TÜV SÜD | Vol. 6 December 2012

PetroChem | Technical industry e-news updates essential to your operations

E-ssentials

h t t p : / / w w w. p e t r o c h e m i n t l . c o m

CONTENTS:

API Summit Showcases PetroChem Technical Experts 02

PetroChem Inspection Services Profile: Gerhard Abel 03

FAQs on Mechnical Intergrity Inspection for Process Plants 05

2013 NDT Training Program Schedule 06

2013 PetroChem Open House Events 07

2013 Trade Shows 08

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EditorialDear Reader,

Welcome to the latest issue of PetroChem Essentials, the

e-newsletter from PetroChem Inspection Services, a subsidiary of

TÜV SÜD America.

The publication of this issue of PetroChem Essentials coincides

with the 2013 American Petroleum Institute (API) Inspection

Summit and Expo, which begins on January 7th in Galveston,

Texas. A number of PetroChem International technical experts

will be sharing their latest research in papers, presentations, and

workshops at this year’s Summit. In this issue, we’ve provided a

brief summary of those presentations, and hope that you’ll have

time to attend one or more of these presentations at the Summit.

The future of energy production in the U.S. has never been brighter.

But with that growth comes an increased focus on the importance

of safety. In an interview with the editors of PetroChem

E-ssentials, I offer a perspective on some of the key safety issues

facing energy processors and producers in the coming years.

PetroChem is a leader in the implementation of mechanical

integrity inspection programs at processing plants around the

country. In our article, “FAQs on Mechanical Integrity Inspection

for Process Plants,” we answer several frequently asked

questions about the mechanical integrity inspection process.

Looking ahead, PetroChem is pleased to announce its 2013

calendar of technical training courses for non-destructive testing

operators. Conducted in Pasadena, TX, the courses are once

again being offered in conjunction with our partner, Lavender

International. See our article for this year’s training schedule and

for additional details on the program.

We round out this issue of PetroChem Essentials with a lineup

of 2013 industry trade shows, conferences, and other events that

may be of interest to our readers, as well as the 2013 schedule of

PetroChem Open Houses.

We hope that you enjoy this issue of PetroChem Essentials. As

always, we welcome your comments or suggestions on ways to

improve this e-newsletter, or ideas for future topics.. Safe and

Happy Holidays, and a Prosperous New Year!

Thanks!

Gerhard Abel President, PetroChem Inspection Services

API Summit Showcases PetroChem Technical Experts

Technical experts from PetroChem Inspection Services will deliver several key presentations at the 2013 American Petroleum Institute (API) Inspection Summit and Expo, to be held January 7-10, 2013, at the Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas.

The annual API Inspection Summit is the premiere venue for petroleum industry inspection and reliability professionals and examiners. The 2013 Summit will offer more than 100 individual technical program sessions, covering topics in inspection and non-destructive testing, metallurgy and corrosion, and engineering, and analysis. The Summit’s keynote address will be delivered by John Bolton, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

New at this year’s Summit will be an optional one-day training component, scheduled for Monday January 7th, when eight separate in-depth technical courses will be offered. The courses and workshops include a half-day workshop on Phased Array and Time of Flight Diffraction Technique, led by Tim Armitt of Lavender International NDT, PetroChem’s training partner.

Here is a brief summary of the four presentations being delivered by PetroChem Inspection Services professionals at this year’s API Inspection Summit:

“CODE QUALITY INSPECTION THROUGH COMPUTERIZED RADIOGRAPHY”—WILLIAM BOBBITT, TUESDAY, JANUARY 8TH, 2:15 PM (INSPECTION/NDE – 2) Advancements in radiography in the past decade have been great. Computerized radiography is no exception, although the mainstay seems to be geared more toward profile and informational inspection. Computerized radiography is capable of more, but in order to do so, certain steps should be taken. Several factors must be taken into consideration when implementing computerized

radiography for code quality weld inspection and acceptance. Primary consideration should be given to material type, size, and thickness. Other considerations should be given to the type of energy and phosphorus plate used. Protection against backscatter is key in almost all situations.

This presentation will outline some methodologies used to help establish technique development for code quality inspection through computerized radiography.

