Detect Hidden Corrosion at Pipe Supports
Hidden corrosion at pipe support regions is one of the most severe maintenance challenges in industrial facilities. These critical areas are where corrosion strikes hardest—yet they're precisely where traditional inspection methods struggle most.
Our Solution
Revealing Hidden Corrosion Without Dismantling
Through years of experience, we’ve condensed this complex issue into a streamlined process to provide our clients with an effective solution that minimises downtime and reduces costs. In partnership with Escon Dhvani, Sutro Group delivers HOMC (Higher Order Mode Clusters) inspection services that detect hidden corrosion accurately without dismantling support structures.
Oil & Gas
Onshore and offshore pipeline integrity, refineries, processing facilities
Power Generation
Gas-fired power stations, combined cycle plants, energy from waste
Chemical Processing
Petrochemical plants, chemical manufacturing, storage terminals
Water & Utilities
Water treatment, pumping stations, distribution networks
From assessment to action
Our Approach
- Planning01• Initial consultation and site assessment
• Integrated inspection strategy development
• Safety documentation and coordination - Inspection02• UAV survey (if beneficial) for thermal imaging to identify hidden corrosion hotspots
• HOMC data collection from accessible pipe sections
• Rope access deployment for elevated supports
• Single mobilisation, minimal disruption - Analysis & Reporting03• PCN Level 3 certified data analysis
• Multi-discipline data integration
• Comprehensive report revealing hidden corrosion extent and location
• Maintenance priority recommendations - Forward Planning & Execution04• Results review with your team
• Maintenance priorities and intervention planning
• Deployment of Sutro Group teams for remedial works (if required)
• NDT verification following repairs
• Re-inspection scheduling
How we reveal hidden corrosion:
HOMC uses advanced ultrasonic guided waves to inspect from accessible pipe sections, providing accurate wall loss quantification in hidden support zones without lifting pipes from supports. Detect hidden corrosion without disruption.
What is corrosion under pipe supports (CUPS)?
Corrosion under pipe supports (CUPS) occurs at the junction where pipes rest on their support structures. These areas are particularly vulnerable because they trap moisture and restrict airflow, creating ideal conditions for accelerated corrosion. CUPS is one of the most severe forms of pipeline corrosion because it affects critical load-bearing points.
What pipe support configurations can HOMC inspect?
HOMC techniques are effective for support widths ranging from 300-1000mm and can inspect welded, wrapped, and clamped support assemblies. Both AHOMC (axial) and CHOMC (circumferential) variants are available depending on your specific support configuration and inspection requirements.
What happens if corrosion is found during inspection?
Our comprehensive inspection report provides detailed findings including wall thickness measurements, defect location mapping, and maintenance priority recommendations. If repairs are required, Sutro Group can deploy our own maintenance teams to carry out remedial works, followed by NDT verification to ensure repair quality. This end-to-end capability means a single point of contact from inspection through to resolution.
How does HOMC inspection differ from standard guided wave testing?
Standard guided wave testing uses single-mode ultrasonic waves and can struggle to quantify wall loss accurately at support regions. HOMC (Higher Order Mode Clusters) uses a collection of ultrasonic modes that remain unaffected by probe positioning, enabling accurate wall loss estimation even in hidden support areas. This provides the quantified data needed for maintenance decision-making.
How long does a typical HOMC pipe support inspection take?
Project duration varies depending on the number of supports requiring inspection, site access conditions, and operational constraints. A typical project involving 20 supports might take 2-3 weeks from initial consultation through to final report delivery. We provide a detailed timeline during the planning phase.
Is HOMC inspection suitable for offshore platforms?
Yes. Our Advanced NDT Specialist team have extensive experience conducting HOMC and advanced ultrasonic inspections in offshore environments across the North Sea and internationally. We understand the unique challenges of offshore inspection and can mobilise appropriately qualified teams with offshore certifications.
Can HOMC inspection be performed without shutting down operations?
Yes. HOMC CUPS & TAPS inspection is performed from accessible pipe sections without requiring pipes to be lifted from supports. This means inspections can be conducted on operational assets with minimal disruption to your facility’s production or operations.
Do you provide inspection services for elevated pipe supports?
Yes. Sutro Group’s integrated approach combines HOMC inspection with IRATA-certified rope access capabilities. For elevated supports, our rope access technicians can safely position inspection equipment at height without requiring scaffolding or costly access platforms. We can also deploy UAV drone surveys with thermal imaging for initial assessment of elevated supports.
Contact us to arrange a site survey, specific to
your maintenance requirements.
Find out how our access solutions can offer you cost efficiency whilst ensuring quality and safety.
0800 069 9395
Frazer Building
126 Bute Street
Cardiff
CF10 5LE