Reference Case: In-Service Non-Destructive Testing of Spherical Tanks - Arab Republic of Egypt

Middle East Oil Refinery (MIDOR), located in the Ameriya Free Zone Alexandria in the Arab Republic of Egypt, is one of the largest, most modern and sophisticated refineries in the Middle East / North Africa Region. After 12 years of service, the remaining lifetime and integrity of spherical tanks at the refinery needed to be assessed. The assessment included the inspection of all welding joints and metal plates in order to detect possible defects.

TÜV Rheinland performed time of flight diffraction (TOFD), an advanced non-destructive (NDT) testing technique to detect any possible welding defects such as cracks, slag and/or lack of fusion in the welding joints. TOFD is an improved version of the conventional ultrasonic testing method, providing a fully computerized system able to scan, store, and evaluate indicators in terms of height, length, and position. Another technique, known as acoustic emission (AE) was used to inspect metal plates in order to test the spherical tanks in accordance with ASME Code Standards.

To access the inspection location, TÜV Rheinland experts decided to use the rope access method instead of building complete scaffolding around the spherical tanks. This reduced both client costs and inspection preparation times. It also enabled to inspect the legs and the nozzles, which are usually hardly accessible. Inspections were carried out by an IRATA level I Rope Access expert, who is also UT level II technician, under supervision of an IRATA level III expert.

Upon completion, inspection data was presented in an easily understandable format and stored in digital form for future reference. Inspection findings enabled MIDOR authorities to make grounded maintenance decisions.

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TÜV Rheinland helps YPFB Transporte to:

• Gain expert inspection and verification services across their global supply chain.

• Detect potential problems across their supply chain to avoid issues and delays during the build stage.

• Issue payment to suppliers, on completion of satisfactory inspections.

• Ensure that gas pipes are manufactured in compliance with API 5L.

TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, founded more than 140 years ago.

We inspect technical equipment, products and services, vendors, oversee projects and assist in the development of company processes. Since 2006, we have been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption.

TÜV Rheinland Sonovation is part of the TÜV Rheinland Group specialized in providing a complete range of advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) services. In addition to operating a competence center for advanced NDT based in the Netherlands, it maintains branches in the United Kingdom, and Germany with access to a worldwide office network through TÜV Rheinland. Acknowledged as leaders in the field, TÜV Rheinland Sonovation invests heavily in R&D and operates an accredited training school for advanced NDT while offering its expert services globally.