“INSPECTION OF RAISED FACE HF ALKY FLANGES WITH PHASED ARRAY”—JOHN SELLERS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9TH, 10:30 AM (INSPECTION/NDE – 1)Corrosion at petrochemical and refining facilities will always be a major concern for piping integrity. HF alkylation units face an unusual type of corrosion that attacks the raised gasket seating surface of the flanges. Safety conditions associated with the product, as well as access to the area of interest affect the ability to reliably inspect these areas. Identifying appropriate inspection methods and tools is essential in establishing a good inspection program of these flanges.

Several factors must be taken into consideration when implementing the inspection of the HF alkylation units. First and foremost is safety. Others are access, timeframe, tracking, and cost. There are only a few ways to inspect these flanges to determine if they are fit for continued service. A commonly used method in the industry today is to visually check each flange set during an outage by using a straight edge on the surface and measuring the damage to see if it is in the gasket seating area. This puts the inspector at greater risk of exposure to the product and forces the owner of the equipment to wait until outage for cost of replacement. Phased array technology can be utilized to screen many of the flanges in service, thus reducing exposure risks and providing estimated replacement projections in time to budget for outages.

This presentation will outline some methodologies used to inspect these flanges and the benefits

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for doing so. The employment of pre-assessment, indirect/direct inspections, and post assessment can prove to be valuable instruments in obtaining an effective inspection.

“PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF GUIDED WAVE INSPECTION: A TECHNICIAN’S PERSPECTIVE”—MIKE SENS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9TH, 10:30 AM (INSPECTION/NDE – 2)Guided wave pipe testing is a specialty ultrasonic method that can inspect various lengths of piping from a single location for a variety of damage types or situations. Guided wave testing can be applied in numerous applications: piping in pipe racks for CUI; piping in pipe racks for corrosion damage at supports; sleeved piping such as road way and rail crossings; dock piping for external damage from environment; elevated inaccessible piping on structures or equipment; buried piping for general condition; piping through tank dike walls; piping through concrete walls; and piping with internal erosion potential from product flow. However, although guided wave testing is a credible inspection method, it has fallen into disrepute with some for inappropriate use or impractical expectations.

This presentation will cover actual capabilities and what to expect for results on the above listed types of applications based on technician field experience with validated findings. False expectations such as type of results to expect and exaggerated capabilities will be addressed. Actual benefits and how to effectively utilize the technology will be addressed. Reported results and general guided wave inspection reports will be analyzed. The presentation will also examine the level and type of training, certification, and experience a technician should have, and what and end user should look for in a quality guided wave inspector.

“THREE DIMENSIONAL LASER SCANNING OF ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANKS”—IDA MARIE CARDEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 10TH, 1:30 PM (INSPECTION/NDE – 2)The application of three dimensional laser scanning of tanks provides owner/operators with a great of information regarding their tanks. This technology can provide detailed assessment of the shell of the tank with regard for deformations. The information collected can provide an “as is” detailed digital representation of any deformations present. The

same assessment of the shell can be applied to the bottom allowing a thorough assessment of tank shell and bottom settlement, allowing for the worst area of deflection to be identified based on the vast number of elevations collected from the bottom. With the inspection map created of the bottom, the entire affected area can be identified for the area and the profile of the bottom to allow for a more accurate finite element analysis of the area. Tank calibration is another area where the technology can be utilized. Utilizing this technology for tank calibrations can ensure that volumes are derived utilizing the full surface of the tank shell and bottom to include all deformations are included in the computations.

This presentation will discuss the information that can be obtained by deploying three dimensional laser technology.

For additional information about the 2013 API Inspection Summit, go to http://www.api.org/events-and-training/calendar-of-events/2013/2013-inspection-summit.aspx. n

PetroChem Inspection Services Profile: Gerhard Abel

By most accounts, energy production in the U.S. is entering a period of significant growth, and some experts are even predicting that the U.S. will achieve energy independence in the coming years. This

anticipated growth is also likely to mean increased concerns about the safety of domestic oil and natural gas production, transportation, storage, and processing facilities, such as pipelines, storage tanks, and refining assets.

