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Pipeline integrity management continues to evolve as inspection technology, engineering analysis and the quality of available asset data improve.

That evolution is now reflected in proposed federal regulation.

On July 8, 2026, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) proposed changes to the anomaly-response criteria for gas transmission and hazardous-liquid pipelines. PHMSA said advances in technology and engineering now allow operators to identify, evaluate, schedule and remediate pipeline anomalies more effectively than when many existing criteria were originally established. Comments on the proposal are due September 8, 2026. 

One of the most important themes is a shift toward increasingly sophisticated, engineering-based evaluation.

Better Inspection Data Supports Better Integrity Decisions

PHMSA noted that modern inline inspection technology can detect a wider range of defects with greater accuracy than technologies available when the original integrity-management rules were developed.

The proposal would also add or clarify engineering methods for evaluating metal loss, cracks and dents. Among the methodologies referenced are API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 Fitness-for-Service evaluations, fracture-mechanics models and more advanced engineering assessments. 

For asset owners, the underlying message is important: inspection is not simply about finding indications.

It is about generating reliable information that can be evaluated, prioritized and converted into an appropriate maintenance or repair decision.

That requires quality inspection data, experienced personnel, defensible documentation and a clear understanding of the condition of the asset.

Risk-Based Inspection Is Receiving Attention Beyond Pipelines

PHMSA is also considering modernization of breakout-tank inspection requirements.

A separate June 2026 proposal would update the edition of API Standard 653 incorporated into federal breakout-tank regulations and would permit qualified risk-based inspection procedures to help establish internal inspection intervals. PHMSA cited improvements in inspection practices, risk assessment and repair requirements as part of the reasoning behind the proposal. 

Together, these proposals reflect a broader direction in asset integrity: using better inspection technology and better engineering information to make more informed decisions about where risk exists and how it should be addressed.

Inspection That Produces Actionable Information

CATSI supports critical assets across the oil and gas, pipeline, chemical, metals and power industries through asset integrity, advanced NDE and technical inspection services. CATSI’s capabilities include mechanical integrity inspections involving API 653, API 510 and API 570, along with nondestructive testing, tanks and pressure vessels, piping, valves and other process equipment. 

Its Advanced NDE capabilities include Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT), Automated Ultrasonic Testing and infrared inspection technologies designed to provide detailed information without disrupting the integrity of the component being evaluated. 

As integrity programs become increasingly data-driven, the value of inspection is determined not simply by how much information is collected, but by whether that information can support confident decisions.

CATSI helps owners understand the condition of their critical assets so inspection data can become actionable insight.

An inspection report can contain hundreds of readings, images and observations. The volume of information is not what makes it valuable. Its value comes from helping an owner decide what needs attention, how soon it matters and what action should follow. 

That is the role of an asset integrity program: connecting condition data to risk, maintenance planning and operational priorities. 

Condition data should answer practical questions 

Inspection findings are most useful when they help a facility distinguish between immediate concerns, items that can be addressed during the next outage and conditions that should be monitored over time. 

That requires more than identifying a deficiency. Teams need consistent locations, comparable measurements, clear acceptance criteria and enough history to understand whether a condition is stable or changing. Without that structure, even accurate inspection data can be difficult to use. 

Choose the method based on the question 

Different inspection methods reveal different types of information. Visual and conventional nondestructive examination remain essential, while advanced methods can add detail or consistency for specific applications. 

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing can support weld examination, corrosion mapping and flaw characterization. Automated Ultrasonic Testing uses mechanized scanning to produce repeatable data across applications such as pipeline welds or long seams on tanks and vessels. Infrared thermography identifies heat patterns that may point to electrical faults, insulation issues or mechanical inefficiency without interrupting operation. 

The best method is not automatically the most advanced one. It is the method that matches the asset, likely damage mechanism, access conditions and decision the owner needs to make. 

Connect findings to maintenance planning 

Asset integrity improves when inspection, engineering, operations and maintenance teams use the same information. A prioritized finding should be traceable to the asset, location, condition, recommended action and target date. Follow-up work should then update the record rather than begin a separate paper trail. 

