Applus+ conducts non-destructive tests for the construction of a major subsea gas pipeline in Brazil

Our technical personnel are delivering project management and detailed engineering from Rio de Janeiro, and the client's “Flex-lay” construction vessels are being used for offshore activities.

During this project, Applus+ is deploying our proprietary technology Rotoscan IWEX, supported with other NDT services such as ultrasonic testing (UT), liquid penetrant testing (DPI) and magnetic particle testing (MPI). In addition, Applus+ is responsible for the provision of equipment and support personnel during the construction.

The project includes the inspection of 19 wells and wellheads, subsea equipment, subsea controls, tie-in systems and a full recovery of the vertical subsea systems (Risers), the pipelines that safely transport hydrocarbons from the wells, and subsea equipment to the fixed and floating structures operating on the ocean surface.

The IWEX technique generates more complete images of the assets under inspection, providing a more accurate determination of whether any defects detected are malignant or benign. This is a full-array capture technique, a new type of ultrasonic inspection that captures the entire waveform or A-sweep for all combinations of transducer element activation and records the A-sweeps for each of them.

The IWEX technique assists clients to more reliably predict the probability of rupture of specific pipe defects, and allows them to make informed decisions about the priorities for repair and maintenance. These services assist clients to reduce costs, shorten downtimes and increase productivity.