For more than 30 years, PetroChem Inspection Services, a division of TÜV SÜD America, has provided state-of-the-art inspection and testing services designed to help energy producers and

distributors meet the growing demand for energy while keeping workers safe. Gerhard Abel is the president of PetroChem Inspection Services, and has been involved in the safety management and inspection of energy assets for more than 20 years. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Technical University Wuerzburg in Germany, and is a certified welding engineer. From his first position as a certified code inspector for pressure equipment at TÜV SÜD in Munich, Germany, to holding positions in the U.S. for the past 18 years as Regional Manager, Director Industry Service, Vice-President and now President at PetroChem Inspection Services, Inc., Mr. Abel has spent the bulk of his career involved in performing inspections for, or managing mechanical integrity programs in, the power generation, oil and gas, and chemical industries.

Mr. Abel recently spoke with PetroChem E-ssentials about the growth of the energy industry

in the U.S. and PetroChem’s important work with energy processors and distributors.

(PetroChem E-ssentials): There has been significant interest here in the U.S. in the past few years on energy production from domestic sources, and a number of government and industry reports are predicting a boom in domestic oil and natural gas production. From your perspective, what are the opportunities and challenges of the growth of domestic energy?

(Gerhard Abel): The boom in domestic energy production is already happening. Through conventional production, as well as various technological advances such as horizontal drilling and the exploration of shale energy sources and tight oil formations, the U.S. is producing over 6,500 million barrel of oil per day today, a production level not seen since 1998. Even more telling is the 900-barrel-per-day increase from

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September 2011 to December 2012. That shows that the increase in production is consistently gaining steam and, by most accounts, that trend will continue.

This development presents tremendous opportunities for all companies involved in the processing industries. These industries already support more than 10 million jobs in the U.S., and future job growth will help support the continued recovery of the U.S. economy. Recent research predicts that the U.S. will be energy independent within the next 10 years or so, and eventually become a net exporter of gas and refined products, a complete turnaround of what we experienced as recently as 5 to 10 years ago. Of course, every boom has its challenges, and the biggest challenge in this current boom include the safe transportation of gas, condensates and oil to processing facilities, storage capacities that safely store the products, and assets such as pipelines and terminals that handle the safe transportation of these products. The present infrastructure certainly needs expanded capacity and ongoing maintenance, and that trend can be seen in the sizeable investment being made in these areas by the oil industry today.

(PCE): The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board recently designated enhanced pipeline safety and infrastructure preservation at two of its priorities for industry in 2013. In your opinion, how safe is the domestic energy infrastructure for workers, and what steps could energy providers take to improve safety overall?

(GA): It’s important to note that the safety performance of the 2.6 million miles of pipelines in the U.S. has improved significantly in recent years. Safety incidents are down 59% since 1999, a major accomplishment. In 2011, investment in the infrastructure integrity of the industry totaled more than $1 billion, a huge investment in the safe operation of that infrastructure.

However, when it comes to the safe operation of any asset involved in the transportation, storage or processing of oil or gas, it is never about a single act. Instead, it is about developing a culture of safety. As the infrastructure gets older, new approaches are required to assure continued safe

operations. In addition, newly developed energy resources such as heavy crudes pose different challenges regarding corrosion of the assets containing those liquids. All of these factors need to be accounted for when developing mechanical integrity programs for these assets.

(PCE): Alternative fuels and sources of renewable energy are also gaining increased attention. Do the safety issues related to conventional energy processing and distribution apply to these newer energy sources? If not, how do they differ?

(GA): There are some obvious differences in the safety concerns of ethanol derived from corn or sugar cane and gasoline refined from oil, such as the potential for explosions, for example. However, the protection of people and waterways, and avoiding issues such as soil contamination, apply equally to conventional fuels and alternative fuels. And risks stemming from corrosion and erosion in transportation and storage assets have to be addressed in much the same way.

(PCE): PetroChem Inspection Services is a leader in the use of non-destructive inspection and testing techniques. Tell us about some of the more advanced techniques that you’re presently using in the field.

(GA): PetroChem is driven by innovation in the field of nondestructive inspection methodologies. We understand that, if you don’t recognize and implement new inspection technologies, you are not addressing the future of your business.

PetroChem was the first inspection company in the U.S. to successfully utilize guided wave ultrasonics for the inspection of pipes in the field. Real time radiography for detection of corrosion under

insulation (CUI) programs have also seen increased use as a tool to identify suspect areas and provide a more targeted approach in inspection programs. We’re also one of the first companies in the U.S. to use small contained area radiography (SCAR) to perform x-ray inspections. Electromagnetic acoustic transducer, or EMAT inspections for touchpoint corrosion monitoring, is also in use in the field, as are eddy current and IRIS technology for the inspection of tubes in heat exchangers. Alternating current field measurement (ACFM) inspections for the detection of surface cracks has been utilized by PetroChem for many years, as have advanced ultrasonic inspection methods, such as shear wave, phased array, and automated UT inspections for corrosion mapping purposes.

