ICorr Aberdeen: Holds a Joint  Meeting with BINDT

ICorr Aberdeen: Holds a Joint Meeting with BINDT

On Tuesday, 25th February 2025, the Aberdeen Branch, in a joint meeting with BINDT North-East Scotland, welcomed a talk by Paul Holloway, P.Eng., CGSB UT Level 3, PCN PAUT Level 3, entitled ‘Development of Phased Array Pitch-Catch Technique for Assessment of Contact Point Corrosion on Pipe and Vessel Supports.’

Paul Holloway, President of Holloway NDT and Engineering Inc., is a Professional Engineer and UT Level 3 certified, based out of Ontario, Canada, providing advanced ultrasonic field services, R&D, training, and consulting.

He holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and has over 20 years’ experience in ultrasonic testing. He holds numerous international patents and trademarks, including for the PA-CAT technique and various calibration blocks in collaboration with PH Tool. Paul regularly publishes articles for industry journals and hosts a popular ‘You Tube’ channel related to his UT work.

The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) also publishes training material on this topic and readers may refer to: Phased array ultrasonic testing.

Contact point corrosion is a very common problem in piping and vessel applications. Assets supported by beams, U-bolts or saddles can be subject to localised corrosion at the touch points. The environment may accelerate corrosion where paint blisters and corrosion products form. Contact point corrosion inspection remains a challenging problem as the area of interest is normally inaccessible to traditional methods.

Photo: CUPS – Contact Point Corrosion.
A phased array technique has been developed which uses phased array ultrasonic technology to address contact point corrosion. The technique uses standard instrumentation and probes in a pitch-catch arrangement. Analysis is performed automatically using a novel, cloud-based modelling algorithm. The methodology is currently being used worldwide by NDT service providers using a variety of instrumentation.

Photo: Pitch Catch Attenuation.
There are a number of challenges with Piezoelectric UT techniques:

• Coatings and surface condition
• Coupling of probes to material
• Morphology of the corrosion defects
• Scanner access to restricted areas

The technique can be utilised in both the axial and circumferential beam directions. Some challenges were discovered during development when inspecting in the axial direction. Attenuation regions aligned along the pipe axis at various clock positions were significantly more prominent in seamless pipe versus welded pipe. These localised regions produce significant attenuation artefacts which are then superimposed on the data used for corrosion profile analysis.

Photo: Example of Pitch-Catch Response: Material Artefacts in Welded Pipe vs Seamless Pipe.
Developments have also been made in Pulse echo Edge detection. Images of known or exposed defects can be used to calibrate and verify the techniques and the probe findings from Pulse echo edge detection can be superimposed over the images. This progression has helped service providers to better co-ordinate the echo data with the likely morphology and defect type.

Figure 4: Pulse-Echo Edge Detection.
Little or no reliable information can be correlated to absolute corrosion depth from only pulse-echo amplitude responses. Small, notch-like discrete pitting will always reflect more sound than gradual, blended soft corrosion. However, mathematical summing of carefully selected B-scan data can, in some cases, produce useful morphology information, including width.

Holloway NDT and Engineering have also developed techniques in B-scan Tracking. On pipe with little or no variances in material properties and manufacturing tolerances, the corrosion area is easily discernible from the nominal signature. The B-scan data exhibits straight-line, easy to follow paths which then get distorted at the corroded area.

On noisy pipe amplitude fluctuations unrelated to the corrosion may produce errors in the calculated river bottom profile, usually resulting in over-estimation of wall loss while the amplitude fluctuations exist on the B-scan data, the relative position of each echo peak remains consistent until the corroded area.

Photo: B-Scan Tracking Images of PIPE with Little or no Variance in Properties vs ‘Noisy’ Pipe with Material Variations.

Benefits of the Techniques Here are Mainly:

• No new box required (use of existing equipment).
• The technique gives truly quantitative results.
• The analysis is automated and there is no complicated calibration like other instrumental techniques.

