DNV Qualifies Subtera’s Innovative Terahertz Sensor Technology for Corrosion Detection

DNV, a leading global provider of assurance and risk management services, has successfully completed the technology qualification (TQ) of Subtera’s passive terahertz sensor technology. This innovative technology is specifically designed to detect corrosion under insulation (CUI) and the trapped moisture that often causes it, addressing a significant challenge in industrial plants.

CUI is a major contributor to asset failure in industries such as oil and gas and chemicals, with over 20% of major oil and gas accidents in the EU attributed to it in the past 35 years. The risks associated with CUI include safety hazards, environmental concerns, and financial implications.

Developed over a decade by Subtera, an ISO9001 certified organization based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in the U.K., this technology offers a non-intrusive solution for CUI and moisture detection. It provides real-time visibility of pipe surfaces without the need for insulation removal or operational disruptions.

Subtera’s Pi360 is a handheld, cloud-connected CUI detection camera that enables asset integrity teams to efficiently screen operational pipework protected by non-metallic cladding. The device can detect corrosion, identify moisture ingress, and assess fabric layers, while wirelessly transmitting data for analysis and reporting.

David Haskett, CEO of Subtera, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration with DNV in qualifying their core CUI detection technology. He highlighted the rigorous evaluation process undertaken by DNV, which has enhanced Subtera’s performance, thoroughness, and understanding of their technology.

Hari Vamadevan, Executive Vice President and UK and Ireland Director of Energy Systems at DNV, commended Subtera’s groundbreaking technology for revolutionizing CUI detection with advanced terahertz sensors. He emphasized the potential for this collaboration to drive innovation in data and digital applications across natural gas, hydrogen, and carbon capture pipelines, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Overall, the successful technology qualification of Subtera’s terahertz sensor technology by DNV marks a significant milestone in addressing the challenges posed by CUI in industrial plants. This collaboration sets the stage for continued innovation and advancements in asset integrity management, ensuring safer and more efficient operations in critical industries.