Asset information
Identify the equipment, material, dimensions, design records and operating conditions.
Technical knowledgeUnderstand the method.
Understand the method.
Choose the right scope.
A practical technical library explaining the purpose, applications, outputs and planning considerations of our updated services.
Method selectionStart with the question
Start with the question
your asset needs answered.
Is the concern wall loss, a weld discontinuity, surface cracking, coating condition or remaining serviceability? Technique selection starts with the damage mechanism and the required decision.
Material, geometry, surface condition, operating temperature and access all influence the examination. Screening techniques help prioritize locations; detailed examination and engineering assessment may then be needed to characterize and evaluate findings.
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Search all techniquesExplore by technique.
Engineering
Risk-Based Inspection (RBI)
Combines the likelihood of equipment failure with its potential consequences to prioritize inspection effort.
Explore the techniqueEngineeringFitness-for-Service (FFS)
Assesses whether equipment containing identified degradation can remain in service within defined operating limits.
Explore the techniqueNDT & testingPhased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)
Uses multiple ultrasonic elements with electronic control of the sound beam.
Explore the techniquePipeline integrityLong Range Ultrasonic Testing (LRUT)
Introduces guided ultrasonic waves along a pipe or tubular component to screen for changes in cross-sectional condition over a length from an accessible test position..
Explore the techniqueNDT & testingCorrosion Under Insulation & PEC
Pulsed eddy current uses an electromagnetic transient response to screen for wall loss through suitable non-conductive insulation and weather protection.
Explore the techniqueNDT & testingAlternating Current Field Measurement (ACFM)
Uses an electromagnetic field to detect and characterize surface-breaking cracks.
Explore the techniquePipeline integrityClose Interval Potential Survey (CIPS)
Measures pipe-to-soil electrical potentials at closely spaced positions along an accessible pipeline route.
Explore the techniqueAccess & offshoreMarine & Subsea Inspection
Combines subsea CP measurements, ultrasonic testing, flooded member detection, ACFM and ROV services to build a condition picture of underwater assets..
Explore the techniqueRegulatoryElectrical Inspection (APE)
Reviews industrial electrical installations, switchgear and equipment condition.
Explore the techniquePrepare for a technical discussion
Damage & history
Provide the suspected mechanism, previous findings, repairs and inspection coverage.
Site & deliverables
Confirm access, isolation, schedule and the information required for your next decision.
Further technical references
For general background, consult the relevant API publications and inspection technology references. Applicable editions and acceptance criteria are established within the project scope.
API inspection resources Inspection technology overviewTechnical downloads
Technical leaflets covering our inspection and engineering disciplines. Explore the method, applications and scope considerations alongside each downloadable document.
Quality Assurance & Control
Fitness for Service & RLA
Risk Based Inspection
Conventional NDT
Advanced NDT
Long Range Guided Wave
Radiometric Profiling
Rig Surveys
Tubular Inspection
Pipeline Integrity
Tank Inspection
Tube Inspection
Rope Access
Subsea Inspection
Lifting Equipment Inspection
Specialised Training
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Methods, applications and inspection decisions.
Explore the subjects covered by our published technical leaflets. Each guide explains the method, where it is used, the information it can provide and the practical limits to consider when defining a scope.
Quality Assurance & Quality Control
Quality assurance establishes the processes that help a project meet its specified requirements; quality control checks the resulting materials, workmanship and records. The Inspecta reference describes support from procurement and manufacturing through fabrication, construction and commissioning. A coordinated programme connects purchase specifications, inspection activities and documented release decisions so that quality concerns can be identified while corrective action is still practical.
Applications
Typical applications include vendor surveillance, supplier assessment, mechanical and electrical equipment inspection, coating inspection and civil construction quality oversight. The scope should identify the applicable project specifications, contractual requirements and responsibilities before work begins.
Approach
An inspection and test plan defines the checks, acceptance references and agreed witness or hold points. Inspectors review material identification, manufacturing records and test evidence, then document observations against the approved requirements. Nonconformities need a clear description, responsible owner and agreed route for resolution and verification.
