How is AI applied to corrosion detection?
Corrosion detection is a challenging, risky, time-consuming, and expensive process. According to NACE, the global corrosion cost is estimated to be US$2.5 trillion, equivalent to 3.4% of the global GDP (2013). On top of that, it requires workers to inspect every edge of an enormous environment full of flammable hydrocarbons. However, the use of AI is reshaping this practice. In this context, AI-driven corrosion detection offers a safer and more sustainable method of addressing corrosion by providing a holistic perspective on Asset Integrity Management with 3D models, predictive algorithms, data contextualization, and Machine Learning. Thus, this blog analyzes how AI [...]
Developing an Effective Corrosion Prevention Strategy for Mining Operations
Intro Corrosion consists of constant material degradation by chemical or electrochemical reactions with its environment. Indeed, heavy corrosion damage can lead to extended unplanned shutdowns, decreased safety, and increased environmental exposure. And, while corrosion progression doesn’t stop, asset activities must be paused to address degradation and anomalies. In this context, mining structures are exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including moisture, acidic or alkaline substances, and abrasive materials, which accelerate corrosion. This being said, developing an effective corrosion prevention strategy is crucial to mitigate the impacts and costs of corrosion. A two-year global study released at the CORROSION 2016 conference [...]
Making the most of POB on offshore assets
As a risky environment, Oil and Gas offshore operations claim meticulous interventions from the People on Board (POB). The term is used to track and manage the workforce and ensure safety, resource allocation, and overall operational efficiency. In this sense, managing People on Board (POB) it’s a crucial and inherent challenge to the oil and gas industry. Oil and gas facilities may present risks such as explosions, health hazards, and oil leaks. Besides that, unplanned events happen, which requires workers to solve the occurrence. This harms the planning of the POB previously done and increases the downtime of the asset, [...]
Why traditional Corrosion Management methods are becoming obsolete
Offshore Oil operations are constantly threatened by an inevitable factor: Corrosion. Heavy corrosion damage can lead to extended unplanned shutdown times, decreased safety, and increased environmental exposure. This is why Oil and Gas companies struggle with traditional Corrosion Management methods becoming obsolete. However, corrosion management isn’t an easy task, involving locating, prioritizing, and treating corrosion signs along +300,000m² areas. Besides that, while operations need to execute interventions, they need to deal with limited maintenance time, budget constraints, and costly downtime. For this reason, the sector’s complexity requires an alternative method of addressing corrosion. The Importance of Corrosion Management [...]
Challenges of Corrosion Under Insulation
Intro Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is a pervasive problem in industrial process units that can lead to serious consequences if left unaddressed. It occurs when moisture becomes trapped between the insulation material and the metal surface, leading to accelerated corrosion. In this blog post, we will explore what CUI is, the risks it poses to process units, and the costs associated with it. What is Corrosion Under Insulation? Corrosion under insulation refers to the corrosion that occurs beneath insulation materials used to protect industrial equipment and pipelines. When moisture is present within the insulation, it creates a corrosive environment that [...]
Maximizing Efficiency and Cost Savings with Effective Coating Management
In today's highly competitive business landscape, maximizing efficiency and cost savings is crucial for any organization that wants to succeed. One area where this can be achieved is through effective coating management. Whether it's in the manufacturing, construction, or transportation industry, proper coating management can help businesses save time, money, and resources while ensuring high-quality results. From selecting the right coating materials to implementing a robust maintenance program, there are many steps that can be taken to streamline the coating process and minimize waste. In this article, we'll explore some of the best practices for coating management and how they [...]
Paper vs Digital Inspections
Intro Oil and Gas operations pose unique challenges to their operations when the matter is inspection and maintenance. Since this kind of activity involves a variety of risks and complexities, it is not uncommon to find field workers filling out paper reports, and walking around the facility looking for potential problems. This is a traditional-manual method, on which oil and gas companies relied throughout the years when performing risk assessments with the goal of preventing potential hazards that could compromise the continuity of the operation. Meanwhile, digital transformation has been disrupting the way things are done with increasingly advanced [...]
The Corrosive Process in the Oil and Gas Industry
Intro Corrosive processes are one of the main challenges for the oil and gas industries around the world. From the extraction process to refining and transportation, corrosion is an ongoing element in oil and gas plants. Besides being a high-risk problem for operators in the field, corrosion is also responsible for a large cost. According to NACE, the cost of corrosion prevention in an industrial environment is around 49 billion dollars, with at least 50% of this amount referring to atmospheric corrosion. In this blog we will talk about the main challenges and impacts generated by corrosion in the oil [...]
Structural Integrity: aspects of one of industry’s main challenges
Intro The structural integrity of a piece of equipment or part is essential for the proper functioning of an industrial operation. To ensure safety within industries, it is in the operation and maintenance phase that integrity managers have the great challenge of ensuring that all equipment in operation can maintain their levels of productivity, safety, and performance through continuous monitoring and corrective actions, if necessary. In this blog, we will talk a little about the main characteristics of problems related to the structural integrity of equipment, and how these problems can be addressed. What is it Structural integrity refers to [...]
How is maintenance performed in process plants
Maintenance is a fundamental process for any industrial operation. It is very true that maintenance is not a type of investment that will result in more profits, however, investing in maintenance could be the same as not losing money. In this blog, we will explain key concepts for understanding the real value of maintenance programs and routines in a heavy-asset industrial process. Why is it necessary? As mentioned before, effective maintenance programs could be the key to not losing unnecessary money. Investing in maintenance is to ensure that processes, assets, and equipment [...]
