Frequently Asked Questions

ARIX Technologies provides robotic inspection services for industrial assets, helping operators identify corrosion, degradation, and integrity risks without relying on traditional access methods. ARIX combines pipe-climbing robotics, nondestructive testing (NDT), analytics, and reporting to support asset integrity programs.

ARIX serves organizations across:

• Oil & Gas
• Petrochemical Processing
• Power Generation
• Utilities
• Heavy Industrial Facilities

These industries often face challenges associated with corrosion under insulation (CUI), difficult-to-access piping, and large inspection backlogs.

ARIX specializes in robotic inspection of insulated and non-insulated piping systems using advanced NDT technologies and digital reporting workflows. Services focus on identifying corrosion and helping owners make informed maintenance and repair decisions.

Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) is a form of external corrosion that develops beneath insulation systems. Because the damage is hidden, it can progress undetected and lead to leaks, failures, unexpected downtime, and costly repairs.

Traditional inspection programs often require insulation removal, scaffolding, lifts, rope access, and selective spot checks. This can be expensive, time-consuming, and may only provide visibility into a small percentage of an asset's surface area. ARIX's robotic approach is designed to improve coverage and provide more comprehensive condition data.

CUI can contribute to:

• Asset failures
• Environmental incidents
• Safety risks
• Production interruptions
• Increased maintenance costs

Early identification allows operators to prioritize repairs and better manage inspection budgets.

ARIX deploys pipe-climbing robots that navigate industrial piping systems and collect inspection data using advanced NDT technologies. The data is reviewed, analyzed, and delivered through detailed reports and digital visualization tools.

Depending on the inspection scope, ARIX utilizes technologies including:

• Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC)
• Real-Time Radiography (RTR)
• Visual Inspection Methods

Additional inspection approaches may be incorporated when needed to achieve inspection objectives.

Yes. ARIX's solution is specifically designed to help identify corrosion risks in insulated piping systems while reducing reliance on traditional access methods and extensive insulation removal.

ARIX complements and enhances traditional integrity programs. Robotic inspection performs the majority of data collection, while manual inspection methods may be used for edge cases, verification, or locations that require additional assessment.

Robotic inspection helps reduce worker exposure to:

• Working at height
• Scaffolding
• Rope access
• Manlifts
• Hazardous process environments
• Radiation exposure areas

The robot performs much of the inspection work while personnel remain on the ground.

Yes. One of the primary advantages of ARIX's approach is significantly reducing or eliminating the need for scaffolding during many inspection campaigns.

ARIX's inspection methodology is designed to help facilities gather integrity data more efficiently, potentially reducing inspection durations and minimizing operational impact.

Traditional programs often rely on spot checks covering only a small percentage of assets. ARIX states that its robotic inspection approach can provide 360-degree coverage, providing substantially greater visibility into asset condition.

Higher coverage improves confidence in asset integrity assessments and helps organizations:

• Identify corrosion earlier
• Prioritize maintenance activities
• Improve risk-based inspection (RBI) planning
• Make more informed repair decisions

Customers receive:

• 3D Inspection findings
• Data analysis
• Annotated reports
• Areas of concern identification
• Repair recommendations
• Digital access through the ARIX Portal

Yes. Inspection data generated by ARIX can be used to inform RBI strategies, maintenance planning, and integrity management decisions.

ARIX typically starts with a field walk and planning session to identify:

• Target assets
• Inspection priorities
• Facility objectives
• Access considerations
• Coverage requirements

This helps ensure the inspection program is aligned with operational and integrity goals.

ARIX deploys robotic inspection equipment, collects inspection data using NDT methods, and supplements with manual inspection where necessary.

The inspection data is validated, analyzed, and transformed into actionable findings that support maintenance and integrity decisions. Customers receive reports and digital access to results.

ARIX states that robotic inspections can reduce costs associated with scaffolding, access preparation, manual labor, and extended inspection durations.

More complete asset condition data helps teams focus maintenance resources on areas that need attention rather than relying on assumptions or limited spot inspections.

Potential benefits include:

• Improved safety performance
• Better asset visibility
• Increased inspection coverage
• Reduced inspection costs
• Faster project execution
• Improved maintenance planning
• Enhanced asset integrity decision-making

ARIX is often a strong fit for facilities that:

• Have insulated piping systems
• Need to identify CUI risks
• Want to reduce scaffolding costs
• Have inspection backlogs
• Need better data for RBI programs
• Operate in safety-sensitive environments

Organizations can contact ARIX to schedule a field walk and discuss inspection objectives, asset challenges, and site requirements.