Deliverables
Useful outputs include inspection reports, traceability records, test documentation reviews, nonconformity registers and release recommendations. A structured final dossier supports handover and provides a record for later maintenance or investigation.
Limitations
Inspection coverage depends on the agreed scope and access to the work. Sampling or witnessing selected activities does not demonstrate that every component or process step has been examined; the report should state exactly what was checked.
Fitness-for-Service & Remaining Life Assessment
Fitness-for-service assessment examines whether equipment with identified damage can continue operating under defined conditions. Remaining life assessment considers how that damage may progress. The Inspecta reference describes combining design information, operating history, maintenance records and inspection evidence to support decisions to continue operation, monitor, repair, replace or reassess equipment.
Applications
Applications include pressure vessels, process piping and storage tanks affected by corrosion or other deterioration. The engineering question should be explicit: whether continued operation is acceptable, whether operating restrictions are needed, or what additional inspection would reduce uncertainty.
Approach
The assessment begins with reliable equipment identification, geometry, material information, loading conditions and a description of the damage. Inspection coverage and measurement quality are reviewed before selecting an appropriate assessment method. Future operating conditions and degradation assumptions are documented so that the resulting recommendation can be interpreted correctly.
Deliverables
A useful report presents the evidence reviewed, assessment basis, assumptions, findings and recommended actions. Where justified by the available data, it can establish monitoring requirements, reassessment triggers and an estimated remaining service period under the stated conditions.
Limitations
An estimate is conditional on the data and assumptions used; it is not a guarantee of future performance. Changes in duty, unexpected deterioration or incomplete damage characterisation may require further inspection and a revised engineering assessment.
Risk-Based Inspection
Risk-based inspection combines the likelihood of failure with its potential consequences to prioritise inspection effort. The Inspecta reference explains why different components require different levels of attention: equipment with a similar physical condition may carry very different operational consequences. RBI turns this understanding into a documented basis for inspection planning and resource allocation.
Applications
The approach is useful for organising inspection programmes across process equipment, piping systems and other assets with varied degradation mechanisms and operating duties. It can help operators identify where better condition information is most valuable and where existing inspection plans need closer review.
Approach
An RBI study reviews equipment data, service conditions, inspection history and maintenance records. The team identifies credible deterioration mechanisms, assesses available evidence and evaluates risk using the agreed methodology. Proposed inspection methods must be capable of finding the damage of concern; an inspection activity is useful only when its coverage and sensitivity address the actual threat.
Deliverables
Outputs can include an asset risk register, prioritised inspection plan, recommended techniques and locations, identified data gaps and a record of the assumptions behind each decision. Review triggers help keep the programme aligned with changing operating conditions.
Limitations
RBI does not eliminate mandatory inspections or replace engineering judgement. Poor input data can conceal uncertainty, and risk rankings must be revisited when new inspection results, process changes or failure experience alter the assessment basis.
Conventional Non-Destructive Testing
Non-destructive testing examines materials and components while retaining them for their intended use. The Inspecta reference covers visual testing, ultrasonic testing, radiography, magnetic particle testing and liquid penetrant testing. These methods provide different types of evidence, so an effective inspection programme selects the technique according to the material, component geometry and damage being investigated.
Applications
Typical applications include weld inspection, wall thickness measurement, surface condition assessment and fabrication quality control. Testing can support manufacturing, construction, commissioning and in-service maintenance. The inspection objective should distinguish finding a discontinuity from evaluating whether it meets the specified acceptance requirements.
Approach
Planning establishes the examination area, surface condition, access requirements and applicable procedure. Equipment checks and reference standards help confirm that the technique is suitable for the task. Results are recorded with sufficient component identification and location information to allow the findings to be reviewed or compared at a later inspection.
Deliverables
Deliverables normally include the examination method, inspected locations, relevant test conditions, recorded indications and evaluation against the agreed criteria. Thickness measurements and annotated photographs can support follow-up engineering assessment and maintenance planning.