For process equipment covered by OSHA Process Safety Management, inspection and testing procedures must follow recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices, with frequencies informed by applicable recommendations, engineering practice and operating experience. Even outside covered processes, the principle is useful: inspection intervals and methods should reflect risk and known asset behavior. 

Move from isolated inspections to a condition history 

Our asset integrity and NDE teams inspect civil, structural, mechanical and electrical assets, including tanks, pressure vessels, piping, valves, pumps, supports, foundations, cranes, wastewater systems and fireproofing. The goal is to provide clear, usable information that supports the owner’s maintenance strategy. 

A strong program does not promise that assets will never fail. It improves visibility, creates a defensible basis for priorities and helps teams act before a manageable condition becomes an unplanned shutdown or larger repair. 

CATSI was proud to join Allied Resources Group for the annual Professional Engineer Recognition Dinner, held June 19, 2026, at the Union League of Philadelphia.

The annual event recognizes the Professional Engineers and Engineers in Training across ARG’s family of companies, celebrating the dedication, technical expertise, and professional commitment required to support high-quality work across critical industries.

CATSI was represented by Kent Troxel, P.E., Engineering Director based in Valparaiso. Troxel, a Professional Engineer in the mechanical discipline, reflects the technical leadership and engineering knowledge that support CATSI’s work in inspection and technical services.

The evening included networking, leadership remarks, recognition of Professional Engineers and Engineers in Training, and a continuing education session led by Zenaida Otero Gephardt, Ph.D., P.E. Her presentation, “Powering Tomorrow: Innovative Engineering for Next-Generation Energy Infrastructure,” explored emerging approaches to the design and operation of energy facilities, including LNG, pipeline systems, renewable energy installations, and other modern infrastructure systems.

For CATSI, the event was an opportunity to celebrate the connection between engineering knowledge, technical services, inspection, safety, and field execution. Across refinery, pipeline, chemical, power, and industrial environments, technical expertise plays an important role in helping clients maintain reliable, safe, and efficient operations.

As part of Allied Resources Group, CATSI is connected to a broader network of engineering, technical, staffing, inspection, and project support companies. Events like the Professional Engineer Recognition Dinner help strengthen that connection by bringing professionals together across disciplines, companies, and locations.

By recognizing engineering leadership and supporting professional growth across the ARG family of companies, CATSI continues to be part of a culture that values expertise, accountability, and the people behind the work.

Read the full event recap and view photos from the evening on Allied Resources Group’s website: https://argroupllc.com/news/allied-resources-group-hosts-annual-professional-engineer-recognition-dinner-at-the-union-league-of-philadelphia/

In today’s technical job market, where retirements, automation, and emerging technology are reshaping the workforce, experience and innovation are interdependent. That balance is especially clear in nondestructive examination (NDE), where new tools enter the field every year, yet the fundamentals still rely on patience, hands-on learning, and strong mentorship. 

We sat down with Drew Harris, District Manager of our Philadelphia office at CATSI, Inc., to talk about how the skills landscape is shifting, why advanced NDE is becoming increasingly essential, and what young professionals can do to build long, successful careers in this work. 

This Q&A has been edited for clarity and organization while preserving Drew’s direct insights and perspective. 

Q&A With Drew Harris

Drew Harris
District Manager, Philadelphia Office
CATSI, Inc.
dharris@catsi.com

Q: How have technical skills changed since you started your career? 

Drew: 
“When I first got into the industry, things looked very different. People who were just starting out in this field were put with good mentors to learn from and would not dare to try and test out for a certification until they were 100% ready. This was after spending a long time in the field with an experienced inspector/technician, learning and gaining the OJT (on-the-job) training hours that are needed. 

I’m trying to bring this outlook back to CATSI when bringing on a new hire. If you can show me the work ethic and the ability to want to learn, I’d rather have them taught from the ground up by good, experienced inspectors and technicians.” 

Q: Which skills used to be essential to the job, and what’s in demand today? 