We recently acquired new equipment based on new technologies that use lasers for the calibration of tanks, significantly reducing the time needed to accurately calibrate the volume of a storage tank, and generating significantly more accurate results in the process.

(PCE): What are the advantages and disadvantages (if any) of advanced non-destructive inspection and testing techniques compared with more traditional forms of inspection and testing?

(GA): The key to any successful inspection is to generate reliable results that assure continued safe operation of the asset inspected. Some methods are more efficient in achieving those results, but there is no magic wand that replaces an experienced, well-trained inspector, working to high-quality standard procedures. Any tool is only as effective and as reliable as the person using it, which is why continued training of inspection personnel is the single most important aspect of any inspection program. PetroChem places great emphasis on this, and maintains rigorous qualification standards to ensure proper qualification of our personnel, and the highest standards of inspection work we perform. I am proud of our managers and technicians in the field, and their commitment to quality.

(PCE): PetroChem Inspection Services is also a leader in providing refinery turnaround management services. What are some of the key selection factors for refinery operators to consider when seeking turnaround management assistance?

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(GA): Plant shutdowns are stressful for anybody working in these plants. Construction activities needed to repair, replace or upgrade equipment, and the associated chaos that comes with these activities, pose a significant safety challenge. Facility Managers are looking for a service provider that understands these challenges, and who contributes to addressing problems rather than adding to them. All of our turnaround projects are staffed by a senior manager with years of experience in turnaround inspection projects. We have also significantly expanded our NDE capabilities and capacities in order to provide the complete array of services required for any turnaround project, from API inspectors to the full gamut of NDE techniques.

(PCE): In looking at the year ahead, what are some of the most important asset integrity challenges for the petrochemical industry to consider? Why are they important?

(GA): Despite a work environment that involves heavy equipment, hazardous materials, high

temperatures and high pressures, the oil and natural gas industry and its suppliers have a strong safety record. But to maintain that record, everyone working in the industry has to make safety their top priority, and take advantage of the right technologies, standards, and best practices, and programs. Every safety-related incident is important because of the danger is presents to people, the environment, and society in general. So safety is everyone’s job.

(PCE): How can PetroChem Inspection Services help petrochemical companies address these issues?

(GA): We’re a leading provider of both on-stream and turnaround visual inspection, and one of the largest employers of API inspectors in the U.S. Our mechanical integrity program is recognized as the standard in the petrochemical industry, and our ability to rapidly mobilize large groups of certified inspection personnel makes us a leader in turnaround services. In addition, PetroChem offers comprehensive traditional non-destructive testing,

such as ultrasonic, magnetic particle, radiographic, and eddy current. As specialist in advanced technology, we pioneered long-range guided wave ultrasonics, and are an experienced provider of advanced NDT services such as computerized radiography and ACFM. (PCE): Why should energy producers and distributors choose PetroChem Inspection Services as their asset integrity and compliance partner?

(GA): PetroChem Inspection Services is committed to providing solutions. We have the experience to implement asset integrity management systems that meet the compliance requirements of API, OSHA, EPA, and DOT and which provide our customers with safety, improved reliability, and increased profits. Our mission is to consistently exceed our client expectations by combining traditional inspection methods with the most advanced inspection technologies in order to achieve superior operating safety. n

FAQs on Mechanical Integrity Inspection for Process Plants

PetroChem Inspection Services specializes in mechanical integrity inspection programs that help to ensure the integrity of piping systems, pressure vessels, tanks, and other related equipment and components. In this brief article, we provide answers to some of the frequently asked questions regarding mechanical integrity inspection.

WHAT IS A MECHANICAL INTEGRITY INSPECTION PROGRAM?A mechanical integrity inspection is a method for identifying corrosion in pipes and other equipment, and for monitoring the effects of corrosion over time. A mechanical integrity inspection program establishes minimum integrity requirements

and provides guidance for the future inspection of in-service piping and systems and related documentation.