Limitations
No single NDT method detects every type of damage. Access, material properties, surface preparation and discontinuity orientation can affect the result. Some inspections require isolation, preparation or controlled work areas; uninterrupted operation should never be assumed when defining the inspection scope.
Advanced Non-Destructive Testing
Advanced NDT combines specialised inspection techniques with recorded data to address complex geometries, restricted access and demanding damage-characterisation requirements. The Inspecta reference includes phased array ultrasonics, time-of-flight diffraction, automated inspection, guided waves, tube inspection technologies, magnetic flux leakage, alternating current field measurement and digital radiographic techniques.
Applications
Applications range from weld examination and corrosion mapping to tank floor screening and heat-exchanger tube assessment. Technique selection starts with the expected damage and the decision that the inspection must support, rather than selecting equipment solely for its imaging capability.
Approach
A suitable inspection plan defines coverage, scanning positions, reference standards and data recording requirements. Where several methods are combined, each should have a clear purpose: for example, screening a large area and then characterising selected locations more closely. Recorded data needs review by personnel familiar with the technique, component geometry and potential sources of misleading signals.
Deliverables
Outputs may include scan files, annotated images, thickness maps, indication tables and a coverage statement. The report should distinguish measured findings from interpretation and explain where further examination or engineering evaluation is recommended.
Limitations
Advanced technology does not remove access limitations or uncertainty. Material structure, coatings, geometry and calibration conditions can influence inspection performance. A method that is effective for one application may require a different setup or supplementary examination for another, and unexamined areas should remain visible in the final report.
Long-Range Guided Wave Inspection
Long-range guided wave testing uses ultrasonic waves travelling along a pipe wall to screen lengths of pipe from a limited number of accessible positions. The Inspecta reference describes a transducer ring fitted around the pipe and signals sent in both directions. Reflections are assessed to identify locations that warrant closer examination.
Applications
The technique can support screening of pipe racks, insulated pipework, restricted-access runs, crossings, risers and selected buried or submerged sections. It is particularly useful when direct access along the full pipe length would be difficult, provided a suitable location can be prepared for the transducer ring.
Approach
Planning reviews pipe dimensions, layout, coatings, supports and anticipated corrosion. The operator identifies geometric features that may produce reflections and evaluates signal behaviour against the examination conditions. Suspect locations are marked for follow-up inspection, which can include local ultrasonic thickness measurements or other appropriate methods.
Deliverables
The report should include test positions, pipe identification, the effective examination range, relevant signal responses and recommended follow-up locations. Clear drawings and position references help maintenance teams return to the same areas and compare subsequent results.
Limitations
Guided waves are a screening technique rather than a substitute for local defect sizing. Coatings, bends, branches, attachments and attenuation can limit range and interpretation. Coverage and sensitivity must be reported for the actual conditions; a single universal inspection distance or detection threshold should not be assumed.
Real-Time Radiometric Profiling
Radiometric profiling evaluates changes in transmitted radiation through a component to help assess its condition. The Inspecta reference describes a portable source-and-detector arrangement positioned on opposite sides of process piping. Scanning along a pipe or taking a cross-sectional profile can help identify changes associated with wall loss, deposits, product or insulation condition.
Applications
The documented applications include screening insulated and bare pipework, investigating suspected internal or external corrosion, identifying blockages and examining selected fittings. The suitability of the technique depends on component dimensions, materials, insulation and the inspection objective.
Approach
A survey plan identifies the pipe runs, scan orientations and locations requiring repeatable measurements. Known geometry and process information support interpretation because variations in the material through which the beam passes can affect the response. Areas of concern should be correlated with drawings and examined using supplementary techniques when more precise characterisation is needed.
Deliverables
Useful outputs include recorded profiles, location schedules, annotated photographs and isometric references. A clear explanation of the measurement basis and any compensation assumptions helps engineering teams interpret changes and plan follow-up examination.
