Speaker’s name: Timothy Van Caelenberghe
Organization: Fluves
Job title: Sales Advisor
Biography:
Timothy Van Caelenberghe is an emerging professional in the field of corrosion, specialising in corrosion under insulation (CUI). In his role at Fluves, Timothy is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge CUI monitoring systems that significantly enhance safety and operational efficiency in industrial environments. In addition to serving as the treasurer for the AMPP Benelux Chapter, Timothy is a member of WCM, BIG, and WP15, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing industry best practices and contributing to corrosion management initiatives on multiple fronts.
Presentation title: NIIFTA: Advancing Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies for CUI Detection
Presentation abstract/summary:
NIIFTA: Advancing Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies for CUI Detection
The NIIFTA (Non-Intrusive Inspection Field Trial Accelerator) initiative is a Technology Leadership Board project led by Kellas Midstream in collaboration with the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) and the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC). Launched in 2022, NIIFTA aims to accelerate the piloting and adoption of non-intrusive inspection (NII) technologies, enabling faster, cost-effective, and lower-risk testing compared to offshore environments. Currently, 5 terminal operators provide access to 9 onshore sites, offering a unique testing ground for innovative inspection solutions.
Corrosion remains a major financial and operational challenge, costing the UK economy £28 billion annually and £4 trillion globally. Within the EU, over 20% of major oil and gas accidents since 1984 have been linked to corrosion under insulation (CUI), and on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), where many assets operate beyond their original design life, CUI accounts for 60% of pipe failures. Addressing this issue requires a combination of industry standards, regulatory frameworks, and advanced inspection technologies.
NIIFTA have therefore launched a CUI programme to field test a number of select technologies in order to address this critical issue. To ensure the independence of these trials ESR Technology, who manage the long running HOIS Joint Industry Project, have been engaged to technically manage and oversee the trial design and technology evaluation.
In the first phase of this project, the Fluves CORROSION technology was identified for trial, a fibre optic monitoring system, designed to protect pipelines and critical infrastructure by detecting early-stage corrosion risks, in real time, and potentially preventing more serious degradation from occurring. This proactive approach could reduce maintenance costs by as much as 75%, while significantly extending asset lifespan.
As part of the NIIFTA programme, the Fluves technology was installed at an onshore terminal, operated by a NIIFTA member over the past year, before thorough benchmarking was carried out to allow the performance of the Fluves system to be evaluated.
In this co-presentation, Fluves will provide an introduction to their technology, explaining the working principles and capabilities of its monitoring system. Mike Laws, from ESR Technology, will then share insights and lessons learned from the Fluves field trial, as well as the NIIFTA roadmap for next steps and planned future trials.