At the SLOM 2025 conference in Panama, Applus+ presented its latest technological advances in pipeline inspection, reaffirming its leadership in the non-destructive testing (NDT) sector. Octavio Nájar García, Director of Oil & Gas LATAM at Applus+, detailed the company’s innovations and its strategic focus on expanding services within the terminal and shipping sector across Latin America.
With over 25,000 employees and operations in 65 countries, Applus+ continues to be a global benchmark in industrial inspection, testing, and certification. Its participation at SLOM 2025 reinforced long-standing collaborations with member companies of the Latin American Society of Operators of Maritime Oil Terminals and Monobuoys (SLOM), while also introducing its latest inspection solutions to new industry players.
Revolutionizing Pipeline Inspection with Full Matrix Ultrasonic Technology
A highlight of the presentation was Applus+’s proprietary Full Matrix ultrasonic inspection system, engineered at its Rotterdam technology center. Originally designed for circumferential welds in new pipelines, the system has evolved to evaluate base materials with varied characteristics and complex geometries.
Unlike conventional systems, Full Matrix technology processes data using advanced angle beam techniques, enabling higher defect detection accuracy even under challenging operational conditions. This translates into improved reliability, reduced uncertainty during plant shutdowns, and better decision-making during scheduled inspections.
The Full Matrix system offers distinct advantages, including:
- Expanded angular coverage without transducer movement
- Advanced signal processing for multiple wave mode visualization
- Superior detection of small or complex flaws
- Compatibility with materials and ducts of diverse shapes and accessibility levels
These capabilities make the system a preferred choice for operators seeking to enhance inspection accuracy, maintain safety, and minimize operational risk.
Comprehensive NDT and Compliance Solutions
In addition to its inspection technologies, Applus+ provides regulatory and certification support tailored for maritime terminals and shipping companies. Its end-to-end service offering extends beyond non-destructive testing to include verification, certification, and fitness-for-service analysis.
This integrated approach ensures compliance with international standards and gives clients complete traceability of asset integrity—streamlining audits and reducing response times to potential anomalies.
NDT: A Cornerstone of Asset Integrity Management
Non-destructive testing (NDT) remains central to Applus+’s approach to asset lifecycle management. By enabling the detection of internal flaws without intrusive methods, NDT safeguards critical infrastructure and supports predictive maintenance strategies.
As Octavio Nájar noted, this technology is trusted by operators who value operational safety, technical performance, and uninterrupted service—particularly in industries where precision and reliability are non-negotiable.
Driving Integrity Across Latin America
Applus+’s active participation in SLOM 2025 underscores its growing role as a key technical partner in the oil, gas, and maritime sectors. Through advanced NDT and regulatory solutions, the company continues to promote operational integrity and sustainability across complex industrial environments in Latin America.
Reference: https://inspenet.com/en/video-tv/applus-pipeline-inspection-system/