Limitations
Radiometric profiling is not a universal crack or pinhole detection method. Access for the source-and-detector arrangement is required, and geometry or contents may complicate interpretation. Radiation work must follow the approved site-specific controls and applicable requirements; the brochure should not be read as a blanket exemption from controlled-area arrangements.
Rig Surveys & Condition Assessment
A rig survey brings together condition observations, document review and selected examinations to help identify equipment requiring maintenance or further investigation. The Inspecta reference covers onshore and offshore rigs throughout construction, commissioning and operation. Its central purpose is to give the operator an organised view of the inspected equipment and the issues that need attention.
Applications
Depending on the agreed scope, a survey may address derricks, dropped-object hazards, lifting equipment, hull condition, alignment, control systems and safety or emergency systems. Different components require different inspection methods and competence, so the work package should define the boundaries of each discipline.
Approach
Preparation includes reviewing equipment registers, drawings, previous survey findings and relevant manufacturer information. Field activities combine visual examination with measurements, tests or NDT where specified. Findings are tied to identifiable components and evaluated against the agreed project requirements rather than a generic statement that the entire rig is satisfactory.
Deliverables
A condition report should describe the inspected scope, significant observations, inaccessible areas and recommended actions. Photographs, component references and an action register help the operator prioritise repairs and track whether earlier findings have been resolved.
Limitations
A survey records conditions within its defined scope and time window. Equipment that could not be accessed or tested must be identified. Findings do not automatically replace class surveys, statutory examinations or specialist assessments that may be required for a particular rig or location.
Tubular Inspection Services
Tubular inspection examines drill pipe and associated drilling components for damage, dimensional change and other conditions relevant to continued service. The Inspecta reference covers new and used drill pipe, tubing, casing, drill collars, bottom-hole assembly components, subs and related items. A consistent inspection programme supports component traceability and helps identify items requiring repair, segregation or further evaluation.
Applications
Inspection scopes may include the tubular body, connections, tool joints and accessible upset regions. Typical activities listed in the reference include visual examination, dimensional checks, ultrasonic thickness measurement, magnetic particle examination, hardness testing and drifting, selected according to the component and specified requirements.
Approach
Work begins with an agreed item register and clear identification of the applicable inspection category and acceptance references. Cleaning and preparation make relevant surfaces accessible. Examinations are then recorded against each item so that the findings, measurements and final disposition can be traced without confusion between similar components.
Deliverables
Useful deliverables include item-level inspection records, dimensions and thickness measurements where taken, relevant indication details and a disposition register. Marking and reporting conventions should make accepted, rejected and pending-review items distinguishable within the agreed process.
Limitations
The technique and inspection scope must match the tubular type, material and service conditions. A limited inspection does not establish the condition of unexamined areas. Repair decisions, reinspection requirements and acceptance limits should come from the applicable specification and responsible engineering authority.
Pipeline Integrity & Corrosion Assessment
Pipeline integrity programmes combine information about the pipe, its protective systems and its operating history to identify threats and plan appropriate action. The Inspecta reference brings together cathodic protection, close interval potential surveys, direct current voltage gradient surveys, in-line inspection and weld examination. These activities answer different questions and are most useful when their findings are considered together.
Applications
Applications include buried metallic pipelines, accessible process pipelines and selected offshore systems. External corrosion assessment may require information about coating condition and cathodic protection, while internal examination and weld inspection address other aspects of the pipeline condition.
Approach
Planning starts with route information, material and construction records, previous inspection data and the operating context. The survey method is selected for the threat and access conditions. Results should be located accurately along the route and correlated with known features so that follow-up checks or excavations can be targeted effectively.
Deliverables
Deliverables can include route-based survey records, identified anomalies, inspection coverage and recommendations for further investigation. Combining location references with drawings and condition records supports maintenance planning and the evaluation of changes between successive surveys.
