News

We delivered a specialised Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) training course in Erbil, Iraq, supporting inspection capability within the oil and gas sector through our collaboration with Miqias I.I.C Services Ltd.  

The course focused on practical, code-compliant application of advanced PAUT techniques, using newly procured client-owned equipment. 

Project summary  

Client requirement  

Dora Refinery is a major oil refining facility in Baghdad, operated by the Midland Refineries Company under the Ministry of Oil, and remains a critical asset within Iraq’s downstream oil and gas infrastructure. 

They required specialised PAUT training for experienced NDT personnel to support inspection of refinery assets, including piping, pressure vessels, and welded joints. Training requirements included: 

• Building confidence in the use of newly procured PAUT equipment 
• Focusing on refinery-relevant inspection scenarios 
• Aligning inspection practices with ASME code requirements 
• Strengthening data analysis, defect evaluation, and reporting capability 

What we delivered / our solution 

We delivered a 10-day PAUT training course structured around progressive inspection complexity and refinery-focused application, ensuring immediate operational benefit and sustainable inspection capability. 

Equipment and Systems 

• Sonatest Veo and probe systems including standard probes, Sonatest wheel probe, curved wedges for piping and scanner accessories 
• Phoenix probe systems including Bracelet Scanner and MultiMag Scanner 
• Sonaspection flawed specimens 
• Components from the Dora Refinery 

Technical content 

Theoretical background 

• Review of PAUT principles, beam steering, and focusing 
• System configuration and optimisation for refinery applications 
• Application of probes, wedges, and scanning systems 

Calibration  

• Calibration using: 
• PH Tools AOD ERVW Pipe Calibration Blocks for T.C.G
• Long Version ASME Block 
• AMK / MAPUT Block 
• ASTM E2491 Assessment Block 
• PX-PA Calibration Block 
• Applying calibration procedures and writing written instructions in accordance with ASME code requirements 

Practical inspection exercises 

• Weld inspection on pipes of varying diameters 
• Defect detection, analysis using UTStudio, sizing, and characterisation 
• Inspection of Plate and Pipe butt welds, T-joints  
• Vessel, pipeline, and refinery-relevant component inspections 

Corrosion inspection and advanced applications 

• Corrosion mapping using the Sonatest wheel probe 
• Weld inspection of small bore and large bore piping using bracelet and MultiMag scanners 

Data analysis and reporting 

• Signal analysis and interpretation using UT Studio 
• Defect evaluation in accordance with ASME B31.3 – Process Piping and ASME BPVC Section VIII Division 1 
• Preparation of ASME compliant inspection reports using approved templates 

Training Outcomes 

• Inspectors demonstrated increased confidence in system setup and advanced scanning configurations 
• Successful course completion covering all aspects of the training requirements  for all participants 
• Immediate application of techniques to live refinery inspection activities 

Ongoing collaboration 

This project reinforces our commitment to bespoke, code-compliant technical training aligned with client equipment and operational needs. Through our collaboration with Miqias, we continue to strengthen inspection capability and professional development across the oil and gas sector.