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Oilfield Testing Services

Company Profile and


Summary of Services
Who we are:

Oilfield Testing Services offer professional multi-discipline engineering and inspection services
specialising in the requirements of the construction, offshore oil and gas, onshore petrochemical and
merchant marine industries.

Oilfield Testing Services was established in Great Yarmouth in 1982 as an Inspection and Non-
destructive Testing company. Since this time our scope of work has increased dramatically within the
specialist inspection, engineering / consultancy fields, classification society survey work and in the
expanding market of Rope Access Engineering.

OTS has a workforce of approximately 40 multi-disciplined inspectors and technicians.

Oilfield Testing Services are committed to ensuring that all our work is completed in a professional,
regulated and quality assured manner. To this end OTS have a comprehensive audited Quality
Management System in place which complies fully with BS EN ISO 9001:2000.

Where we are:

Our headquarters is in Gt. Yarmouth in the UK and we have divisional offices in the Middle East
(Dubai), agents in Qatar, Nigeria and a support office in Singapore. We are currently negotiating an
agency agreement for Turkey.

Our premises are licensed by the Environment Agency for carrying our industrial radiography, we
have a purpose built Rope Access and Confined Space training facility and in addition to all NDT
equipment also have our own load testing, pressure testing and destructive test facility. Audit of our
premises is available and welcomed.

The very nature of our business dictates that we are available to work world-wide, for example in the
last 3 years we have worked in the following countries:

Brazil Portugal
Chile Qatar
Equatorial Guinea Spain
France United Arab Emirates
Germany United Kingdom
Lithuania USA
Netherlands US Virgin Isles
Panama Venezuela
What we do:

The following is some brief details of our main services. Our full range of services is listed in
Appendix One.

Specialist Inspection

Oilfield Testing Services are always pushing forward the technology of the processes and application
of the inspection function. OTS has developed from a purely testing company into a renowned
specialist inspection firm. Areas of development include:

Thermal Imaging

Thermal Imaging or Thermography detects and measures critical temperatures and the data collected
is a very useful tool in plant predictive maintenance, research, development and non-destructive
testing. The main fields of use are:

Electrical distribution systems (switchboards, relays, fuses, distribution boards)


Mechanical / rotating equipment (motors, bearings, pumps)
Thermal efficiency surveys (boilers, heat exchangers, insulation surveys, refractory linings)
Determining liquid and gas levels in tanks and cylinders
Detection of faults such as passing valves, leaking pipework, etc.

Benefits of routine survey include detection of anomalies that could lead to breakdowns, identifying
specific problem areas for attention during planned shutdowns and the detection of excessive
temperatures that may create a safety or fire risk.

Results are produced in hard or electronic formats

CCTV Inspection

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) has become a very important element in the development of remote
or difficult access inspection. Our innovative use of CCTV includes the operation of tractor mounted
cameras, skid mounted cameras, flexiprobes, endoscopes, helmet mounted cameras and rigid
borescopes.

Through considerable investment in equipment and training, OTS can now provide a comprehensive
service for the following applications: - pipelines, vessels, tanks, gas turbines, oil and chemical
tankers, food processing and general plant inspection.

Explosion proof rated systems are available for diameters of 3 and greater which greatly reduce the
need for cleaning and gas freeing of pressure vessel and pipework. We have proven to our clients that
CCTV can be a cost-effective means of enhancing the normal inspection activities and reducing
downtime of equipment.
For example the internal visual examination of a process vessel which has contained hydrocarbons
would involve the vessel being totally isolated from the process plant. This would need to be
thoroughly cleaned out to make the atmosphere safe for entry by personnel. Utilising a camera rated
for use in explosive atmospheres alleviates the need for gas freeing and reduces the number of
isolations required. Hence the costs for labour and equipment are drastically reduced.

We currently operate two different tractor mounted camera systems, the smaller of the two is the
P420. It is a powerful variable speed, six wheel drive tractor which is capable of transporting the
camera and lighthead up to 300m under ideal conditions. The camera mounted on the system (P403) is
capable of producing high quality pictures with the minimum of light.

The P448 steerable tractor demonstrates the capabilities and versatility of CCTV cameras, this
explosion proof rated camera has the ability to inspect pipelines with diameters of 15 and up,
negotiating radical bends and turning on its own axis. With its range of 250m and variable speed
capabilities it is the flagship of the range. The camera is one of only two of this type currently being
used in the world today.

Sub-sea / splash-zone surveys are performed of piles, legs and gas risers using pan and tilt cameras,
typical survey depth of 5m below sea level.

Underwater ROV surveys

Remotely Operated Vehicles provide a fast and efficient means carry out underwater surveys.

