Iontech is an Australian-owned engineering company focused on providing environmentally friendly asset integrity solutions and reliable inspection services.
Working in the in-line inspection (ILI) space, the company provides globally proven state-of-the-art technologies to local customers with a dedicated engineering and support team at its disposal.
Although other companies in Australia provide ILI solutions to the pipeline industry, Iontech sets itself apart through its commitment to its clients and unique technologies.
In an industry sometimes traditional and risk averse, Iontech says it aims to challenge the status quo and break boundaries, with innovation at the core of the business.
With this in mind, the company is bringing new ILI solutions to Australia, including Electro Magnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) technology, which induces ultrasonic waves into a test object with two interacting magnetic fields.
This technology is particularly noteworthy, as the alternative available for crack detection requires a liquid medium for the inspection, which is not possible or practical for gas assets.
Iontech has also introduced its AI caliper tool to the Australian market and has developed technology for the high-resolution of oil and gas wells logging.
This new logging tool will provide well integrity engineers in Australia with the highest resolution available in the market, enabling identification of pin hole defects (down to 3 mm minimum diameter), which is not possible through the traditional logging methods.
The company also has exclusive access to a range of technology patents including V-Active – a unique, environmentally friendly water-based biodegradable product for use in corrosion prevention.
The product remains active at both liquid and vapour phases, fully protecting the systems where it is applied.
Instead of removing humidity, Iontech’s approach is to use it in its favour, making water the preservation medium instead of a corrosive solution.
Additionally, this proven expertise in corrosion mitigation is complemented by its commitment to results and top-notch customer service.
Partnership with PIPECARE
PIPECARE is a global service company based in Switzerland offering state-of-the-art ILI services.
The company has vast experience in the pipeline integrity solutions market and has the required ILI capabilities for any and all pipeline operators.
Offering a complete range of inspection technologies with a fleet of tools from 2 inches (50 mm) up to 56 inches (1,400 mm).
These integrity services include:
•The provision of ILI inspection services for detection, identification, sizing, and location of pipeline features with all standard technologies like crack and crack-like features (in pipe body and welds), metal loss features like general corrosion, pitting, pinhole, grooving, and geometrical features like dents, buckles, ovalities, bends.
•Ultrasonic inspection of downhole casings, using inspection tools based in Brisbane for immediate mobilisation.
•Provision of customised ILI services tailor-made for individual client challenges.
•Various client software solutions, from inspection data viewer, integrity and risk assessments to corrosion growth prediction.
PIPECARE has an extensive record of successfully developing and deploying customised solutions for difficult to inspect pipelines worldwide.
Over the years, it has executed many complex projects and the company continues to work on its in-house capabilities to be ready for any pipeline challenge.
V-Active
V-Active technology is a cost-effective solution that improves operational efficiency in pipelines or spare pipes.
The organic inhibitor has excellent performance in contact and vapour phases, forming a monomolecular film that neutralises the surface stopping corrosion from happening or growing.
By using the V-Active technology, traditional methods such as dehumidifiers or nitrogen purging become obsolete, as these add cost and unnecessary complexity to the project.
During hydrotesting, for example, by applying the additive at low concentrations (typically 2 per cent) to the test water, there is no need to fully dry the line after the testing is completed.
The test water is actually used to preserve the line against corrosion, improving efficiency and reducing cost, while reducing the risks and increasing asset corrosion protection.
Unlike other inhibitors, V-Active has a differentiated molecular structure which makes it safe for both humans and the environment and allows it to remain active on substrates where it is applied, including paints, resins, plastics, process fluids, cellulosic products and more.
With metals, V-Active acts effectively in the vapour phase, interfering in the electrical activity and granting stability to the metallic surface.
Proven to be the most active inhibitor, V-Active remains the longest on metallic surfaces due to a strong bond preference which makes even metallic contamination particles inert.
More than ILI
Although ILI is one of Iontech’s major focuses, the company has access to many more patented technologies and procedures that prevent corrosion, including Niobex®.
Designed for harsh environments, this coating provides corrosion protection even if the treated surface is fully immersed in acid baths.
The product contains Niobium, a chemical element with significant anti-corrosive properties, making it the most resistant coating currently available.
Niobex also neutralises any surface it is treated with, meaning it can be applied directly onto oxidated surfaces without the requirement of extensive preparation.
This ease of application makes it the ideal treatment for ageing plants, pipelines and other assets that suffer from severe corrosion.
For more information visit the Iontech website.
This article was featured in the May 2021 edition of The Australian Pipeliner. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile device, click here.