Simplifying CUI Inspections and Maintaining Compliance

Simplifying CUI Inspections and Maintaining Compliance

Simplifying CUI Inspections and Maintaining Compliance

Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) is a persistent challenge for industrial facilities, often requiring resource-intensive methods for identification and mitigation. XCEL, being the primary service provider at a large chemical facility in the Gulf Coast, provided a solution, which streamlined CUI inspections and enhanced operational efficiency.

CHALLENGE

The facility’s CUI project depended on Digital Radiography (DR) to inspect areas where long strips of insulation had to be removed. While effective, this process was time-consuming and labor-intensive, creating inefficiencies for the client. The challenge was to meet industry-standard inspection requirements while minimizing disruption and using resources effectively.

SOLUTION

After discussions with the client to understand their needs, XCEL recommended the use of Real Time Radiography (RTR) for targeted inspections. This approach provided several advantages:

  1. Reduced Effort: RTR eliminates the need to remove insulation, saving time and resources while still fulfilling procedural requirements.
  2. Efficient Screening: RTR allowed the client to quickly identify suspect areas, so they could focus efforts on actual problem points without exhaustive insulation removal.
  3. Compliance: Both RTR and DR solutions aligned with the facility’s operator procedures.

Over the years, XCEL’s innovative techniques have become a standard part of the facility’s CUI inspection processes.

OUTCOME

Implementing RTR and DR resulted in measurable, long-term benefits for the Gulf Coast facility. The facility experienced:

  • Streamlined inspections by enabling CUI detection without insulation removal where possible.
  • A more proactive approach to CUI management with better screening solutions.

CTA

At XCEL, we design solutions that simplify inspections, achieve compliance, and deliver results. Contact Us Today to learn how we can help optimize your integrity management processes

Achieving Swift and Successful Refinery Turnaround with Expert NDT

Achieving Swift and Successful Refinery Turnaround with Expert NDT

Achieving Swift and Successful Refinery Turnaround with Expert NDT

Turnaround and shutdown periods at major refineries are essential for ensuring safety and operational readiness. For the CHS Inc. refinery in McPherson, Kansas, their 2025 spring turnaround required a vast scope of non-destructive testing (NDT) to validate the facility’s readiness for reinstatement into production.

CHS entrusted XCEL to execute thorough NDT testing over a rigorous 24/7 operational schedule.

CHALLENGE

Refinery turnarounds present unique challenges due to their scale and complexity, and the spring turnaround for CHS was no exception. The project’s requirements included a comprehensive range of NDT services, from basic techniques like Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT), and Radiographic Testing (RT), to advanced methods such as Guided Wave Ultrasonic Testing (GWUT) and Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT).

Adding to the complexity, the scope of work had to be executed continuously over a five-week duration on a 24/7 schedule. Staffing for such an intensive project presented a significant challenge, requiring 100 skilled personnel sourced from XCEL’s locations all across the United States.

SOLUTION

To ensure the success of the turnaround, XCEL implemented a robust plan, leveraging its expertise in large-scale inspection projects.

Key actions included:

  1. Comprehensive NDT Service: A full suite of NDT services was deployed to meet the extensive inspection requirements, ensuring weld quality and detecting equipment anomalies before the facility’s reinstatement into production.
  2. Quick Mobilization: A team of 100 personnel was mobilized from all XCEL locations nationwide, matching the project’s extensive manpower demands to ensure uninterrupted operations during the 24/7 inspection schedule.
  3. Task Management: The intricate scheduling and execution of inspection activities were carefully managed to ensure quality and adherence to the client’s timeline.

XCEL’s ability to deliver advanced inspection services while adhering to a strict structure was key to addressing the unique demands of this turnaround.

OUTCOME

Through XCEL’s efforts, CHS’ McPherson refinery received comprehensive data to confirm the integrity of its critical assets and validate the facility’s readiness for production. For XCEL, the success of the project, despite the small timeframe, made it one of their most impactful inspection efforts in recent history.

CTA

XCEL is your trusted partner for large-scale NDT and inspection services, preserving integrity even under the most demanding conditions. Contact us today to learn how we can help optimize your facility’s safety and safeguard assets.

Partnership to Deliver Turn-Key Solutions

Partnership to Deliver Turn-Key Solutions

Norman, OK — XCEL NDT LLC (“XCEL”), a leading provider of non-destructive testing (NDT) and industrial services, today announced the acquisition of Integrity Assessment Group (IAG). The combination expands XCEL’s service portfolio and industry reach—most notably into Power Generation—and sets the foundation for a long-term partnership focused on delivering turn-key solutions for customers.

“Bringing IAG into the XCEL family is about building something stronger together,” said Cole Morehead, Chief Executive Officer of XCEL. “IAG’s business model and momentum complement ours, and we see clear, immediate opportunities for synergies and cross-selling. Their Pipeline Maintenance & Cathodic Protection (CP) group will continue to operate under the Integrity Assessment Group entity, enabling a turn-key sales strategy. That’s a win for customers who want fewer handoffs, faster execution, and clear accountability.”