Limitations
No single survey provides a complete assessment of every pipeline threat. Electrical survey results are not direct wall-thickness measurements, and in-line inspection requires a suitable pipeline configuration and tool selection. Anomalies should be interpreted within the method’s capabilities and verified where necessary before engineering decisions are made.
Tank Floor Inspection & Corrosion Mapping
Tank floor inspection uses organised scanning and local examinations to identify corrosion and document the condition of floor plates. The Inspecta reference describes magnetic flux leakage scanning combined with mapped results and supplementary inspection data. A clear plate layout allows findings to be related to physical locations, supporting repair planning and future comparison.
Applications
The principal application is the examination of suitable ferromagnetic floor plates in above-ground storage tanks. The work may combine floor scanning with visual examination, ultrasonic measurements and selected examinations of welds or other features, depending on the tank inspection plan.
Approach
Preparation establishes the plate numbering system, surface condition, accessible scanning areas and reference setup. Screening responses are reviewed and selected locations examined more closely to characterise wall loss. Areas close to obstructions, edges or other restrictions need an explicit coverage statement and an appropriate supplementary inspection plan.
Deliverables
The reporting package can include a colour-coded floor map, plate-by-plate findings, verification measurements and photographs. A consistent coordinate system makes it easier to locate repairs and compare subsequent inspections. The recorded condition can also provide input to a broader tank integrity assessment.
Limitations
Magnetic flux leakage responses depend on plate and inspection conditions and require interpretation. Screening does not automatically provide a complete description of each defect. Repair acceptance and continued-service decisions should consider the applicable tank requirements, confirmed measurements and the responsible engineer’s evaluation.
Heat-Exchanger & Boiler Tube Inspection
Tube inspection helps identify deterioration in heat exchangers, condensers, boilers, air coolers and related equipment. The Inspecta reference describes a multi-technology approach using eddy current, remote field, magnetic flux leakage and internal rotary ultrasonic inspection. The selected method must suit the tube material, geometry and expected damage rather than treating the techniques as interchangeable.
Applications
Documented damage concerns include corrosion, erosion, wear, pitting, wall loss, grooving, cracking and damage associated with supports. An inspection programme may investigate a known operational problem or establish a condition baseline for maintenance planning.
Approach
The work scope defines the tube population, accessible ends, cleaning requirements and inspection coverage. A tube-sheet map is essential for recording each inspected tube and locating findings. Relevant reference standards and setup checks support interpretation, while supplementary examination can help resolve uncertain or significant indications.
Deliverables
Reports should identify the tubes examined, the method used, recorded indications and any limitations. Condition maps and tube-by-tube results help operators review repair or replacement options and plan future inspection. Repeat examinations are more useful when the numbering and reporting conventions remain consistent.
Limitations
Deposits, restricted access, tube geometry and material properties can affect examination quality. Different methods have different sensitivity to damage types and locations. Inspection findings inform engineering decisions but do not alone establish the future reliability of a complete exchanger or determine all repair criteria.
Rope Access for Inspection
Rope access provides a means of reaching inspection locations that are difficult to approach using conventional platforms. The Inspecta reference describes its use at industrial plants and offshore structures, with the inspection task integrated into the access plan. The inspection technique still needs to meet its own requirements for surface preparation, equipment positioning and reliable data collection.
Applications
Potential applications include elevated pipework, structural members, vessels and other locations where permanent access is limited. The suitability of rope access should be considered against the work duration, task complexity, available anchor arrangements and interaction with surrounding operations.
Approach
Planning combines the inspection method statement with the access risk assessment and rescue arrangements. The team needs a clear description of the examination locations and expected deliverables before mobilisation. Equipment handling, communications and the prevention of dropped objects are practical considerations when inspection tools are used at height.
Deliverables
The inspection report should identify the examined components and findings in the same clear manner as a ground-level inspection. Photographs, drawings and position references help demonstrate coverage, while any access restrictions should be recorded so that unexamined areas can be addressed separately.
Limitations
Access capability does not establish inspection competence: both elements must be appropriate to the task. Weather, surrounding activities, geometry and rescue feasibility can restrict the work. Rope access is a project-specific access option, and should not be assumed suitable for every elevated or confined location.
