The company
Chevron
The requirement
Oil pipeline weld testing - Immersion Ultrasonic Testing (IUT)
The location
Element Netherlands
The challenge
In an industry where asset assurance is a fundamental principle, Chevron, one of the world’s leading oil companies, approached Element with a requirement to advance its pipeline weld inspections. The two companies have a relationship that goes back many years, so Element had a clear understanding of the high standards expected by Chevron. The company submitted test rings directly to Element, who utilized the latest Immersion Ultrasonic Testing (IUT) procedure. This procedure helped Chevron to detect smaller defects, improving the Probability of Detection as part of the Automated Ultrasonic Testing validation.
The solution
Following the success of this initial work, Chevron and Element worked together to develop, qualify and establish IUT facilities in close proximity to where pipeline qualification work was taking place. This led to the Spijkenisse and Houston laboratories being chosen by Chevron to conduct all future work. Together, the two companies have advanced standards in oil pipeline weld integrity, ensuring uninterrupted production while protecting the environment around us.