Drew: 
“The biggest things that have always mattered are work ethic, ambition, and integrity. You need the willingness to learn, especially from the person mentoring you. What’s really in demand today is advanced NDE. The East Coast is seriously lacking in people with the technical skills to do this type of work. The technology has been around for a long time, but not manypeople are willing to do it—it’s tedious and requires patience.” 

Methods like EMAT, Guided Wave, PEC, Infrared Thermography, and Phased Array Ultrasonics are becoming more central to the industry. Drew sees that shift as an opportunity. “Advanced NDE is where everything is going. It’s a skill that’s in demand and offers a lot of opportunities for growth.” 

This insight is why Drew is building a dedicated advanced NDE group at CATSI, supported by strong mentorship and the long-term development of people on his team. 

Q: You mentioned the importance of mentorship. What do you think makes a strong mentor? 

Drew: 
“I think a strong mentor is willing to invest their time and freely share their knowledge. A good mentor explains every tiny detail, like why an indication is called what it’s called, why an inspection is read to a specific code, and why you should take pride in the reporting process of the inspections being turned over to the client. The most important thing is to ask questions and encourage those questions in others.” 

Drew added that many companies fall short here. “They rush people through. They don’t ask, ‘Are you ready? Do you need more time?’ Mentorship requires patience.” 

Drew sees mentorship as central to the culture at CATSI. 

Q: What advice would you give to young professionals entering the field today? 

Drew: 
“The biggest thing is to look over the person’s shoulder every chance you get. Watch closely and ask a lot of questions. Don’t try to learn everything at once, and don’t rush to achieve every certification. Take your time and build your foundation the right way.” 

He emphasized the value of starting from the ground up—something he looks for in new hires. “Michael Barbour, a Level II Infrared Thermographer, is a great example. He came to us from the industrial cleaning side, which is incredibly labor-intensive work. But he showed work ethic and the willingness to learn, and those traits matter more than anything. Those are the people you can mold into the best professionals.” 

Q: CATSI is expanding its advanced NDE capabilities. What sparked that growth? 

Drew: 
“We use advanced NDE and inspection methods to find problems before they become costly failures. There is a gap in the market, especially here in the Northeast, of companies doing this type of work. It saves clients a lot of time and money and prevents safety hazards. So we are really focused on building our team’s skills in this area.” 

A key part of that plan was putting a team in place, led by Ed Haynicz, an Advanced NDE & Infrared Thermography Specialist. “Ed has been doing Advanced NDE for over ten years. He’s the right person to help train others. He asks the right questions, and he cares about getting things right.” 

Looking Ahead: Where Experience Meets Innovation 

Drew sees the industry continuing to evolve with advancements in technology, more automation, and a wave of retirements that will place enormous value on skilled, well-trained inspectors. 

“NDE changes constantly. There’s always something new. That’s why it’s so important for younger guys to learn from someone experienced who can show them how to use the tools the right way.” 

For Drew, the future of the field hinges on finding the right talent to be mentored and invested in. That’s how CATSI builds stronger inspectors, stronger teams, and a stronger advanced NDE program—one new professional at a time. 

Automated Ultrasonic Testing, commonly called AUT, is an advanced method of non-destructive testing that uses robotic systems to inspect materials and components. Unlike manual ultrasonic testing, AUT relies on mechanized scanners to move ultrasonic probes along a surface in a controlled and consistent manner. This approach ensures that inspections are precise, repeatable, and produce detailed digital data. 

AUT is particularly useful for identifying internal flaws, corrosion, and material degradation in industrial assets. By capturing high-resolution measurements of welds, pipelines, pressure vessels, and structural components, AUT provides the information needed to monitor asset health and plan maintenance effectively. 

How AUT Differs from Manual Ultrasonic Testing 

Manual ultrasonic testing requires a technician to move a probe by hand and interpret the results in real time. The quality of the inspection depends on the operator’s skill and experience. In contrast, AUT automates the scanning process, following programmed paths that cover the inspection area thoroughly. This results in consistent data quality, especially over large surfaces or repetitive inspections. 

Automation also allows for faster inspections and creates a permanent digital record of the findings. This record can be analyzed, compared with previous inspections, and used to track changes in material condition over time. 