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE PROGRAM?The goal of a mechanical integrity inspection is to accurately assess the condition and integrity of equipment and piping systems, thereby allowing the operator to repair or replace faulty equipment in advance of spill, explosion, or other adverse incident.

WHAT TYPE OF EQUIPMENT IS TYPICALLY COVERED IN A MECHANICAL INTEGRITY INSPECTION?All types of piping and equipment found in processing plants are subject to inspection under a mechanical integrity program. These can include pressure vessels and storage tanks, piping systems and components, relief valve systems and devices, pumps, and alarm systems, and other instrumentation.

WHAT DOES A MECHANICAL INTEGRITY INSPECTION PROGRAM INVOLVE?The program involves extensive inspection and sampling of large quantities of piping and equipment at random points within a system. Additional inspection points are also selected to accurately assess the integrity of piping and equipment at key areas of concern.

WHAT INFORMATION IS REQUIRED TO CONDUCT A THOROUGH AND ACCURATE INSPECTION?Prior to a mechanical integrity inspection, plant operators should be prepared to provide extensive documentation regarding piping and equipment to be inspected. At a minimum, documentation should be available that addresses the following issues:

• Materialsusedintheconstructionofthepipingand equipment

• Intendedandactualoperatingpressuresandtemperatures of the inspected systems

• MinimumANSIflangerating

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For the third successive year, PetroChem Inspection Services, a division of TÜV SÜD America, is once again partnering with Lavender International Non-Destructive Testing USA, to provide an extensive set of training and certification options for non-destructive testing (NDT) operators in 2013.

This year’s training offerings will be held in Pasadena, TX (near PetroChem Inspection’s Houston headquarters), and will include the following courses:

ALTERNATING CURRENT FIELD MEASUREMENT (ACFM) (5 DAYS, INCLUDING PCN EXAM, $2495)Alternating current field measurement (ACFM) is a computerized electromagnetic method used to detect surface breaking and cracking under material coatings. This course provides details on ACFM principles, software operation, and sizing methodology. It is intended for technicians and supervisors starting out with ACFM testing and evaluation. Students are expected to bring their own ACFM instruments and probes.

MAGNETIC PARTICLE TESTING (5 DAYS, INCLUDING CERTIFICATION EXAM, $1420)These magnetic particle testing courses cover portable and fixed installation equipment, including

electromagnetic yokes, permanent magnets, and bench units. Training covers a wide range of subjects, including testing principles for pre and in-service inspection, types of inspection equipment, technique selection, UVA inspection, product technology, and codes and standards.

MANUAL UT PLATE & PIPE WELDS (10 DAYS, INCLUDING PCN EXAM; $3092)This course provides the requisite training for Level 2 UT certification for those with a minimum of 12 months documented work experience. The course follows the PCN manual UT syllabus: covering UT theory, calibration, sensitivity, equipment checks, plate lamination and corrosion scanning, weld scanning, defect detection, and characterization and sizing. The 80-hour course will be taught over 8 days, followed by two days for the PCN exam.

• Processfluidsusedintheinspectedsystems• Classificationinformationregardingthepiping

systems• Classificationofthetypesofcircuitsinuse• Corrosionrateandminimumremaininglifeof

circuits in use • Actualintervalsbetweenpriorexternaland

internal inspections• Anyunusualorlocalizedcorrosionthatmight

require specialized inspection techniques

WHAT DOES THE INSPECTION PRODUCE?A mechanical integrity inspection produces updated documentation and drawings for all systems in use, as well as a description of the inspection as performed. The final report provides written narrative descriptions of the condition of piping and equipment and any findings of corrosion.

HOW FREQUENTLY SHOULD MECHANICAL INTEGRITY INSPECTIONS BE CONDUCTED?The initial mechanical integrity inspection will establish the maximum interval between successive inspections, based on the following factors:

• Prioroperatinghistory,andresultsfromprevious inspections

• Findingsfromthecurrentinspection• Calculationsoftherateofcorrosionand

estimated remaining life• Maximuminspectionintervalsestablishedby

API 570 & 510• Additionalapplicablerequirementsofany

authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)

Intervals should be established for various types of inspections, including internal inspections, on-stream inspections, external inspections, visual inspections, and supplemental inspections.