Some of the challenges remain the same but these are largely related to coatings and coupling of the scanners/probes, access/configuration and limits of seamless piping.

The Aberdeen Branch would like to thank Paul for his excellent Presentation that was very well supported with over 70 attendees, and which generated many questions from the Audience.

 

The President Writes

The President Writes

Dear Members,
As we step into 2025, I am delighted to share some of the recent activities and exciting developments within ICorr. The past few months have been incredibly dynamic, and I am confident that our momentum will only continue to grow. ICorr has been highly active in organising and hosting events at the branch level. In January and February alone, we successfully conducted six events each month, followed by three in March. The level of engagement and participation has been outstanding, and I look forward to seeing even more events taking place in the coming months. It has been my great pleasure to attend in-person events in Aberdeen, Grangemouth, Manchester and London. These gatherings provided an excellent platform for me to present the latest developments within ICorr and interact directly with local branch committee members and attendees. The enthusiasm and dedication of our members are truly commendable, and I am eager to visit more branch events in the future.

January 2025 marked a significant milestone for ICorr with the successful launch of our first overseas branch, ICorr India. Building on this achievement, ICorr has been actively preparing for the upcoming launch of our UAE branch, scheduled for May 2025. This expansion underscores our commitment to fostering a global corrosion management network and strengthening our presence in key regions.
I am also pleased to announce that, after a meticulous selection process, an Interim Chair has been appointed for the ICorr Yorkshire-Humber branch and AGM will be held locally soon. Many congratulations to Dr Joshua Owen, Lecturer at Leeds University, on his appointment. I look forward to working closely with the new Chair and the branch committee. I am very sure he will lead the branch to future successes.
Supporting the next generation of corrosion professionals remains a key priority for ICorr and to this end, ICorr, with the sponsorship from BP, is proud to sponsor six winners from the 2022 and 2024 YEP – Young Engineer Programmes to attend the AMPP Conference in Nashville, TN, USA in April. This opportunity will provide these talented individuals with invaluable exposure, learning experiences, and networking within the international corrosion community.

Another landmark initiative is the upcoming First UK-China Corrosion Summit, set to take place in Manchester on 3-4 September 2025. The chosen theme, “AI Impacts on Corrosion Management within the UK-China Energy Industry,” highlights the increasing role of artificial intelligence in our field and the collaborative opportunities it presents between the UK and China. Additionally, ICorr has signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with key event organisers, reinforcing our role as a supporting partner for major materials, corrosion, and integrity conferences in the Middle East. These include:

• 
STATIC ARABIA in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia (May 2025)
– https://staticarabia.com/
• 
AIMCS Expo, Asset Integrity Management in Abu Dhabi, UAE (June 2025) – https://aimcsexpo.com/
• 
Oman Corrosion and Material Innovation Summit in Muscat, Oman (September 2025) – https://www.omcorr.com/

These partnerships further strengthen ICorr’s influence in the global corrosion industry, opening doors for collaboration and knowledge exchange on an international scale.

As we move forward in 2025, I am excited about the opportunities ahead and our ongoing efforts to advance corrosion science and engineering. I encourage all members to stay involved, take part in upcoming events, and contribute to our shared success. As always, I welcome you to share your thoughts, insights, and aspirations for the Institute by reaching out to me at president@icorr.org Your input is essential to our continued growth and achievements.

Please do get involved in our upcoming activities and keep an eye on the ICorr Events Calendar at https://www.icorr.org/events/Thank you for your unwavering support, and I look forward to seeing many of you at our future gatherings.

With best regards, Dr. Yunnan Gao,
President: Institute of Corrosion
email: president@icorr.org

Photo: Dr Yunnan Gao.

Middle East Expansion and Upcoming Events

Forthcoming International Activities

Middle East Expansion and Upcoming Events

Over the last 2 years we have been working closely with our ICorr members based in the Middle East (ME) region to develop new branch opportunities and to promote new institute membership and training provision via our expanded Training Governing Boards.