Advantages of Automated Ultrasonic Testing 

Reliable Results: Automation reduces variation and ensures uniform inspections. 
Faster Inspections: Large areas can be scanned quickly, improving efficiency. 
Detailed Imaging: High-resolution data provides clear information about defect size and location. 
Improved Safety: Automation reduces the need for manual access to hazardous areas. 
Digital Records: Inspection results are stored digitally, allowing for long-term monitoring and analysis. 

Limitations of Automated Ultrasonic Testing 

Training Requirements: Operators must be trained to set up and interpret AUT systems. 
Equipment Cost: The initial investment for AUT technology is higher than manual methods. 
Adaptability: AUT works best for areas with regular geometry and may be less effective for irregular surfaces. 

Common Applications 

AUT is widely used in industries where asset integrity is critical. Some common applications include: 

• Oil and Gas: Inspecting pipelines, welds, and storage tanks for corrosion or cracking. 
• Power Generation: Examining turbine components, boiler tubes, and reactor vessels. 
• Chemical and Petrochemical: Inspecting pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and piping systems. 
• Infrastructure: Monitoring structural components, tanks, and large fabricated metal surfaces. 

Techniques Used in AUT 

Several ultrasonic techniques are often combined with automation to enhance inspection capabilities: 

• Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT): Uses multiple ultrasonic elements to focus sound waves electronically for detailed imaging. 
• Time-of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD): Measures the time it takes for sound waves to reflect from defects to determine their size and location. 
• Full Matrix Capture (FMC): Records complete ultrasonic datasets for in-depth analysis and visualization of defects. 

The Importance of AUT 

Automated Ultrasonic Testing provides a precise, efficient, and reliable way to inspect critical industrial assets. By producing consistent data and creating digital records, AUT helps organizations monitor material condition, plan maintenance, and make informed decisions. As inspection technology continues to evolve, AUT is becoming an essential tool for maintaining the safety and reliability of industrial infrastructure. 

Industrial turnarounds are high-stakes periods when facilities temporarily shut down for inspection, maintenance, or upgrades. These windows are critical for maintaining operational reliability, ensuring safety, and extending asset life. When turnarounds are planned and executed effectively, facilities minimize downtime, protect personnel, and maintain asset integrity, keeping operations on track and reducing costly delays. 

Why Turnaround Readiness Matters 

Turnarounds are complex undertakings that require careful coordination of personnel, equipment, and processes. Poor preparation can result in schedule overruns, safety incidents, and unplanned equipment failures. Facilities that invest in thorough planning, advanced technologies, and proven practices gain a competitive advantage. These organizations complete maintenance cycles faster, maintain higher safety standards, and improve operational predictability, which directly impacts productivity and cost management. 

Key Practices for Effective Turnarounds 

Successful turnarounds combine technology, expertise, and safety-driven processes. Core practices include: 

• Advanced Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE): Using cutting-edge inspection techniques to identify potential equipment or structural issues without causing damage. 
• Drone-Based Inspections: Deploying drones for high-precision assessments of tanks, piping, roofs, and other hard-to-reach areas to accelerate timelines and gather detailed data. 
• Fall Protection and Safety Services: Implementing OSHA-certified procedures and protective equipment to safeguard personnel during high-risk activities. 
• Data-Driven Planning: Leveraging inspection and operational data to prioritize maintenance tasks, optimize workflows, and reduce unnecessary downtime. 

Integrating these practices ensures that facilities complete turnarounds efficiently while minimizing operational and safety risks. 

Coordinating Turnarounds Across Complex Facilities 

Large-scale operations often involve multiple assets, interconnected systems, and overlapping maintenance requirements. Managing turnarounds across these environments requires a structured, systematic approach. Critical elements include: 

• Strategic Scheduling: Coordinating inspections and maintenance activities to maximize workflow efficiency and prevent conflicts between teams or systems. 
• Technology Integration: Using software and inspection tools to collect, analyze, and share data across sites for better decision-making. 
• Standardized Safety Protocols: Ensuring consistent adherence to safety procedures across all teams and sites, regardless of complexity. 

