17 October 2022 - Equinor has become the first oil and gas operator to utilize a
rolling ultrasound scanner to reveal the internal state of concrete structures
that are part of offshore platforms. 

The operation was performed at one of Equinor's platforms on the Norwegian
continental shelf. It is part of Equinor's strategy to increase effectiveness,
speed of testing by using non-destructive techniques, increase inspection scope
and have thorough inspections. 

"Equinor was very pleased with the scanning operation and the valuable insight
it has provided. Being able to view deeper into concrete material is an enabler
to increase safety, confirm integrity and if possible, extend the lifetime of
existing offshore platforms", says Emir Evlic, interim CEO and head of sales at
Elop Technology.

The scanning operation was conducted by Linjebygg, who performs inspection and
maintenance works for Equinor at the Norwegian continental shelf. 

Linjebygg utilized the Elop Insight, which is the world's first rolling
ultrasound scanner for inspection of concrete infrastructure, to execute the
scanning operation. Norwegian technology company Elop Technology has developed
the scanner which can accurately reveal the internal state of concrete
structures. 

"The knowledge gained from the operation was very good. We could clearly see the
tendon ducts under the heavy reinforcement, in some places even two layers.
These are located at approximately 30-40 cm depth, which is substantially deeper
than we have been able to see when using other inspection tools," says Terje
Ertvaag, Senior Engineer at Linjebygg.  

The rolling Elop Insight ultrasound scanner helps to identify issues that owners
of concrete infrastructure must address. It is designed to quickly inspect and
assess large surface areas. The live 3D visualization of the concrete structure
on the scanner screen, provides a real-time interpretation of the concrete's
internal state, including elements and defects such as cracks, air pockets,
voids, delamination, and rebars.

"Although our scanning technology has been used extensively on land, this is the
first time it has been applied on an offshore platform. Still, it's the same
principles that apply. Instead of using a point scanner, we utilize a rolling
ultrasound scanner which allows much quicker scanning of large surface areas,"
adds Emir Evlic.  

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Emir Evlic, interim CEO of Elop Technology, tel: +47 926 48 838