Oilfield Testing Services use the VideoRay Pro system. The VideoRay is a small work class ROV that
is contained in 2 small cases, both easily handled by 1 man. The camera captures crisp 350 TV line
resolution images you view and capture on a monitor at the surface.

It is an ideal tool for the underwater inspection of platforms pipelines, sewer outflows and docks. It
can be used to inspect the condition of vessel hulls, propellers, dams, bridges, water tanks, oilrigs,
pipelines and marina pilings without the expense and hazard of diving. Optional attachments include
ultrasonic thickness probe, manipulator arm and sonar.

Corrosion Mapping

OTS uses Portascan equipment that provides a totally portable ultrasonic colour scan imaging
system to perform Corrosion Mapping of pressure vessels, storage tanks and pipelines.

The system has the facility to store and retrieve images and immediately evaluate C, B and 3D
scans of the material thickness. Spreadsheet displays of the actual measure thickness data can also be
produced. When the inspection is complete the information can be stored for future reference and
monitoring.

Scans can be indexed from 0.25 to 50mm and can measure material between 0.63 and 254mm in
thickness.
Specific uses are for the investigation of target areas and examination of liquid/gas interface areas
and for the re-validation and extension of statutory inspection frequencies in lieu of intrusive
inspection.

Magnetic Flux Leakage

Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) floor and hand scanners provide a quick and efficient means of
checking large areas of plate for pitting and loss of wall thickness and can scan plates up to 20mm
thick with no need to reduce coatings.

The scanners cover large area far more efficiently than by scanning the whole area with ultrasonic
methods. This method ensures that all significant readings are identified, increasing the accuracy of
the survey and improving safety.

MFL scanning provides information on suspect areas that may require further investigation using
conventional ultrasonics. With the scanner set for a specific percentage material loss the scanner will
automatically stop when this loss is detected.

Plant / Structural Inspection

Pipework / Pressure Vessels

OTS offers a complete range of services for monitoring the condition of the pressure envelope of
onshore and offshore production facilities. Our trained inspectors undertake periodic inspections in
accordance with our clients Written Scheme of Examination for pressure retaining equipment thus
verifying the equipments suitability to remain in service and ensuring operational safety.

Structural Survey

Major structural surveys have been performed on structures ranging from bolted telecommunications
towers, fuel and sulphur handling jetties, fixed and floating offshore structures, water towers and silos.
Typical techniques include general and close visual inspection, ultrasonic thickness survey, video
survey and concrete reinforcement mapping. These activities often use Industrial Rope Access
techniques to provide the inspectors with the access to the structures.

Confined Space entry

We can provide both the traditional and modern methods for performing Statutory internal inspections
of process vessels. Trained and competent examiners enter the vessels to perform the survey at first
hand, however, other methods which do not involve man-entry are now being preferred for safety and
cost reasons as described in this document.

Inspection Engineers are qualified in the use of breathing apparatus, rescue techniques (Rope Access)
and in the application of the UK Confined Spaces Regulations.
Design Consultancy

If made available during the design stage of process equipment OTS can provide consultancy services
to determine where additional nozzles or spools can be incorporated into the system specifically for
examination and cleaning purposes. The objective is to permit thorough examination of the internal
condition of the equipment using techniques such as CCTV and corrosion mapping.

This significantly reduces vessel preparation times that would normally be associated with
conventional man entry operations.

Rope Access

As the drive for efficiency and cost-effectiveness has increased, industry has searched for new
methods of gaining access to remote work locations. As a result, Rope Access has developed into a
strictly regulated and highly technical industry with a safety record second to none.

Oilfield Testing Services have now gained over 13 years experience of Industrial Rope Access and
have been full members of the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) since 1992. All our
technicians are trained and independently assessed to the highest recognised standards.

Oilfield Testing Services have utilised Rope Access to gain safe and efficient access and egress to:

Buildings
Telecommunication towers
Jetties
Bridges
Crane booms
Offshore installations
Oil Tankers

Once the work-site position has been reached our technicians can then progress with the tasks, these
include:

Inspection
Maintenance
Cleaning
Demolition
Repair
Painting
Grit blasting
Welding
Joint Ventures

We often operate in joint ventures, bringing together the various areas of specialist expertise, to offer
the client a total package whether it be for inspection management or shorter term shutdown projects.

We work alongside ACEL-NECE, who are corrosion specialists and develop Risk Based inspection
programs specifically for individual clients needs. Using the results of the analysis, inspection
programs are formulated and OTS perform these inspections and surveys in accordance with Written
Schemes of Examination. Inspection data is fed back into the system and calculations made regarding
future inspection frequencies.