A coordinated approach not only keeps projects on schedule but also improves predictability, reduces errors, and ensures that each step of the turnaround meets regulatory and operational standards. 

Real-World Applications 

Facilities that incorporate advanced NDE methods, drone inspections, and certified fall protection experience measurable benefits. Early identification of potential issues allows teams to take targeted corrective action before problems escalate. Drone-based assessments can reduce the need for manual inspections, speeding up evaluation while maintaining precision. Safety-focused processes ensure that personnel remain protected, even in challenging environments. These methods combine to deliver turnarounds that are faster, safer, and more efficient. 

The Impact of Technology-Enabled Turnarounds 

Turnarounds that leverage advanced technology, structured planning, and safety-first execution give operators confidence that maintenance cycles will meet deadlines, maintain quality, and preserve operational continuity. By reducing downtime, minimizing risk, and improving accuracy, facilities can return to full productivity with systems that are safe, reliable, and optimized for long-term performance. 

Building data centers is fast-paced, high-pressure work. Expectations are high, timelines are tight, and budgets leave little room for error. That makes the final phase of construction — inspection — one of the most important. If your inspection team is brought in too late or lacks the right experience, it can derail everything that came before it.

Demystifying Data Center Construction

For much of their structure, data centers really are straightforward projects. Think Amazon fulfillment centers, but with more robust mechanical systems to handle cooling needs. Except for the cooling-heavy basements, these buildings are largely generic in their construction. What makes the process hard isn’t exotic techniques. It’s the scale, speed, and expectations for reliability.

The inside of a data center does demand intense coordination among trades: piping, steel, coatings. But the work itself isn’t fundamentally different from many other large-scale commercial builds. What does matter is that you’re building facilities that can’t afford to go offline. That’s why more and more contractors are pulling from best practices tried and tested across America’s long tradition of ambitious buildouts, from manufacturing plants and military-grade infrastructure to semiconductor fabrication facilities.

Why Third-Party Inspection Helps Prevent Costly Mistakes

One small oversight during construction can have major implications once a data center is operational. We’re talking about structural cracking, misaligned embeds, improperly torqued connections, surface contamination, missed coating defects, and more.

These kinds of issues may not surface right away. But when they do, the cost of rework is significant, especially after commissioning.

Bringing in an experienced third-party inspection team gives your project an extra layer of quality assurance. Not just for compliance, but for peace of mind.

What to Look for in an Inspection Team

A good inspection partner won’t just check boxes. They’ll understand what’s at stake. Look for teams who:

• Know how to navigate fast-paced project schedules
• Have experience across mechanical, structural, and civil scopes
• Work proactively with contractors and project managers to resolve issues in real time
• Can speak the same language as your field crews

Inspection isn’t just a formality. It’s a safeguard, and it needs to be treated like one.

What We’ve Learned from High-Stakes Projects

At CATSI, we’ve spent decades providing third-party inspection services on mission-critical facilities across the country. From new pipeline terminals to massive compressor stations to large-scale data centers, our team is built for high-stakes work.

We know how to operate under pressure. We know how to work with contractors, not against them. And we know how to spot the kinds of issues that cause headaches down the line.

Why Inspection Should Never Be an Afterthought

By the time inspection teams show up, your people have been in overdrive for months. It’s tempting to rush through the last few steps, but that’s exactly when things fall through the cracks.

Third-party inspection isn’t about finding flaws. It’s about making sure the work holds up, the systems are safe, and the facility is ready to perform. While the end user may be Google or Amazon, the inspection process isn’t fundamentally different from other major commercial construction projects. It’s just executed at a larger scale and on a tighter timeline. You’ve put in the work. Inspection is how you protect it.

As with so many ambitious projects throughout America’s construction history, the key to success lies not in mystique or novelty, but in steadfast process, trusted partnership, and a shared goal: get it right, safely, the first time.

Construction projects don’t succeed by accident. They succeed because every detail is verified, every standard is met, and every step is managed with precision and care. 

