Inspection and Certification Services

Inspection and Certification Services

TÜV Rheinland is a leading provider of inspection and certification services. Accredited by UKAS, we specialise in ensuring the safety and integrity of pressure systems and tanks.

Our team comprises engineering experts dedicated to supporting in-service inspection and asset integrity management requirements. Through meticulous adherence to industry standards, we help to ensure the reliability and efficiency of your process equipment.

In addition to our inspection offerings, we provide Risk Based Inspection (RBI) services, utilising proprietary methodologies and tools to optimise inspection intervals and prioritise maintenance activities. With our RBI+© methodology and pRIME tool, we aim to enhance the performance of your assets.

Furthermore, our Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) capabilities enable online assessment of pressure vessels, minimising downtime and ensuring uninterrupted operations.

As a Notified Body (NoBo), we understand the critical importance of compliance with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU for manufacturers of pressure equipment, and the Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive (TPED) - 2010/35/EU, for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods (CDG).

Our offerings

At TÜV Rheinland, safety, reliability and efficiency are at the forefront of everything we do. Partner with us for comprehensive inspection solutions that safeguard your assets and optimise your operations.

Pressure Systems
Risk Based Inspection (RBI)
Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII)
Drone Inspection
EEMUA 159 Storage Tank Inspections

Pressure Systems

Leading provider of 3rd party pressure systems inspections in the UK and the North Sea.

Accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), TÜV Rheinland supplies a full inspection service - inspection scheduling and planning, inspection and reporting, reviewing and updating schemes of examination.

The TÜV Rheinland approach is to develop risk based schemes of examination that focus the inspection effort into the areas of highest risk. This approach leads to more effective and cost efficient inspections and optimises the amount of NDT work required.

TÜV Rheinland's inspection team works closely with its design team and through specialist design services advises on defects found during inspection and their rectification.

Our inspection services are applied to pressure systems covered by the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) and to other related equipment, such as pipework and tanks.

Management of plant integrity.

Risk Based Inspection (RBI)

TÜV Rheinland provides a range of Risk Based Inspection (RBI) consulting services:

  • RBI studies - using our proprietary methodology and tools
  • Focussed schemes of examination service - updating inspection schemes to reflect the outcomes for RBI studies
  • Screening studies - a rapid assessment of equipment to prioritise items for full RBI studies

Our approach to RBI uses qualitative and semi-quantitative methods utilising real operating experience to optimise inspection schemes and intervals. RBI can be carried out on a variety of types of equipment (e.g. pressure systems, rotating equipment, structures, etc.). Our RBI approach follows TÜV Rheinland’s RBI+© methodology and uses the RBI+© pRIME tool. To see how RBI+© pRIME software can benefit your business try our free demo at: www.prime-toolkit.com

Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII)

Non-intrusive inspection (NII) is a process in which planning and evaluation of an external inspection allows replacement or deferment of internal inspection. In certain circumstances, some NII inspections can be also performed on-stream at high temperatures, when the plant equipment is still operating. NII provides operators with key benefits including reduced number of confined space entries and increased production uptime and lower maintenance costs. Consequently, NII is considered as an attractive option where appropriate and safe to do so. Especially in the petrochemical, process, gas and conventional power industry, on-stream inspections can significantly reduce the duration of planned shutdowns. Such pre-turnaround inspections enable Inspection and Maintenance Managers to accurately assess the inspection and maintenance scope, and to prepare in advance for the required repairs and maintenance.

Non-Intrusive Inspection can be specified by careful assessment to address all relevant damage mechanisms and replace with suitable NDT method(s) of equivalent or better results than Internal Visual Inspection. TÜV Rheinland personnel are familiar and experienced with this methodology and are able to carry out NII assessments to the recognised recommended practice of HOIS-RP-103. The NII assessment report will determine the required NDT and/or monitoring techniques at specified locations and the level of coverage to satisfy the recommended practice.

NII approach is especially effective for:

  • detection, location and sizing of in-service weld defects,
  • corrosion mapping of the vessel and / or piping surfaces,
  • active corrosion and leak detection,
  • inspection of Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) and Corrosion Under Pipe Support (CUPS)
  • early detection and monitoring of High Temperature Hydrogen Attack (HTHA)
  • Automated Corrosion Rate Monitoring through wireless sensors

We help you to reduce the scope of scheduled turnarounds and to minimize the HSE risks, especially during the Life Time Extension of your critical equipment. We offer a broad portfolio of specialist Advanced NDT methods such as TOFD, PAUT, AET, LRUT, PEC, High Temperature NDT, corrosion mapping, and specialist / bespoke NDT applications to support and gain the benefits of NII and to reach your individual goals.

Drone Inspection

TÜV Rheinland inspectors leverage the latest advancements in drone technology to provide comprehensive drone inspection services for both external and internal assessments of your equipment. Our drone inspections offer a safe, efficient, and cost-effective solution for evaluating the condition of assets, even in the most challenging environments.

External Drone Inspection: Our external drone inspection services are ideal for assessing the condition of hard-to-reach areas such as rooftops, flare stacks, chimneys, and large storage tanks. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors, our drones capture detailed images and videos, allowing for precise analysis of structural integrity, corrosion, and other potential issues. This method minimises the need for scaffolding, cranes, and other costly and time-consuming access solutions, while also significantly reducing the risk to personnel.

