Client: Equinor             
Industry: Oil & Gas
Asset: Tank
Location: Tjeldbergodden, Norway
Year: 2024

Challenge

Equinor required a comprehensive tank inspection utilising advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) methods. This approach enhanced inspection efficiency and precision, resulting in a more accurate assessment of the tank’s structural integrity, without the use of scaffolding or rope access techniques.

Solution

Axess’ QC team provided a full range of inspection and integrity verifications according to its Tank Inspection Management Solutions (TIMS) concept. The team used a comprehensive suite of in-house inspection equipment to inspect the tank from top to bottom, adhering to the API 653 standard.

In particular, a magnetic robotic crawler and drones were used to inspect both the exterior and interior of the tank. This eliminated the need for massive scaffolding and rope access teams, while ensuring the efficiency and reliability of the inspection.

Additionally, the team used Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) to scan the tank floor for defects, Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and Eddy Current Array (ECA) for weld inspections, as well as laser scanning to create a 3D scan of the entire tank to analyse the tank structure. Finally, they performed a Fitness for Service (FFS) analysis of findings, according to API 579.

Results

The final results are delivered to Equinor through detailed reports, in which further steps in monitoring and maintaining the integrity of the tank are defined.

“Our goal is to use the latest technologies to enhance the quality and efficiency of our solutions, ultimately delivering greater value to our clients. As one of the leading tank inspection providers in Norway, we ensure maximum uptime of tanks and compliance with API and EEMUA standards,” Lazar Jeremic, Principal Engineer at Axess Group said.