Streamlining inspections with digital data management

A new, innovative solution reduces end-to-end inspections by 30% and provides measurable OPEX savings..

By Chris May, Asset Integrity Systems Director, Oceaneering

Digitalisation and improved data capture can positively impact asset performance and efficiency in several ways. It can provide accurate and fast results on the condition of production equipment through streamlined inspection and maintenance programmes, and helps assure safety and reduce risk for personnel.

Standardising inspections to reduce waste

Until recently there has been little standardisation of non-destructive testing (NDT) applications. Execution of inspection routines can vary between individual inspectors, organisations, and by region. At Oceaneering, we’ve encountered one organisation applying over 20 different ways of recording ultrasonic inspection (UT). That one process alone, will ultimately result in more time deciphering and recording results, and could potentially lead to less accurate reporting.

Finding efficiencies to save OPEX in asset integrity processes

A typical oil and gas installation will have tens of thousands of inspection data points, generating a flood of information. However, indiscriminate collection of data does not automatically equal more efficiency. The process of converting this data into usable information, in order to enhance decisions and performance, is all too often found wanting. Existing digital inspection solutions often amount to well-presented, but basic, electronic spreadsheets. As more and more processes become digitalised and automated, these tools cannot keep up with operator requirements for a more aggregated and integrated inspection management solution that builds consistency and accuracy for the future.

Digitalisation and improved data capture can positively impact asset performance and efficiency in several ways. It can provide accurate and fast results on the condition of production equipment through streamlined inspection and maintenance programmes, and helps assure safety and reduce risk for personnel. Advertising Feature

Digital tools that enable streamlined workflows

One example that aims to reverse this trend is Oceaneering’s Inform Inspect™ platform, an NDT and inspection management solution designed to help manage the full inspection life cycle, and reduce waste and cost.

The system was created by an in-house team, which initially looked to source a holistic NDT and inspection management paperless solution that would work globally. The team could not find one on the market that covered all the requirements that they knew, as inspectors themselves, were necessary to create a truly flexible, intuitive and integrated solution.

The team categorised the four NDT methods: visual, ultrasonics, electromagnetics, and radiography. These were split into individual deployment techniques and over the span of six months were added into a system that aligns with regional and operational requirements. Inform Inspect applies a global standard for capturing data, providing consistent reporting and methodology.

This has developed into a configurable process that enables users to customise reports, manage access, add preferences, such as the prioritisation of inspection tasks and bespoke picklists, and also offers added rigor with options to approve, amend, or reject inspections from the office in real-time, using information provided onsite.

The system helps inspectors prepare for their shift in advance of being onsite, using quality predesigned work packs that are ready to view on the recommended tablet. The system also contains information that helps accurately pinpoint inspection locations, which reduces time onsite, providing an advantage to inspectors working in high-risk or remote areas. Results from Inform Inspect includes measurable safety improvements and an increase in productivity of 30% or more.

The future of asset integrity

Digital asset integrity systems, such as Inform Inspect, are changing the way in which integrity issues are identified and actioned. With a constant focus on reducing cost and cutting out waste, Oceaneering’s system provides an enhanced level of accuracy by providing usable data from site to the office almost immediately. A far cry from illegible, rain-damaged paper reports that can take weeks to get back to the reviewing Inspection Engineer, and even longer before any remedial action is implemented.

There is no doubt that smarter, faster, digital applications can and will have a significant impact on predictive maintenance in the oil and gas industry. The trick is to ensure you use applications that do more than just simply collect data, and move to those which provide practical insight, better control, and deliver true value to the inspection management process.

Find out how Oceaneering can reduce your asset integrity OPEX. Visit oceaneering.com/inform-inspect