UTComp licensee Nordic Glasfiber conducted an UltraAnalytix non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of an above-ground storage tank containing Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA) at an Ashland facility in France in 2023.
MCA is an extremely hazardous substance used as a key precursor in CMC (Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose) manufacturing.
Background
The 5×8.5-metre fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite tank (with a thermoplastic lining as a corrosion barrier) was designed and constructed in 2002.
Ashland sought an inspection solution that would keep the equipment in-service and ensure personnel safety, avoiding the challenges associated with chemical de-inventorying and vessel entry.
UltraAnalytix NDE process
UTComp’s advanced UltraAnalytix inspection technology met that criteria: ultrasonic data is collected from the exterior of the asset while full of its contents and fully operational.
The data is analyzed using UTComp’s proprietary algorithm to evaluate fitness for service, as part of a complete mechanical integrity report with maintenance plan recommendations.
Key outcomes:
- Inspections completed while equipment was online, full of contents and without any shutdown requirements creating significant savings
- Inspections completed with advanced ultrasonic and Fitness for Service assessment techniques – no reliance on subjective visual inspections
- Inspections did not require confined space entry, keeping personnel safe
- No reliance on unofficial and outdated inspection techniques and standards
- Ashland was able to validate the vessels’ fitness for service, saving an estimated $1.5M Euros in planned capital to replace the vessel.
“UltraAnalytix NDE delivered significant savings by eliminating the cost to shut down the asset, empty the vessel and then go through the process of re-filling and startup after inspection. The mechanical integrity report includes both qualitative and quantitative information about the asset, including the condition of the corrosion barrier, which allows Ashland to make better near- and long-term decisions for maintenance and capital expenditure. Knowing the vessel is fit for service saved us €1.5 million in planned asset replacement costs.”
— Ray Vermillion, Asset Integrity & Reliability Engineering Manager, Ashland, Inc.
The next inspection of the vessel is recommended for 2026.
Read the full case study Non-Intrusive Fitness-for-Service Evaluations of Critical Non-Metallic Aboveground Storage Tanks in Inspectioneering Journal (May/June 2024).