UltraAnalytix NDT system featured in World Pipelines magazine

December 1, 2023

UTComp is featured in the November 2023 issue of World Pipelines magazine.

In the article titled “Before It’s Too Late,“ UTComp founder and CTO Geoff Clarkson discusses the value of UltraAnalytix® NDT for assessing corrosion barrier condition of in-service piping systems made from fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites.

“Providing a safe, reliable and cost-effective method to assess fitness for service of FRP composite piping is critical, especially in the chemical processing and petroleum sectors where FRP piping is widely used to transport hazardous materials, and protecting people and the environment from accidental leaks or spills is a top priority,” Clarkson says.

The UltraAnalytix system provides quantitative data about the condition of FRP assets by detecting and analyzing changes that take place in the polymer over time. These changes can be used as inform repair and replacement planning — essential for managing the impacts of corrosion on industrial equipment, which NACE International has estimated to cost the global economy US$2.5 trillion per year.

“Regular inspections using the UltraAnalytix system have become a key component of corrosion control and fitness for service assessment strategies of FRP asset owners around the world in a variety of sectors,” Clarkson says.

Read the full article.

Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Methods for FRP

Comparison of NDE methods for determining Remaining Strength Factor of FRP for completion of Assessment as per proposed Part 16 update to API 579-1/ASME FFS-1:

NDE Method
Acoustic Emission (AE)
Acousto-ultrasonics (AU)
Attenuation-based ultrasonics (UAX)
UltraAnalytix (UAX+)
Applicable Standard
ASTM E1067
ASTM E1495
ASTM C1332¹
Combines ASTM C1332 & E1495
Inspector Certification Available
ISO, ASNT, SNT-TC-1A
SNT-TC-1A
SNT-TC-1A
SNT-TC-1A
Included in ISO or ASNT Training



Number of Calibration Specimens Required for an Inspection
0
1 or 2
2
0
Destructive Testing and Analysis of Calibration Specimens Required



Available Equipment Provides Output Values



Automated Processing for PDS Available



Remaining Strength Factor and Remaining Life Provided