WHAT KIND OF EXPERTISE IS REQUIRED TO CONDUCT A MECHANICAL INTEGRITY INSPECTION?Conducting a thorough and comprehensive mechanical integrity inspection requires industry professionals with extensive experience in the inspection and evaluation of piping and systems. Inspectors should be certified to the requirements of API 510, 570 and 653. Technicians utilizing non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques should be certified to SNT-TC-1A. Data entry personnel should meet industry accepted practices regarding computer-aided design and/or data management.

Of course, certifications are not a substitute for the experience and judgment of qualified inspection personnel.

PetroChem's approach to mechanical integrity focuses on the requirements of OSHA 1910-119/API, thereby supporting efforts to conduct cost-effective mechanical integrity inspections. PetroChem can establish a mechanical integrity inspection program based on code compliance, as well as perform the inspection, data entry, and data analysis needed to implement it. For additional information about mechanical integrity inspections and PetroChem Inspection Services mechanical integrity experience, visit our website at http://www.petrochemintl.com/industry/petrochem.cfm, click here to view our product videos, or contact us at 800-747-4099. n

PetroChem Inspection Services Announces 2013 NDT Training Program Schedule

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PHASED-ARRAY (12 DAYS, INCLUDING EXAM; $4175)This course also meets the general requirements for Level 2 training and certification to the ISO 9712, EN 473, and SNT-TC-1A certification schemes. A comprehensive course syllabus is available upon request. To be eligible for both the course and the exam, prospective students must hold a relevant Level 2 manual UT certification for weld testing using angle beam probes.

TOFD (10 DAYS, INCLUDING EXAM; $3655)This course meets the general requirements for Level 2 training and certification to the ISO 9712, EN 473, and SNT-TC-1A certification schemes. A comprehensive course syllabus is available upon request. To be eligible for both the course and the exam, prospective students must hold a relevant Level 2 manual UT certification for weld testing using angle beam probes.

TOMOVIEW FULL DATA ANALYSIS (4 DAYS, $1545)This course is intended for those using Omniscan instruments, and for those holding Level 3 certification wanting to view Omniscan data

offline using the Olympus TomoView full analysis software. The course also includes information on detection, characterization and sizing, which advances skills to encompass full analysis principles.

The above courses will be conducted on the following dates during 2013:• MagneticParticleTesting

o March 4-8o April 29-May 3

• ManualUTPlate&PipeWeldso January 21-February 2o March 11-22o May 6-17

• Phased-Arrayo February 18-March 2

o April 15-28o June 3-15o August 5-17

• ToFDo February 4-February 15o March 25-April 5o May 20-31o July 19-August 2

• ACFM—Callfordates• TomoViewFullDataAnalysis—Callfordates

Tim Armitt, Technical Director of Lavender International, and a Level 3 instructor and consultant, will conduct these training courses. With more than 20 years of NDT experience, Tim specializes in ultrasonic testing, and has developed a wide range of training programs covering NDT in the petrochemical industry. Tim has obtained ANSI Level 3 qualifications in UT, MT, PT, ET and VT, and is also a PCN Level 3 in eight separate categories.

Additional information about the PetroChem 2013 training program is available at http://lavender-ndt.co.uk/usa/usa.html. For questions about the program, or to register, contact Michelle Chapman, at 281-913-9064 or at michelle@lavender-ndt.com. n

Dates Set for 2013 PetroChem Open House Events

PetroChem Inspection Services is pleased to announce the schedule for our Open House events at selected PetroChem facilities around the country in 2013.

Each day-long PetroChem Open House event includes informative, “hands-on” demonstrations and technical presentations. Presentations and demonstrations run from 9:00 am-12:00 pm, and from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm. A catered lunch will also be served at each Open House event for all attendees.

Open House events are currently scheduled for the following PetroChem facilities:• Houston,TX—February27-28,2013• Beaumont,TX—March20,2013

• NewOrleans,LA—April17,2013• CorpusChristi,TX—May23,2013• Chicago,IL—June19,2013• Toledo,OH—July26,2013

Our Open House events are an excellent opportunity to learn more about PetroChem’s wide range of testing and assessment services and capabilities, and to discuss your particular challenges with our technical experts in an informal setting.

