FAQ

Inspections are critical for preventing catastrophic failures, protecting worker safety, minimizing environmental impact, ensuring regulatory compliance, extending equipment lifespan, and maintaining operational efficiency. The high-pressure, high-temperature, and hazardous nature of oil and gas operations makes regular inspection essential.

• Visual Inspection - Surface examination for corrosion, mechanical damage, deformation, or leaks
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) - Inspection using ultrasonic testing, radiography, magnetic particle testing, and eddy current testing to detect internal and surface flaws
• Pressure Testing - Hydrostatic or pneumatic testing performed to verify pressure integrity and leak tightness
• Corrosion Inspection - Assessment of internal and external corrosion, erosion, and material degradation
• Pipeline Integrity Inspection - Use of smart pigs and inline inspection tools to evaluate wall thickness, cracks, and defects
• Safety System Inspection - Testing and verification of safety valves, emergency shutdown systems, and fire protection systems

Inspection frequency depends on equipment type, operating conditions, regulatory requirements, and risk assessment. Critical equipment may require monthly or quarterly inspections, while less critical components might be inspected annually or biennially. Regulatory bodies often mandate minimum inspection intervals.

NDT encompasses techniques that examine materials and equipment without causing damage. Common methods include ultrasonic testing (sound waves), radiographic testing (X-rays), magnetic particle testing (ferromagnetic materials), liquid penetrant testing (surface cracks), and eddy current testing (electrical conductivity changes).

Certified inspectors, third-party agencies, company safety personnel, and regulatory authorities with relevant API, NDT, and safety certifications conduct inspections.

OSHA standards, API codes, ASME standards, EPA regulations, and local safety codes govern oil and gas inspections, with requirements varying by jurisdiction.

Failed equipment must be repaired, replaced, or taken out of service immediately depending on the severity of findings. A detailed report is generated, corrective actions are planned, and follow-up inspections verify repairs. Regulatory authorities must be notified for critical failures.

Inspectors follow strict safety protocols including permit-to-work systems, confined space procedures, lockout/tagout practices, personal protective equipment requirements, gas detection monitoring, and hot work permits when applicable.

Advanced technologies include drones for aerial facility surveys, robots for confined space inspection, digital radiography, phased array ultrasonics, acoustic emission monitoring, fiber optic sensors, and AI-powered data analysis for predictive maintenance.