Robotic CUI (Corrosion Under Insulation) inspection uses pipe-climbing robotic systems equipped with nondestructive testing (NDT) technologies to inspect insulated piping and identify potential corrosion without the limitations of traditional manual inspection methods. ARIX robotic inspections help facilities achieve significantly greater inspection coverage while reducing scaffolding requirements, worker exposure, and inspection timelines.

Traditional CUI inspections often require insulation removal to assess pipe condition. ARIX utilizes advanced NDT technologies that can assess asset condition through insulation, allowing inspection teams to identify areas of concern while minimizing insulation removal requirements. This approach helps facilities reduce labor costs, accelerate inspection schedules, and gather more comprehensive asset condition data.

Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC)

PEC is a nondestructive testing method used to evaluate wall loss and corrosion in insulated carbon steel piping and vessels. PEC can provide valuable information about asset condition without extensive insulation removal.

Real-Time Radiography (RTR)

RTR uses radiographic imaging technology to assess internal asset conditions and identify corrosion-related degradation. The technology delivers immediate results, helping inspectors rapidly evaluate areas of concern.

Remote Visual Testing (RVT)

Remote Visual Testing utilizes cameras and specialized inspection equipment to assess difficult-to-access assets while minimizing personnel exposure to hazardous environments.

ARIX combines multiple inspection technologies to provide a comprehensive understanding of asset health and corrosion risk.

Common indicators of potential CUI include:

• Water intrusion around insulation systems
• Damaged or deteriorated insulation jacketing
• Staining or rust bleeding through insulation seams
• Repeated maintenance issues in insulated piping
• Pipe operating temperatures within common CUI risk ranges
• Aging insulation systems
• Previous corrosion findings nearby

Because corrosion often develops beneath the insulation surface, many problems remain hidden until inspected using specialized techniques.

CUI inspection costs vary based on:

• Facility size
• Number of assets inspected
• Accessibility challenges
• Inspection coverage requirements
• Required NDT methods
• Site location and logistics

Traditional programs often incur significant costs associated with scaffolding, insulation removal, and access preparation. ARIX's robotic inspection approach can help reduce these costs while increasing inspection coverage and data quality.

Inspection frequency depends on:

• Asset criticality
• Operating temperature
• Process conditions
• Environmental exposure
• Previous inspection findings
• Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) requirements
• Regulatory and owner-operator standards

Many organizations use RBI methodologies to establish inspection intervals and prioritize high-risk assets. ARIX inspection data can support these programs by providing more complete asset condition information.

Key benefits include:

Increased Safety

Robots perform inspections in elevated and difficult-to-access locations, reducing worker exposure to hazards.

Greater Inspection Coverage

Traditional spot inspections may examine only a small percentage of an asset. Robotic inspection enables substantially more comprehensive coverage.

Reduced Scaffolding Requirements

Robotic systems can access piping directly, helping reduce scaffold construction and associated costs.

Faster Project Execution

Inspection programs can often be completed more efficiently than traditional methods.

Better Data for Decision Making

Digital reporting and analytics help integrity teams prioritize maintenance activities and allocate resources effectively.

Traditional Manual Inspection

Advantages

• Familiar industry process
• Established procedures
• Effective for localized verification

Challenges

• Extensive scaffolding may be required
• Greater worker exposure
• Limited inspection coverage
• Longer schedules
• Higher access costs

Robotic Inspection

Advantages

• Reduced scaffolding needs
• Improved safety performance
• Greater inspection coverage
• Faster data collection
• Digital reporting and analytics

ARIX combines robotic and manual methods when appropriate, helping ensure complete inspection coverage while maintaining data quality and operational efficiency.

Leading refinery asset integrity programs typically focus on:

• Risk-based inspection planning
• Early corrosion detection
• Comprehensive asset coverage
• Data-driven maintenance decisions
• Minimizing worker exposure
• Reducing unnecessary insulation removal
• Using advanced NDT technologies
• Maintaining accurate inspection histories

Robotic inspection can support these objectives by delivering more comprehensive asset condition data while reducing inspection-related disruption.

Petrochemical facilities operate complex piping networks where corrosion can significantly impact safety, reliability, and production. ARIX helps facility owners:

• Identify hidden corrosion risks
• Inspect difficult-to-access assets
• Improve RBI program effectiveness
• Reduce inspection costs
• Increase inspection coverage
• Support maintenance planning
• Improve long-term asset integrity management

ARIX serves petrochemical operators by combining robotic inspection, advanced NDT technologies, analytics, and digital reporting into a single managed inspection solution.