(97d) Inspection and Detection of CUI

          Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is recognized by most plant owner-operators as one of the leading threats to process containment due to the potential for large and sometimes catastrophic losses. A major cost element in dealing with CUI is often associated with the inspection and detection of CUI damage particularly with respect to piping. NOVA Chemicals is no different in this regard to the rest of the chemical processing industry (CPI) and, like other members of the CPI, has embarked upon an initiative to reduce the likelihood of this insidious threat. Of special interest are non-destructive examination (NDE) methods that require the least intrusion but highest probability of detection to process piping systems which, up until now, have involved wholesale removal of insulation and the construction of numerous scaffold assemblies in order to perform the simplest of inspection tasks. This paper reviews past efforts employed in the inspection of CUI and looks at the role of newer inspection technologies in achieving both cost reduction and improved reliability of detection of the problem.