The mechanical and structural integrity of offshore structures, such as oil and gas platforms, must be monitored on a continual basis to ensure both the safety of a rig’s employees and also the aquatic environment.

Initial inspection of critical components is normally undertaken onshore prior to shipping offshore. This usually involves the inspection of welded steel components using magnetic particle inspection. Both visible and UV fluorescent magnetic inks are typically used for these applications.

Once these components are offshore, a key factor about inspection during use is the need for portability, as inspections often involve working from ropes and ladders. Whilst eddy current techniques are used on coated/finished structures, the identification of a potential fault often leads to the deployment of magnetic particle inspection. Here, the use of a portable system – such as a lightweight DC Yoke with a magnetic particle ink – lends itself well to inspection within such an environment.