ITL – EIS Sensor Technology for CUI

Project Summary

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) developed by Inspection Tech Ltd and is at the heart of their intelligent corrosion monitoring product, iCON™. The method of EIS was identified as part of the Lockheed Martin Landscaping Study as an inspection method that has the potential to characterise electrochemical processes such as corrosion and help solve the long term problem of monitoring piping and vessel systems at risk of Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI).
As a potential solution to managing the CUI challenge within the Oil & Gas industry the aim of the project is to conduct validation trials at an onshore site to prove that this technology can form part of the overall solution to managing CUI.

OUTCOMES

Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) poses a significant operational, safety and economic challenge. Since 1984, out of the 137 major oil and gas accidents reported within the EU over 20% have been associated with CUI.

It is currently estimated that CUI incurs 40 – 60% of the process plant maintenance costs within the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) and the value impact to the industry for better inspection techniques would be in the region of £130M per annum to the UKCS. This project has the potential to help unlock these cost savings.