With our alliance partners, we have successfully undertaken complete shutdown projects. Through
innovation and use off the latest inspection technologies we have reduced the predicted turn around
times, brought forward the start up dates, thus reducing downtime with significant cost savings to the
client.

We have prepared case studies which demonstrate the advantages of the approach to planned
shutdown projects that we will willingly demonstrate if required.

Risk Based Inspections Surveys

OTS carry out examinations in accordance with and maintain risk based inspection programs on
behalf of several clients. Our inspectors liase with engineers when technical review is required and
assist in recommending remedial actions and replacements based on engineering assessments and the
applicable codes and standards for pipelines and vessels.

OTS have also co-ordinated and managed complete survey programs for our onshore and offshore
clients, including: Exxon-Mobil, Phillips Petroleum, BP and Shell UK.

Engineering

OTSs Chartered Engineer carries out management of technical engineering projects, these include
planned preventive maintenance programmes, periodic statutory inspection of plant and equipment
and feasibility studies. Engineer works alongside our inspectors and NDT technicians on projects
including the following:

Lifting Equipment: Cranes, winches, fork trucks


Pressure Systems: Examination and certification of process plant, pipe-work, vessels, boilers, etc
Equipment Surveys: Steam Turbines, pumps, hydraulic systems, boilers, compressors, heat
exchangers, gearing and cargo handling systems
Design: Original Design of structures, cranes, lifting structures, pressure vessels and
materials handling plant to comply with statutory requirements
Surveying: Machinery, hull surveys and small ships
Offshore: Sub-sea engineering, floating production systems
Marine: Offshore support / supply vessels, bulk carriers, liquid / gas tankers, small ships
Legal: Loss adjustment, insurance inspections, expert witness, and arbitration
Entertainment: Thorough examination and NDT of static and travelling fairground rides
Appendix One

Services

Oilfield Testing Services currently offer the following services, please refer to enclosed CD Rom for
further details:

Conventional Non-destructive Testing

Ultrasonic Inspection
Magnetic Particle Inspection
Dye-Penetrant Inspection
Eddy Current Inspection
Gamma Radiographic Inspection
X-ray Radiographic Inspection
Visual Inspection

Specialist Inspection

In-Service Inspection of vessels and process piping


Structural surveys (Steel, concrete)
Inspection of lifting equipment (LOLER, PUWER)
Dimensional checking
Class Surveys of Marine Vessels (Lloyds Register, DNV, BV, ClassNK, ABS)
Under pipe support corrosion measurement
Magnetic Flux Leakage surveys
Lizard Electromagnetic Array crack detection
Under insulation corrosion monitoring (Flash Radiography)
Automatic ultrasonic scanning (Portascan)
Bolt stress monitoring
Ultrasonic audio / visual inspection system
Heat Exchanger Inspection utilising Centest
Ultrasonic wall thickness surveys and data-logging
Low Specific Activity (LSA) contamination monitoring
Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
Pre-heat and Post-Weld Heat Treatment
Camera Inspections

Remote visual inspections utilising Tractor Cameras


Internal visual inspections and video recording
Underwater Surveys
FlexibleVideo scope inspections (down to 6mm diam.)
Thermal Imaging Inspections

Cleaning

Heat Exchanger / boiler tube cleaning


Buildings / windows
Pipework / structural steel
Internal vessel cleaning, including slugcatchers

Project Management

Design consultancy - cranes, lifting structures, pressure vessels and material handling plant
Welding Inspection
QA/QC Services
Production of process drawings utilising CAD

Industrial Rope Access

Inspection (Process piping, Structural, Communications)


Repair (Structural, Piping,, Electrical, Instrumentation)
Maintenance (Electrical, Piping, Communications)
Demolition
Structural Installation
Welding
Painting
Blasting
Rope Access supervision
Rope Access Training Courses (IRATA Level I, II, III and appreciation courses)
Inspection and Certification of Rope Access Equipment

Corrosion monitoring

Corrosion measurement and periodic monitoring


Corrosion Trend Data Management
Appendix Two

The following list gives examples of clients:

Adnoc (UAE)
Amec Offshore Services
Associated Bulk Carriers
Bechtel
Bibby Harrison
BJ Process and Pipeline Services
BJ Tubular Services
BP Exploration
BP Arco (Qatar)
British Gas
Canada Maritime
Conoco UK
Exxon Mobil
Haliburton Engineering Services
Interconnector (UK)
Lloyds Register
Lotus Engineering
Mobil North Sea LTD
MOL Tankship Management
Northland Energy Services
Novoship
Occidental Petroleum of Qatar
Perenco
Petrofac
Phillips Petroleum Co. UK Ltd.
PGS Atlantic Power
Shell UK Exploration and Production
Transco

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