Internal Drone Inspection: For the inspection of internal spaces, such as pressure vessels, storage tanks, and other confined spaces, our drones are equipped with specialised lighting and camera systems to navigate and document these environments. Internal drone inspections eliminate the need for personnel to enter hazardous or confined areas, enhancing safety and reducing the preparation time associated with traditional entry methods. These inspections can quickly identify cracks, corrosion, and other defects that could compromise the integrity of the equipment.

By employing drone inspection technology, TÜV ensures that your equipment is thoroughly evaluated with minimal disruption to operations. Our expert team analyses the collected data to provide you with detailed reports and actionable insights, helping you maintain the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. With drone inspections, you can achieve significant cost savings, improve safety, and ensure the reliability of your assets.

EEMUA 159 Storage Tank Inspections

At TÜV Rheinland Industrial Services, we support clients throughout the entire lifecycle of their storage tanks.

Our offerings include EEMUA 159 inspection and advanced NDT, including Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL), integrity lifecycle management, process safety, late-life services and decommissioning.

Using our dedicated AI enhanced digital reporting software for EEMUA 159 inspection and RBI management system, we provide detailed and actionable reporting that help operators to effectively manage safety and mechanical integrity of their assets. This software allows for instant fitness for service, allowing tanks to be returned to service sooner, and minimising costs from downtime.

Our holistic approach ensures that from initial installation to decommissioning, your storage tanks are managed with the highest standards of safety and integrity, meeting all performance, safety and quality requirements.

Accredited services are limited to those included on our UKAS Schedule of Accreditation (Inspection Body 0008) - available at https://www.ukas.com.

Notified Body and Certification Services for Pressure Equipment

TÜV Rheinland provides independent certification services for pressure equipment and transportable pressure equipment, ensuring manufacturers can demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements and international engineering standards.

As a trusted partner in the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) industry, we support customers throughout the product lifecycle - from design review and type approval through to manufacturing supervision, conformity assessment, inspection and certification. Our technical expertise and global network enable us to help organisations access key markets, maintain regulatory compliance and ensure the safety, reliability and performance of their equipment.

Our services cover a wide range of pressure equipment certification and inspection requirements, including PED and PE(S)R conformity assessment, TPED/ADR certification for transportable pressure equipment, and ASME approval services through our role as an Authorised Inspection Agency.

Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) and Pressure Equipment Safety Regulations (PE(S)R)
Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive (TPED) and ADR
ASME Approvals (Authorised Inspection Agency)

As a Notified Body for pressure equipment, we offer a comprehensive range of services to help ensure compliance with the requirements of the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) and the Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations (PE(S)R). Our services include:

  • Design type approvals, CE and UKCA marking services
  • Design examination of pressure equipment and assemblies including safety devices
  • Particular Material Appraisals (PMA), e.g., when using ASME materials in UK and EU markets
  • Welding procedure and operator qualifications
  • Module-specific certifications (B, D/D1, E/E1, F, G, H/H1)
  • Factory Production Control to Standard EN 1090-1
  • ISO 3834 welding quality certification enabling welding fabricators to demonstrate compliance with ‘Quality requirements for Welding’

By leveraging our extensive experience and technical expertise, TÜV Rheinland ensures that your pressure equipment meets all regulatory requirements and performs reliably in its intended applications. Partnering with TÜV Rheinland for Notified Body services not only helps you to demonstrate PED/PE(S)R compliance but also enables you to confidently place your products in the UK and EU markets carrying UKCA or CE certification marks.

TÜV Rheinland’s UK inspection and certification services include transportable pressure equipment as a Notified Body, in compliance with the Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive (TPED) 2010/35/EU and ADR/RID.

Crucially, we understand that pressure equipment manufacturers and operators need a rapid and efficient service to ensure their workflows and operations are not delayed, and tight work schedules are maintained.

As a global leader in the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) industry, we have the experience and expertise to ensure your requirements comply with government regulations and engineering standards.

We provide a range of services for tank containers used in the international carriage of dangerous goods meeting the requirements of ADR and RID regulations, in accordance with the TPED. These services include the following tests and inspections:

  • Type testing and type approval of transportable pressure equipment and tanks
  • Type testing of dangerous goods packaging and intermediate bulk containers (IBC)
  • Supervision of manufacturing, initial and periodic inspections of dangerous goods containment such as packaging, IBCs, gas receptacles, portable tanks, tank containers, fix mounted tanks and MEGC
  • Support for repair activities and assistance with manufacturing

We have been a pioneer in the field of transportation of dangerous goods and inspection of dangerous goods containment. We strictly follow internationally applicable legal requirements such as TPED (Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive 2010/35/EU), based on ADR (Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road and RID (Regulation concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail).

TÜV Rheinland acts as an Authorised Inspection Agency (AIA), providing independent inspection services in accordance with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (ASME BPVC).

Through our global network of Authorised Inspectors (AI) and Authorised Inspector Supervisors (AIS), we support manufacturers in achieving and maintaining ASME certification.

We provide ASME code inspections in accordance with:

  • ASME BPVC Section I – Power Boilers
  • ASME BPVC Section IV – Heating Boilers
  • ASME BPVC Section VIII Divisions 1, 2 & 3 – Pressure Vessels
  • ASME BPVC Section X – Fibre-Reinforced Plastic Vessels
  • ASME BPVC Section XII – Transport Tanks

With our global expertise, TÜV Rheinland ensures compliance with ASME requirements, helping you deliver safe, reliable and internationally recognised equipment.

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