Non-Destructive Testing Applied to Rig Inspection (A Case Study of Menengai Geothermal Project)

Abstract

This paper describes the various Non-destructive-testing (NDT) techniques that have been applied and used in ensuring the integrity of geothermal drilling components at the Menengai Geothermal Project in Kenya. NDT is an analysis technique that finds wide application in the Oil, Gas and Geothermal Industry to determine the state or function of equipment without requiring invasive approaches such as disassembly or failure testing. It mainly involves the statutory testing of the lifting equipment, derrick , the drill string and associated components. Other applications include maintenance/ repair aid testing of miscellaneous equipment and quality and safety assurance testing of new equipment parts and fabrications. Aspects concerning the inception of the inspection service at Menengai, the techniques/ methods and equipment applied, the business significance of the project and areas of improvement are discussed and analyzed in this paper.