At CATSI, we understand that inspection is much more than a quality assurance step—it’s the backbone of effective construction management. From pre-construction planning through to final turnover, inspection ensures owners, contractors, and stakeholders remain aligned, accountable, and on track to meet project goals. 

From Planning to Close-Out: Where Inspection Adds Critical Value 

Inspection is an integral process that supports every stage of construction management: 

• Pre-Construction: Inspection validates constructability and project readiness. This includes confirming that plans, materials, and documentation are complete and comply with contract requirements before work begins. Early identification of potential issues helps avoid costly delays later. 
• Active Construction: Real-time oversight verifies that work is performed to specifications, and that safety protocols are consistently maintained. Daily inspections help detect and address nonconformities for corrective action or record keeping purposes. 
• Completion and Close-Out: Final inspections confirm system performance and compliance, prepare comprehensive documentation for project handoff, and ensure the built asset meets the expectations of all stakeholders. 

Whether the project is a gas transmission facility, a utility pipeline, or an industrial manufacturing site, construction management succeeds only when inspection is woven through every phase. 

What Inspection Actually Looks Like On-Site 

Inspection translates expectations into outcomes. At CATSI, our on-site inspection processes include: 

• Verification that installed work matches project specifications, engineering design, and regulatory standards. 
• Safety Monitoring through daily toolbox talks, pre-job briefings, and hazard assessments that protect personnel and maintain compliance. 
• Oversight of Critical Activities such as welds, tie-ins, electrical and mechanical installations, ensuring technical integrity and durability. 
• Daily Documentation capturing progress updates, nonconformities, corrective actions, and communication with all involved parties. 
• Coordination with contractors, trades, subcontractors, and third-party inspectors to maintain clarity and consistency throughout the project. 
• Permit and Procedure Compliance checks to confirm all required permits, environmental protections, and owner standards are consistently met. 

Inspection is highly visible on the job site—it’s what empowers construction teams to move forward confidently with minimal disruption. 

Tailoring Inspection to Each Project’s Needs 

No two projects are alike, so inspection strategies must be customized to fit the scope, phase, and complexity of each job. CATSI provides specialized inspection services that include: 

• Certified Discipline-Specific Visual Inspectors with expertise across mechanical, electrical, civil, and structural disciplines. 
• Construction Coordinators and Facilitators who bridge the gap between detailed plans and actual field execution. 
• Shop and Material Inspectors who proactively identify material or fabrication issues before components arrive on-site. 
• OQ- and DOT-Specific Inspection Services designed for regulated assets subject to operational qualification and transportation safety standards. 
• Safety Inspectors and QA Vendor Surveillance Teams to reinforce compliance and hazard mitigation. 
• Third-Party Oversight to ensure contractors and owners meet contractual and regulatory obligations. 

By aligning technical requirements with on-site realities, CATSI helps reduce delays, prevent rework, and ensure quality throughout the project lifecycle. 

Documentation: The Foundation of Accountability and Quality 

Inspection involves creating a clear, traceable record that supports accountability and continuous improvement. 

CATSI ensures every project maintains robust documentation including: 

• Detailed inspection results and site observations logged daily. 
• Records of contractor activities and performance metrics. 
• Material delivery logs and installation verifications. 
• Documentation of safety meetings, incident reports, and corrective actions. 
• Tracking of change orders, deviations, and final punch lists. 

This thorough documentation streamlines project close-out, strengthens trust between owners and contractors, and provides defensible evidence of quality and compliance. 

Beyond Compliance: Building Confidence Into Every Project 

Inspection protects regulatory compliance by safeguarding: 

1. People: Reinforcing safe work practices and raising hazard awareness reduces risk and injury. 
2. Budgets: Catching defects and deviations early reduces costly rework and prevents budget overruns. 
3. Schedules: Identifying potential issues ahead of time helps avoid delays and keeps projects on track. 
4. Facilities: Confirming system integrity ensures long-term operational performance and asset reliability. 
5. Stakeholders: Providing transparent and verifiable quality control builds confidence in the project’s success. 

