It has the potential to save operators millions of dollars by reducing the number of welds being rejected in new construction pipelines both onshore and offshore.

Rienk de Vries, technical director at Applus RTD, said: "RTD IWEX provides users with a reconstructed image of the inspected object, giving a clearer insight into the scale and nature of any existing defects than is currently possible.

"By utilizing this technology more accurate results in relation to the size and position of the defect can be gained throughout the inspection process."

The product has been designed to tackle a number of known client issues during processes such as pipeline construction and strain-based pipeline designs and can be utilized during operations for the oil and gas and renewables sectors.

de Vries added: "We are committed to a program of technological research and development aimed at delivering new techniques that maximize the effectiveness and value of our services.

"Ensuring the integrity of the infrastructure being used in the global energy industry is critical to the success of E&P activity and it is of paramount importance to Applus RTD that we not only contribute to improved standards, but set the bar within the ultrasonic NDT arena."

The RTD IWEX is the product of six years of research and development and has already been validated by several oil majors.

Applus RTD will be demonstrating the RTD IWEX on its booth at OTC. Booth no. 711.