The acquisition adds service lines not previously offered by XCEL and broadens coverage into additional industrial markets, with minimal client and geographic overlap between the two companies. Customers will benefit from expanded manpower, specialized equipment, and senior technical leadership, with a disciplined integration plan that prioritizes safety, quality, and continuity of service.

About XCEL NDT LLC
XCEL NDT LLC provides NDT services to mission-critical customers across the United States. The company’s expansive team of experienced technicians utilize an array of conventional and advanced equipment to ensure critical infrastructure is functioning reliably and safely, and to help customers maintain compliance with stringent regulatory and insurance requirements. Learn more at xcelgrp.com.

About Integrity Assessment Group
Integrity Assessment Group delivers inspection and NDT services across multiple industrial markets and operates a Pipeline Maintenance & Cathodic Protection (CP) group that enhances turn-key delivery for customers. Learn more at www.int-grp.com.

Taking a Turnkey Approach to CUI Inspections

Taking a Turnkey Approach to CUI Inspections

Achieving Swift and Successful Refinery Turnaround with Expert NDT

Turnaround and shutdown periods at major refineries are essential for ensuring safety and operational readiness. For the CHS Inc. refinery in McPherson, Kansas, their 2025 spring turnaround required a vast scope of non-destructive testing (NDT) to validate the facility’s readiness for reinstatement into production.
CHS entrusted XCEL to execute thorough NDT testing over a rigorous 24/7 operational schedule.

Challenge

Refinery turnarounds present unique challenges due to their scale and complexity, and the spring turnaround for CHS was no exception. The project’s requirements included a comprehensive range of NDT services, from basic techniques like Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT), and Radiographic Testing (RT), to advanced methods such as Guided Wave Ultrasonic Testing (GWUT) and Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT).

Adding to the complexity, the scope of work had to be executed continuously over a five-week duration on a 24/7 schedule. Staffing for such an intensive project presented a significant challenge, requiring 100 skilled personnel sourced from XCEL’s locations all across the United States.

Solution

To ensure the success of the turnaround, XCEL implemented a robust plan, leveraging its expertise in large-scale inspection projects.

Key actions included:

  1. Comprehensive NDT Service: A full suite of NDT services was deployed to meet the extensive inspection requirements, ensuring weld quality and detecting equipment anomalies before the facility’s reinstatement into production.
  1. Quick Mobilization: A team of 100 personnel was mobilized from all XCEL locations nationwide, matching the project’s extensive manpower demands to ensure uninterrupted operations during the 24/7 inspection schedule.
  1. Task Management: The intricate scheduling and execution of inspection activities were carefully managed to ensure quality and adherence to the client’s timeline.

XCEL’s ability to deliver advanced inspection services while adhering to a strict structure was key to addressing the unique demands of this turnaround.

OUTCOME

Through XCEL’s efforts, CHS’ McPherson refinery received comprehensive data to confirm the integrity of its critical assets and validate the facility’s readiness for production. For XCEL, the success of the project, despite the small timeframe, made it one of their most impactful inspection efforts in recent history.

CTA

XCEL is your trusted partner for large-scale NDT and inspection services, preserving integrity even under the most demanding conditions. Contact us today to learn how we can help optimize your facility’s safety and safeguard assets.

XCEL NDT LLC Acquires Integrity Assessment Group; Announces Exciting Partnership to Deliver Turn-Key Solutions

XCEL NDT LLC Acquires Integrity Assessment Group; Announces Exciting Partnership to Deliver Turn-Key Solutions

Norman, OK — XCEL NDT LLC (“XCEL”), a leading provider of non-destructive testing (NDT) and industrial services, today announced the acquisition of Integrity Assessment Group (IAG). The combination expands XCEL’s service portfolio and industry reach—most notably into Power Generation—and sets the foundation for a long-term partnership focused on delivering turn-key solutions for customers.

“Bringing IAG into the XCEL family is about building something stronger together,” said Cole Morehead, Chief Executive Officer of XCEL. “IAG’s business model and momentum complement ours, and we see clear, immediate opportunities for synergies and cross-selling. Their Pipeline Maintenance & Cathodic Protection (CP) group will continue to operate under the Integrity Assessment Group entity, enabling a turn-key sales strategy. That’s a win for customers who want fewer handoffs, faster execution, and clear accountability.”

The acquisition adds service lines not previously offered by XCEL and broadens coverage into additional industrial markets, with minimal client and geographic overlap between the two companies. Customers will benefit from expanded manpower, specialized equipment, and senior technical leadership, with a disciplined integration plan that prioritizes safety, quality, and continuity of service.

About XCEL NDT LLC
XCEL NDT LLC provides NDT services to mission-critical customers across the United States. The company’s expansive team of experienced technicians utilize an array of conventional and advanced equipment to ensure critical infrastructure is functioning reliably and safely, and to help customers maintain compliance with stringent regulatory and insurance requirements.  

About Integrity Assessment Group
Integrity Assessment Group delivers inspection and NDT services across multiple industrial markets and operates a Pipeline Maintenance & Cathodic Protection (CP) group that enhances turn-key delivery for customers. Learn more at www.int-grp.com.