Doing things right means doing the right things, and inspection is a proactive strategy that protects the long-term value of every construction effort. 

Inspection Is Integral to Construction Success 

Inspection isn’t a final checklist item. It’s a core strategy for managing risk, ensuring quality, and driving successful construction outcomes. 

At CATSI, inspection is not an afterthought—it’s a foundational element of construction management. With discipline, thorough documentation, and deep field expertise, we help build projects that stand the test of time.

If your aboveground storage tanks are more than 20 years old—and many are—you may not have a clear picture of what’s going on beneath the surface. 

That’s not just an oversight. It’s a risk. One that can compromise safety, environmental compliance, and the long-term reliability of your operations. 

At this year’s NISTM Conference, leaders across tank storage, energy, and inspection services came together to discuss the industry’s biggest vulnerabilities. And one issue kept coming up: we don’t know what we don’t know about our tanks.

“We’re seeing tanks that are 30, 40 years old. The problem isn’t that they’re old. The problem is nobody knows what’s been done to them—or when.” 
— Josh Appel, Business Development Manager, CATSI

The Aging Tank Dilemma 

Storage tanks—especially in petrochemical, power generation, and manufacturing sectors—are built to last. But “lasting” and “maintained” are two very different things. 

Here’s the typical scenario we see: 

• The tank is still operating. 
• No obvious leaks or signs of failure. 
• Inspection history is patchy—or nonexistent. 
• Turnarounds are tight. Budgets are tighter. 

The assumption is: if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. 

But the truth is, by the time something breaks, it’s too late. A tank bottom with undetected corrosion or a shell weld that hasn’t been inspected since install isn’t a time bomb—but it’s close. 

And regulators like the EPA and state DEPs are paying closer attention. So are insurers. 

The Hidden Costs of Neglecting Inspection 

Neglecting regular inspections may seem like a way to save time or money, but it usually ends up costing far more in the long run. 

Let’s break it down: 

• Unplanned downtime 
  Emergency repairs often mean a full shutdown, not just of the tank, but of upstream and downstream processes. 
• Environmental risk 
  Undetected corrosion or roof damage can lead to leaks, contamination, and regulatory violations. 
• Inaccurate service life projections 
  If you don’t know the current condition, how can you forecast longevity? 
• Limited insurance coverage 
  Some policies may not cover failure if maintenance records are missing or outdated. 

The real problem? Most of these failures were preventable. But only if you had the right data at the right time. 

What a Modern Inspection Strategy Looks Like 

At CATSI, we believe inspections shouldn’t be about ticking boxes. They should be about building confidence—confidence in your assets, your safety, and your ability to plan ahead. 

Here’s what we see working in the field: 

1. Risk-Based Inspection Schedules (RBI) 

The days of “inspect every 10 years” are long gone. API 653 allows for flexible scheduling based on: 

• Tank age 
• Contents 
• Environmental conditions 
• Previous findings 

We help our clients build RBI programs that actually reflect real-world risk—not just code minimums. 

2. Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) That Goes Deeper 

From ultrasonic thickness (UT) readings to magnetic particle testing, CATSI uses proven NDE methods to assess: 

• Corrosion rates 
• Weld integrity 
• Settlement and foundation shifts 
• Coating and lining performance 

These tools give you a clearer picture of what’s happening inside your tank—without taking it offline longer than needed. 

3. Digital Documentation and Traceability 

Most facilities struggle with documentation. We make it easy. Our inspection reports are: 

• Delivered digitally 
• QR-coded for instant access 
• Easily shareable with regulators, engineers, and internal teams 

It’s not just more efficient—it’s how you maintain continuity when teams change or facilities expand. 

What Clients Gain by Getting Ahead 

We’ve worked with clients across power, chemical, and refining sectors who initially came to us “just to get compliant.” 

But what they gained was far more: 

• Clarity about what’s really going on with their assets 
• Credibility with regulators and stakeholders 
• Control over maintenance planning and budgeting 
• Confidence in extending the useful life of their infrastructure 

Some even identified issues that could’ve led to catastrophic failure—and fixed them months or years in advance. 

