How does multi-spectral sensing benefit asset integrity?

If asset integrity is your responsibility, you know how valuable it is to be able to detect moisture and corrosion under insulation (CUI) quickly, easily and thoroughly.

As you will also know, it’s far easier said than done.

Subtera’s passive terahertz sensing technology detects moisture and CUI through the industry’s latest polymeric (non-metallic) cladding systems and high-performance thermal insulations.

Our CUI screening solutions use visible, thermal and sub-terahertz sensor data to gather a broader understanding of each asset’s condition – we call this approach ‘multi-spectral’ sensing. It’s a transformative asset integrity advancement for the oil, gas and processing industries that we will explain in simple terms here.

What is ‘multi-spectral’?

As the name suggests, it relates to multiple regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as the visible, thermal, and terahertz regions. Multi-spectral sensing unlocks insights that traditional methods miss, by capturing data across the various regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. This allows asset integrity managers to visualise critical information that the human eye simply can’t detect.

Just as infrared imaging allows us to see wildlife in total darkness, and ultraviolet highlights detail invisible to the naked eye, multi-spectral sensing empowers you to see beneath the cladding surface of your processing assets, to assess the overall asset condition.

For asset integrity, particularly in preventing pipework and vessel failure, early detection of moisture and corrosion under insulation (CUI) is crucial. Having access to insights arising from detailed multi-spectral sensor data, ensures you can make informed, proactive decisions to prevent costly failures and safely extend the operational lifespan of your assets.

With Subtera’s technology, you’re not just monitoring – you’re seeing deeper, acting sooner, and safeguarding your operation.

What is sub-terahertz sensing, and how does it underpin multi-spectral sensing for CUI and moisture?

Subtera’s passive sensing technology detects THz light, which is naturally occurring electromagnetic radiation within the terahertz (10¹²) frequency region of the spectrum.

In basic terms, THz light can be:

• emitted, or radiated, more intensely by corroded metal
• reflected well by uncorroded metal, and
• both absorbed and emitted by moisture

Our advanced sensors passively detect subtle intensity variations in terahertz (THz) light, penetrating through paint, coatings, insulation, and polymeric cladding to reveal hidden moisture and corrosion beneath the cladding surface; it’s a game-changer for asset integrity.

In Subtera’s multi-spectral sensing approach, THz sensing works in harmony with visual and thermal technologies to offer a more comprehensive understanding of asset condition:

• Visual inspection with a high-resolution visible camera records external signs of damage, such as deformed cladding, moisture ingress locations, or weathering.
• Thermal imaging (infra-red) identifies subtle temperature changes across the cladding surface, highlighting ‘hot spots’ that often signal issues within the fabric layers.

Together, these complementary technologies cover different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, providing a holistic view of your asset’s integrity.

Sub-terahertz scan detecting CUI in the centre, being overlaid into a thermal image

Using Subtera’s cloud based AI, this multi-spectral data is analysed and reported automatically, giving asset integrity managers critical insights faster and with greater precision, ensuring timely decision-making and safeguarding operations.

Ready to rethink how you detect corrosion under insulation?

We’ve shown how our unique multi-spectral sensing approach offers a more complete view of pipework integrity, but for asset integrity teams worldwide, the need for technology to make it happen is more urgent than ever.

After a decade of innovation, we’ve developed our solutions to meet the critical needs of asset integrity teams, including the detection of CUI under today’s most advanced polymeric cladding.

Our solutions are here to complement, not a replace, existing non-intrusive NDT inspection methods. They’re cost-effective, efficient, and comprehensive solutions that enhance your existing practices. The insights provided give asset integrity managers the time and confidence to make data-driven decisions about their inspection programs, ensuring operations remain seamless, operators stay safe, and significant costs are avoided.

By integrating Subtera into your asset integrity strategy, you’re not just enhancing your awareness, you’re future-proofing your processes with greater efficiency and reliability.

Don’t wait for problems to surface, get ahead of them with our solutions. Equip your asset integrity team with the advanced technology needed to detect hidden threats and make data-driven decisions with confidence. Safeguard your operations, protect your people, and prevent costly downtime. Contact Subtera today to see how we can transform your inspection program and future-proof your assets.