FPIC commissions NDT to inspect its pipelines

Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines – To maintain high quality of service to its customers, First Philippine Industrial Corp. (FPIC) has commissioned a world-class company, NDT Systems and Services, to conduct a thorough inspection of its pipeline system.

FPIC president Leonides Garde said they have been hiring services of similar pipeline inspection firms once every five years to ensure that they are not only providing better service to their customers but also keeping up with the company’s thrust which is to operate within the bounds of international standards.

NDT in-line inspector Christian Openshaw, said they will run the test on FPIC’s pipeline within the next few days.

Openshaw said NDT has been using high-technology gadgets which are normally 100 percent accurate in detecting any defects on a pipeline facility.

NDT is an international firm with major focus on developing and providing advanced non-destructive testing systems and services for ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

NDT focuses on the design and application of advanced ultrasonic testing technologies in order to help their customers meet their ever-increasing inspection needs.

The in-line inspection every five years is part of FPIC’s regular preventive maintenance program.

The FPIC pipeline system, which is operated and maintained following US Department of Transportation Standards for liquid petroleum pipelines, also utilizes anti-corrosion technology that has impressed current cathodic protection, two-layer external coating and regular cleaning scraper runs.

FPIC also deploys right-of-way (ROSW) patrols to prevent third party intrusion which is the number one cause of pipeline incidents worldwide.

The company maintains a 24-hour ROW patrol with “busy sections” visited 12 times daily. Posting personnel in third party job sites near ROW is also part of the strict operational standard and maintenance procedure of FPIC.

Coordination meetings with various government agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and utility companies are also being conducted regularly.