Subsea Inspection & Survey
Subsea inspection gathers condition information from underwater structures and pipelines where direct access and visibility can be challenging. The Inspecta reference describes visual and video surveys, ultrasonic measurements, selected surface examination techniques, cathodic protection surveys and remotely operated vehicle surveys. The inspection method should be matched to the asset, environment and purpose of the assessment.
Applications
Applications include offshore structural members, pipeline features and accessible underwater components. A survey may document general condition, investigate suspected damage or collect targeted measurements for an engineering review. The expected outcome should be established before selecting a diver or remotely operated vehicle approach.
Approach
Planning reviews drawings, previous findings, water conditions, access and the required positioning accuracy. Inspection locations should have recognisable references so that observations and measurements can be associated with the correct component. Cleaning or surface preparation may be needed before certain examinations can produce useful results.
Deliverables
Typical outputs include annotated video or photographs, location-based observations, measurement schedules and a coverage statement. A concise findings register allows significant conditions to be reviewed alongside historical information and helps define follow-up inspection or maintenance work.
Limitations
Visibility, marine growth, geometry, environmental conditions and access can limit coverage or measurement quality. An inspection report should distinguish observations from confirmed characterisation. Survey findings do not by themselves define a repair procedure, and any intervention requires its own engineering and operational planning.
Lifting Equipment Inspection
Lifting equipment inspection examines equipment condition and relevant records to identify deterioration or defects that could affect its intended use. The Inspecta reference covers cranes, lifting platforms, slings and related equipment, with checks selected according to the item and agreed scope. Effective inspection combines physical examination with clear identification and traceable reporting.
Applications
Applications include periodic condition examination, inspection following installation and reviews associated with maintenance or changes in service. The scope should identify the equipment configuration, rated capacity information, manufacturer requirements and applicable local examination obligations.
Approach
Activities may include visual and dimensional examination, review of inspection and test plans, and specified functional or load tests. Testing is planned for the particular equipment and operating conditions; it should not be treated as an automatic requirement for every item. Relevant defects are located and described so that the responsible party can arrange appropriate corrective action.
Deliverables
A useful report records equipment identification, the examination scope, significant findings and any restrictions or follow-up recommendations. Item registers and photographs help operators distinguish equipment requiring attention and maintain a history of inspections and repairs.
Limitations
Inspection reflects the examined condition and does not replace routine pre-use checks or proper maintenance. Load testing alone does not establish the condition of every component. The applicable legal framework, examination interval and acceptance basis must be confirmed for the equipment and jurisdiction concerned.
Specialised Inspection & Technical Training
Technical training develops the knowledge needed to select, perform and interpret inspection activities responsibly. The Inspecta reference outlines learning areas across NDT, welding inspection, plant inspection, coatings, lifting equipment, rope access and subsea work. A useful training plan connects the learner’s existing experience with the practical duties they are expected to carry out.
Applications
Training can support new personnel, technicians developing an additional method, inspectors preparing for examinations and teams refreshing their understanding of procedures. The learning objective should state whether the course provides awareness, practical development, examination preparation or another defined outcome.
Approach
A suitable programme combines technical principles with procedure interpretation, equipment familiarisation, practical exercises and reporting. Case studies help participants understand how access, surface condition and incomplete information affect an inspection. Assessment activities should test the required understanding and practical skills rather than relying only on attendance.
Deliverables
Course documentation should identify the syllabus, duration, prerequisites, delivery arrangements and assessment method. Where examination preparation is offered, the relevant scheme and application requirements should be made clear before enrolment. Training records provide evidence of learning activity within a wider personnel competence system.
Limitations
Completing a course does not automatically confer independent certification, employer authorisation or membership of a professional body. Those outcomes may involve separate examinations, experience requirements and approvals. Current course availability and scheme requirements should be confirmed; older brochure references must not be treated as current accreditation statements.