With growing interest in our work from this region, the time is ripe to increase our Institute services to this important region. In this regard, we are participating in several conferences during 2025, and more announcements on ME ICorr activities will follow shortly.

__________________________________________________________________

Saudi – Static Equipment, Engineering and Maintenance Expo

  • 26th – 28th May 2025
  • Dhahran Expo, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

STATIC ARABIA will bring together both local and international Manufacturing, Commissioning, Maintenance and Processing Professionals to discuss the best practices and lay the foundation to propel the Energy Sector towards the next evolutionary phase. This is the Middle East’s largest Static Equipment, Engineering 
and Maintenance Expo.

For further details, please see: Static Arabia 2025 Website  at www.staticarabia.com

__________________________________________________________________

UAE – 3rd Middle East Asset Integrity Management Expo  AIMCS EXPO 2025 

  • 23rd – 25th June 2025
  • Conrad Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Focusing on: Asset Integrity, Well Integrity and Pipeline Integrity. The event will bring together leading influencers and decision-makers to address the critical issues of asset integrity, safety, and operational efficiency.

For further details, please see: AIMCS 2025 Website  at www.aimcsexpo.com

__________________________________________________________________

Oman – Corrosion and Material Innovation Summit

  • 15th – 17th September 2025
  • Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre

The 3rd edition of Oman Corrosion and Material Innovation Summit is set to serve as a catalyst and a central platform for technological transformation and scientific collaboration by uniting industry leaders and innovative thinkers in the fields of materials science, engineering, industrial innovation, and corrosion management.

For further details, please see: Oman Corrosion and Materials Innovation 2025 Website at  www.omcorr.com                                                       

If you have any specific questions in relation to these events, or our future Institute plans for this region, please do not hesitate to contact our ICorr President at: president@icorr.org

STATIC ARABIA 2025: Advancing Excellence in Static Equipment Engineering and Maintenance

STATIC ARABIA 2025: Advancing Excellence in Static Equipment Engineering and Maintenance

STATIC ARABIA 2025: Advancing Excellence in Static Equipment Engineering and Maintenance

The region’s leading technical gathering on Industrial Equipment event returns with a sharp focus on Innovation, Reliability, and Sustainability in Static Equipment.

STATIC ARABIA, the Middle East’s premier event dedicated to Static Equipment Engineering and Maintenance, is set to take place from 26th to 28th May 2025 at Dhahran Expo, Al Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With a projected turnout of over 4,000 industry professionals, 100+ exhibitors, and 80+ expert speakers, will drive the evolution of maintenance strategies and bring industry leaders together to shape the next era of Static Equipment performance.

STATIC ARABIA 2025 highlights the critical role of Static Equipment such as Pressure Vessels, Heat Exchangers, Tanks, Valves, Columns, and Piping in Driving Operational Efficiency, Safety, and Reliability across the Oil, Gas, Petrochemical, and Power Generation sectors. These components, while often overshadowed by dynamic machinery, form the structural backbone of industrial operations, demanding rigorous engineering, innovative design, and strategic maintenance solutions.

“Emphasizing the urgency of advanced technological solutions, STATIC ARABIA Expo fosters industrial growth, promising a future marked by innovation and prosperity for End-Users and Operators,” said Mubarak Al-Mutairi, Director at Steel Plants at Hadeed, a SABIC Affiliate, and member of the STATIC ARABIA 2025 Advisory Board. This year the STATIC ARABIA 2025 will not only showcase world-class innovations but also address key challenges in Sustainability, Decarbonization, and Digital transformation within equipment maintenance.

