SGS Expert Panel Discuss AIM and Demonstrate Advanced NDT Techniques

On May 7, 2012, SGS successfully hosted a conference where experts from
Pakistan's leading oil and gas, refining, petrochemical and power plant
industries discussed asset integrity management (AIM) issues and solutions
supplemented with a demonstration of advanced non-destructive testing (NDT)
techniques.

SGS Pakistan Promoting Understanding of Theoretical and Practical Asset
Integrity Management

SGS is committed to serving local industry through various seminars, workshops
and technical demonstrations in which plant owners and operators may discuss
day to day asset integrity management issues they face with leading industry
authorities. These roundtables sessions provide delegates and participants
valuable information and insight through case studies and the vast experience
brought by top industry specialists.

The SGS presentation focussed on asset integrity management solutions
designed to maintain asset "fit-for-service" condition by implementing effective
asset management programs to ensure maximum productivity, reliability,
technical integrity, safety and regulatory compliance. SGS AIM specially tailors
programs for companies' individual needs in order to reduce risk and fulfill all
specifically relevant mandatory regulations. SGS unique global network
encompasses experienced staff and resources necessary to achieve high-quality
inspection, engineering, data management and safety goals wherever assets are
based.

Live SGS NDT Techniques

In addition, SGS conducted a live demonstration of NDT techniques used to
maintain the safe and efficient operation of equipment and other assets by
detecting defects which could cause hazardous situations and severe property
damage.

These early detection methods applied by SGS specialists ensure perpetual
compulsory compliance with international standards. From construction sites,
pipelines and refineries to shipyards and nuclear power plants, it is imperative
to monitor and improve the reliability of processes and equipment. SGS non-
destructive testing services conduct complete or sample examinations of assets
using well-designed procedures and highly-trained, certified NDT inspectors.
Non-destructive testing provides complete and invaluable data assisting owners
and operators to reach informed, intelligent asset management decisions. In
short, SGS comprehensive range of non-destructive testing monitors asset
integrity, detects defects and irregularities before they result in costly damage
or non-compliance, saves time and money with fast and effective testing
throughout the lifespan of assets and equipment, and ensures safe and reliable
facility operations.

A Special Event

Discussion sessions culminated into fruitful conversations with participants,
including CEOs, Managing Directors, Deputy Managing Directors, Maintenance
and Inspections Managers, and Maintenance and Inspections Engineers from all
the major industries, and distinguished panelists sharing experiences,
knowledge, research and suggestions regarding business related questions and
exchanging advice on enhancing operational safety and strategies to maximize
integrity and production. SGS extended this exclusive opportunity to provide
insight into the latest fit-for-purpose inspection technologies and to boost
confidence in asset reliability and functionality.

Live demonstrations of advanced non-destructive testing techniques were
conducted throughout the day, allowing participants to attend at their leisure.
Blue prints of the advanced NDT techniques and their applications were
displayed and explained.

Because the session was led by SGS NDT specialists, engineers and technical
experts, attendees were not only given the opportunity to observe the
technique being performed but also had the chance to access these highly-
skilled professionals and to speak candidly with them regarding specific
business and asset questions and concerns.

These impromptu conversations provided participants with general concepts
and fine details within the sprawling portfolio of conventional and advanced
NDT solutions. Some of the techniques demonstrated were long range
ultrasonic testing, time of flight diffraction, phased array, remote visual
inspection, eddy current testing, ultrasonic-IRIS, creep head wave inspection,
MPI with battery operated yokes and fluorescent lights, in-situ metallographic
testing, remote UT through UT crawler, and magnetic flux leakage.

At the conclusion of the conference, participants were well informed about the
basic and essential requirements for conventional and advanced NDT,
appropriate applications of NDT techniques and services, NDT pre-requisites
and limitations, operating procedures of NDT techniques, ASNT / PCN
requirements for qualified operators, and the basic criteria for in-house
qualification of NDT examiners.

"We appreciate and congratulate SGS Pakistan for organizing such a valuable
and knowledgeable session; we hope the same in future." Zahid Hussain
Mengal, Engineer Monitoring and Inspection, Pakistan Petroleum Limited.

Another SGS Success

In the end, SGS had achieved the goal of creating a forum in which business
professionals could meet each other and have planned discussions and
spontaneous talks regarding asset integrity issues facing the industry and
current solutions. Thanks to the diversity of the panel, participants were able to
connect with members of similar interests which resulted in a better
understanding of discussion topics.

SGS was happy to host this extremely enjoyable, informative, and productive
conference in Pakistan.