If you are interested in attending any of our scheduled Open House events, please contact Patty Sweeten at 281-884-5187, or at Patty_Sweeten@PetroChemIntl.com. Sign up for Twitter and follow @TUVPetroChem. n

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DISCLAIMERAll reasonable measures have been taken to ensure the quality, reliability, and accuracy of the information in this newsletter. However, TÜV SÜD is not responsible for the third-party content contained in this newsletter. TÜV SÜD makes no warranties or representations, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of information contained in this newsletter. This newsletter is intended to provide general information on a particular subject or subjects and is not an exhaustive treatment of such subject (s). Accordingly, the information in this newsletter is not intended to constitute consulting or professional advice or services. If you are seeking advice on any matters relating to information in this newsletter, you should – where appropriate – contact us directly with your specific query or seek advice from qualified professional people. The information contained in this newsletter may not be copied, quoted or referred to in any other publication or materials without the prior written consent of TÜV SÜD. All rights reserved © 2012 TÜV SÜD America Inc.

Your PetroChem contacts worldwide:

|| PetroChem | Technical industry e-news updates essential to your operations ||

Europe TÜV SÜD Chemie Service GmbHPhone: +49 214 30-62653Email: beate.seiss@tuev-sued.de Web: www.tuev-sued.de/technical_installations/chemical_service

Americas PetroChem Inspection Services, Inc. Toll-free: 1-800-747-4099Fax: 281-884-5199Email: info@tuvam.comWeb: www.petrochemintl.com

2013 Industry Trade Shows and Events

API INSPECTION SUMMIT, GALVESTON, TX, JANUARY 7-10, 2013The annual API Inspection Summit is the premiere venue for petroleum industry inspection and reliability professionals and examiners. The 2013 Summit will offer more than 100 individual technical program sessions, covering topics in inspection and non-destructive testing, metallurgy and corrosion, and engineering and analysis. For more information, go to http://www.api.org/events-and-training/calendar-of-events/2013/2013-inspection-summit.aspx.

NISTM 15TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANK CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW, ORLANDO, FL MARCH 13-15, 2013Sponsored by the National Institute for Storage Tank Management (NISTM), the 15th Annual Conference and Trade Show will feature more than 50 technical sessions on aboveground storage tank (AST) operations, AST integrity management, and AST environmental issues, and will also cover a number of specialty topics such as aviation fuel storage. For additional details, go to http://www.nistm.org.

ASTN 22ND ANNUAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM & SPRING CONFERENCE, MEMPHIS, TN, MARCH 18-21, 2013Sponsored by the American Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT), this annual symposium provides a forum for the exchange of theoretical and scientific information on non-destructive testing between researchers, engineers, inspectors, and equipment manufacturers in the chemical and petrochemical industries. For more information, go to http://www.asnt.org/events/conferences/sc13/sc13.htm.

ASME PLANT ENGINEERING, INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE TRADE SHOW, PASADENA, TX, APRIL 19, 2013The American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Technical Chapter will host its ninth annual trade show, dealing with all aspects of engineering, inspection and maintenance of refinery and petrochemical fixed and rotating equipment. Proceeds from the show will help fund ASME’s South Texas Section university scholarship program. For more information, go to http://asmepem.org.

ILTA, HOUSTON, TX, JUNE 3-5, 2013The annual conference and trade show of the International Liquid Terminals Association (ILTA) is for professionals in the petroleum and chemical industries, including environmental and safety managers and engineers. For further information, go to http://www.ilta.org/CalendarofEvents/AOCTS/2013/2013info.htm.

INTERNATIONAL FUEL ETHANOL WORKSHOP & EXPO, ST. LOUIS, MO, JUNE 10-13, 2013Since 1985, the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo has delivered essential and timely presentations on every aspect of commercial-scale ethanol production, including production yield management, quality control, and regulatory compliance. For more details, go to http://www.fuelethanolworkshop.com.

For professionals in the petrochemical, refining and power generation industries, keeping up with changes in technologies and regulations is a continuous effort. Attendance at industry conventions, conferences and trade shows is an effective and efficient way to stay current with the latest industry trends. Here’s a list of the some of the major industry shows scheduled for 2013:

PetroChem Inspection Services, a division of TÜV SÜD America, will be exhibiting and/or presenting at many of the above events. Stop by our exhibit booth, meet our petrochemical industry experts, and learn more about how PetroChem can help you address your specific challenges, or sign up for Twitter and follow @TUVPetroChem for the latest updates.