With industry support from global organizations such as the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr), Associazione Italiana Pressure Equipment (AIPE), Clean Energy Business Council and the Middle East Gases Association (MEGA), STATIC ARABIA stands as a symbol of collaboration and technical excellence. Renowned industry players including D’Hondt Thermal Solutions, Quest Integrity – A Baker Hughes Business, Applus+, Zamil Steel, Barriquand, Enpro Industries Pvt. Ltd, Curtiss Wright, Inma Steel Fabricators and many more will be part of the exhibition, displaying their latest solutions in Static Equipment Design, Fabrication and Maintenance.

STATIC ARABIA 2025 invites Engineers, Plant Operators, EPC Contractors, Manufacturers, Technology Providers, Inspectors and Academia to join as Sponsors, Exhibitors and Delegates. Attendees will gain unparalleled access to regional markets, pioneering technologies and a community committed to engineering excellence. For detailed information on participation, exhibition space, technical topics, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.staticarabia.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STATICArabia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staticarabia/
Twitter:  https://x.com/STATICArabia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/staticarabia/posts/?feedView=all

ICorr Leadership Team and YEP Delegation Attends AMPP 2025 Conference in Nashville, Strengthening Global Collaboration in Corrosion Science and Engineering

ICorr Leadership Team and YEP Delegation Attends AMPP 2025 Conference in Nashville, Strengthening Global Collaboration in Corrosion Science and Engineering

A high-profile delegation from the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr) attended the AMPP (Association for Materials Protection and Performance) Annual Conference, held in Nashville from 6th to 10th April 2025. Representing the UK-based institute, the delegation included ICorr President Dr. Yunnan Gao and the latest six winners of ICorr’s prestigious Young Engineer Programme (YEP), generously sponsored by BP and represented by Dr Chris Williams of Sunbury Research Centre.

The AMPP Conference, which is a major international event for the corrosion and materials protection community, brought together industry experts, researchers, and professionals from around the globe. ICorr’s presence underscored its commitment to fostering global partnerships and investing in the next generation of corrosion professionals.

During the conference, Dr. Gao held constructive meetings with several key figures in the industry, including Juan Caballero, Chair of the AMPP Board of Directors, Alan Thomas, CEO of AMPP, and the broader AMPP senior leadership team. He also engaged in discussions with Gareth Hinds, President of the European Federation of Corrosion (EFC), further strengthening ICorr’s ties within the European and international corrosion communities.

“Our discussions reinforced the strong alignment between our organisations,” said Dr. Gao. “I’m excited about the potential for future collaboration in advancing corrosion science and protection on a global scale. Am looking forward to what we can achieve together.”

The participation of the 2024 Young Engineer Programme winners together with several Past YEP Winners highlights ICorr’s ongoing dedication to professional development and knowledge exchange. Their involvement at the AMPP Conference and Exhibition not only offered valuable exposure to cutting-edge developments in the field but also showcased the depth of talent being cultivated within the UK corrosion sector.

The conference concluded with a shared sense of enthusiasm and opportunity for future partnerships between ICorr, AMPP, EFC, and other international stakeholders. As the global challenges of corrosion continue to evolve, such collaborations remain vital in pushing the boundaries of innovation, sustainability, and technical excellence.

Photo: ICorr President – Dr Yunnan Gao with Juan Caballero, Chair of the AMPP Board of Directors

Photo: ICorr, EFC and AMPP Senior Leadership Teams, L-R: Cindy O’Malley (COO of AMPP), Juan Caballero (Chair of AMPP), Gareth Hinds (President of EFC), Alan Thomas (CEO of AMPP), Yunnan Gao (President of ICorr), Kristin Leonard (Immediate Past Chair of AMPP)

Photo: ICorr President with Previous YEP Winners, L-R: Danny Burkle, Alvaro Gonzalez Fuentes, Kishan Nittur Ramesh, Yunnan Gao, Rosie Bird, Ben Hudson, Amy Johnstone, Rochelle Holness, Joshua Owen, Kathleen Purnell.

Photo: ICorr Affiliated Members at AMPP 2025 in Nashville, US with YEP Key Sponsor – Dr Chris Williams of bp Sunbury (Far Right)