Applus+ showcases its advanced pipeline inspection technology

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During the second day of SLOM 2025 in Panama, Octavio Nájar García, Director of Oil & Gas LATAM at Applus+ , shared the company's technological advances and strategy to expand its participation in the terminal and shipping sector in Latin America. With more than 25,000 employees and a presence in 65 countries , it is a global leader in industrial inspection, testing, and certification.

An increasingly active presence in the Oil & Gas sector

Applus+ has been collaborating for years with several member companies of the Latin American Society of Operators of Maritime Oil Terminals and Monobuoys (SLOM) , so its participation in the event seeks to consolidate these alliances while reinforcing the visibility of its specialized portfolio in pipeline inspection and regulatory solutions for maritime terminals , especially among those companies with which it has not yet worked.

Full Matrix technology for pipeline inspection

One of Applus+'s most notable developments is its proprietary Full Matrix ultrasonic inspection system , designed at its engineering center in Rotterdam. This technology, initially applied to circumferential welds for new pipelines, has evolved to adapt to base materials with diverse characteristics.

Unlike other systems on the market, this technology allows for greater depth in data processing using angle beams , resulting in more accurate defect detection even under complex operating conditions. It also increases the reliability of the results and, at the same time, helps reduce uncertainty during plant shutdowns and scheduled inspections.

What advantages does Full Matrix inspection offer over other methods?

The technology is characterized by:

  • Greater angular coverage without moving the transducer.
  • Advanced data processing allows viewing of multiple wave modes.
  • Improved capabilities to detect small or complex defects.
  • Applicability in materials of varied geometries and difficult-to-access ducts.

These features make it a very attractive option for operators looking to minimize risks and maintain operational continuity.

Applus+ Full Matrix ultrasonic pipeline inspection equipment performing non-destructive testing.
Full Matrix ultrasonic inspection system, applied to pipelines for accurate defect detection in complex conditions. Source: Applus+

Comprehensive services for regulatory compliance

Another topic addressed by Octavio Nájar was the regulatory support the company provides to terminals and shipping companies . The company does not limit itself to non-destructive testing (NDT) but offers a complete process that includes results verification , certifications , and fitness-for-service analysis.

This comprehensive approach ensures compliance with international regulations and provides clients with complete records on the integrity of their assets , facilitating audits and reducing reaction times to findings.

The role of NDT in asset lifecycles

Non-destructive testing (NDT) plays an essential role in the preservation of critical infrastructures . By avoiding invasive interventions, it allows internal failures to be detected without compromising the operation or structure of the inspected asset. This facilitates the implementation of preventive actions that extend the useful life of the equipment and, at the same time, contribute to minimizing the costs associated with unexpected shutdowns or major failures.

As Octavio Nájar explained, this type of technology has become a trusted tool for operators who prioritize operational safety , technical performance, and service continuity, especially in industries where conditions are demanding and margins of error are very low.

Regional projection and technical commitment


Applus+
participation in SLOM 2025 underscores its position as a trusted technical supplier to the maritime and oil & gas industries , presenting specialized inspection solutions and maintaining a vision aligned with the sector's regulatory requirements, reflecting a strong commitment to operational integrity in increasingly complex environments.

For more content on SLOM 2025 , visit our LinkedIn profile.

Source: Inspenet.

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