Why Thought Leadership Matters in Inspection 

This year’s NISTM reinforced something we’ve believed for decades: Inspection should be proactive, not reactive. 

The industry doesn’t need more vendors. It needs partners—teams that understand the real-world challenges of running critical infrastructure, and who can apply expertise without disrupting operations. 

With 40+ years in the field, CATSI has earned that trust. 

But more importantly, we want to share that knowledge, not just sell services. That’s why we’re committed to putting out educational content like this—to raise the standard across the board. 

Final Thought: Don’t Let “Nothing’s Wrong” Be Your Risk Strategy 

If you haven’t reviewed your tank inspection program recently—or you don’t know when the last full internal was conducted—it’s time to start asking questions. 

Not because it’s required. Because it’s smart. 

Let’s take a look together. 
Contact CATSI to schedule a conversation or site visit. We’ll help you understand where you stand—and how to move forward with confidence.

In the industrial and energy sectors, knowing the true condition of critical assets isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Advanced Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) provides the detailed insight operators need to detect flaws early, prevent failures, and make smarter maintenance decisions. But what exactly is Advanced NDE, how does it work, and why should it matter to your operations? 

What Is Advanced NDE and Why Does It Matter? 

Non-Destructive Examination refers to methods of testing materials and components without causing damage. Advanced NDE takes this a step further by using state-of-the-art technology to reveal internal defects and subtle anomalies that conventional inspections might miss. 

Why is this important? Because unseen flaws—such as cracks, corrosion, or weld defects—can silently worsen over time, risking equipment failure, costly downtime, and safety hazards. Advanced NDE catches these issues early, allowing maintenance to be proactive rather than reactive. 

How Advanced NDE Works: Key Technologies 

Several cutting-edge techniques make advanced NDE so effective: 

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)

PAUT uses multiple ultrasonic elements that send sound waves into materials at various angles and depths. This creates detailed, high-resolution images of welds, corrosion, and internal cracks—even in complex or hard-to-reach areas. The result? Reliable detection of flaws long before they become critical. 

Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT)

AUT relies on mechanized scanners to carry out fast and consistent inspections. It’s especially useful in high-volume applications, like pipeline welds or long seam welds on storage tanks, where manual inspection would be slow and prone to variability. Automation ensures precision, reduces human error, and speeds up data collection. 

Infrared Thermography

This technique uses thermal imaging cameras to detect heat patterns and anomalies without touching equipment. It’s ideal for spotting electrical faults, mechanical inefficiencies, and insulation problems in real time. Because it’s non-contact and non-invasive, it’s perfect for predictive maintenance without disrupting operations. 

Real-World Use Cases: Why Advanced NDE Works 

Advanced NDE isn’t just theory—it delivers real value on the ground. For example, in one recent project, CATSI’s team used PAUT to identify critical weld defects missed by traditional methods. Detecting these defects early prevented an unexpected shutdown, saving time and millions in potential losses. 

Across industries, advanced NDE supports: 

• Pipeline integrity by mapping corrosion and detecting cracks before leaks occur 
• Weld quality assurance ensuring joints meet safety standards 
• Electrical system health checks preventing faults before they cause failures 
• Mechanical inspections to identify wear and prevent breakdowns 

Each use case demonstrates the power of early detection and precise measurement—two key advantages that help operators maintain safe, reliable systems. 

Why CATSI Uses Advanced NDE 

At CATSI, we combine advanced NDE technologies with skilled technicians who understand the nuances of complex industrial environments. Our goal is to provide accurate, actionable data that helps clients optimize maintenance, improve safety, and avoid costly surprises. 

We don’t just inspect—we provide insight. By delivering clear, reliable results tailored to each facility’s needs, we empower operators to make informed decisions that extend asset life and reduce risk. 

Conclusion 

Advanced Non-Destructive Examination is more than just a testing method—it’s a strategic approach to asset management. By going beyond surface-level inspections, it uncovers hidden issues early, helping operators prevent failures, reduce downtime, and save costs. With the right technology and expertise, advanced NDE transforms data into decisions that keep critical infrastructure safe and efficient.