Providing inspection, testing, and asset integrity services across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. Experience includes PetroSA offshore and onshore facilities, South Coast Gas Development projects, Chevron Angola, Mossgas, PetroSA maintenance contracts, offshore pipeline inspections, and subsea module inspections for major energy developments.
Our Experience in the Oil & Gas Industry
Since 1980
De-Tect Unit Inspection’s origins trace back to some of South Africa’s most significant industrial and energy infrastructure projects. The company was actively involved in construction-phase NDT and inspection services for the Sasol Synfuels plants in Secunda, Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, Africa’s only nuclear power plant, Kendal Power Station Units 5 and 6, as well as the Mossgas onshore refinery and offshore FA platform (now operated as PetroSA).
These projects included pre-service inspections for the nuclear sector, followed by long-term in-service inspection and maintenance programmes. Many of these relationships continue today, including ongoing work at Sasol Synfuels and Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.
1998 - 1999
De-Tect Unit Inspection was awarded a major contract at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, taking full responsibility for project management and execution of comprehensive inspection scopes. These included manual ultrasonic testing, surface inspections, flow accelerated corrosion assessments, repair and replacement programmes, snubber testing, as well as marine and civil corrosion inspections.
During this period, De-Tect strengthened its strategic position by entering into an association agreement with Rotek Engineering (Pty) Ltd and securing additional contracts for inspection and testing services at Koeberg.
De-Tect also successfully executed the Inspection, NDE, and Testing scopes for Outages 110 and 210 within strict time constraints, achieving exceptionally low radiation exposure levels.
Beyond the nuclear sector, the company completed all ultrasonic inspection work on fabricated components for the Mossgas / Dresser Kellogg (Bredasdorp alliance) E-M field development expansion programme, along with surface inspection work on the R01 module and PLEM structure on the West Coast.
In addition, De-Tect demonstrated innovation by designing and manufacturing a cost-effective ultrasonic manipulator for the inspection of cast riding rings on cement kilns for PPC Cement.
2004
De-Tect Unit Inspection successfully completed the full ultrasonic and surface inspection scope for Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Outage 114 within the required timeframes, achieving zero incidents and full compliance with quality standards.
The company strengthened its international capabilities by forming a strategic alliance with Oceaneering International, enhancing both high-tech and specialised manual NDT service offerings in South Africa. As part of this collaboration, De-Tect personnel participated in specialised NDT training in the UK and contributed to the successful execution of a petrochemical plant project in the United Kingdom.
De-Tect also played an active role in advancing the industry, participating in the first National NDT Symposium hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, where the company presented a paper on improving NDT reliability in South Africa.
In the petrochemical sector, De-Tect was awarded multiple contracts at Sasol’s Clean Fuels “Project Turbo” in Secunda, including the full NDT workshop construction contract and associated NDT services. Additional work included a maintenance shutdown contract at the Caltex Refinery (ChevronTexaco).
Further reinforcing its quality commitment, De-Tect successfully completed its second ISO 9001:2000 audit in August 2004. During this period, De-Tect personnel were also among the first in Africa to undergo specialised ultrasonic training on austenitic materials, conducted by the South African Institute of Welding in conjunction with Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.
2005
De-Tect Unit Inspection continued to deliver high-performance inspection services across multiple sectors, successfully completing the full Ultrasonic, Surface, and Radiography scopes for Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Outage 214. All work was delivered within strict timeframes, with zero incidents and full compliance with quality and safety standards, including the critical SCC pipe replacement radiography scope.
The company further strengthened its technical expertise, with two ultrasonic operators qualifying in Eskom’s Phased Array turbine rotor blade blind trials and becoming preferred operators for this specialised work.
Internationally, De-Tect completed another NDT project in the United Kingdom in collaboration with Oceaneering International, building on the success of previous engagements.
Regionally, the company expanded its footprint by successfully delivering projects at a soda ash plant in Botswana and an ultrasonic inspection project in Madagascar. Additional work included the successful execution of NDT services during the November shutdown at the Caltex Refinery.
De-Tect was also appointed as a preferred NDT supplier to Saldanha Steel (Mittal) and completed the radiography work scope for Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Outage 115.
2006
De-Tect Unit Inspection, in collaboration with Oceaneering Unit Inspection, was recognised with the Contractor of the Year Award (2005/2006) at Sasol Synfuels, standing out among approximately 2,500 suppliers.
The company continued to expand its international and high-profile project portfolio, successfully completing an NDT assignment for Alstom UK, and forming part of the Alstom South Africa team on the Koeberg Unit 1 turbine recovery project. This project included 100% radiographic inspection of all repair and replacement components.
At Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, De-Tect provided personnel for the successful execution of Ultrasonic, Surface, and Radiography scopes during Outage 215, completing all work within strict timeframes, with zero incidents and full compliance with quality and safety requirements.
The company also delivered NDT services across a range of industrial clients, including assignments for Arya Sasol Polymer Company, as well as planned shutdowns at Sasol Synfuels and Mittal Steel.
In the offshore and marine sector, De-Tect successfully deployed advanced LORAD radiography systems (X-ray and gamma) at Belmet Marine for the Subsea 7 project for PetroSA, as well as subsequent work on an ExxonMobil project. These projects included ultrasonic node inspections and surface inspections on subsea modules and piping systems.
2007
De-Tect Unit Inspection was formally established following the successful merger and management buy-out of Unit Inspection SA (formerly Oceaneering Unit Inspection) and De-Tect NDT Services. This strategic consolidation, alongside Cooperheat Africa, positioned the company as one of Africa’s leading specialist BEE inspection service providers.
The company received multiple recognitions for service excellence, including a certificate from Sasol Synfuels for outstanding performance and consistently achieving an average supplier scorecard rating of 99.8%. De-Tect was also awarded an excellence award by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology for its contribution to experiential learning programmes.
De-Tect strengthened its industry standing by attaining full membership of the South African Oil & Gas Alliance, as well as achieving multi-site ISO 9001:2000 certification and retaining South African National Accreditation System accreditation as a government-approved inspection authority.
Operationally, the company delivered a range of high-profile projects, including automated ultrasonic testing (AUT) interpretation for final pipeline laying operations on the South Coast Gas Development project. De-Tect also successfully completed shutdown work at Sasol Synfuels and Outage 116 at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.
The Koeberg outage scope included in-service inspection (ISI) radiography, notably the 10-year steam generator bimetallic inspections for Westinghouse Electric Company. De-Tect personnel also formed part of specialised teams supporting complex ultrasonic inspections, reactor head replacement projects for Lesedi Nuclear Services (an AREVA NP company), and other advanced nuclear operations.
In addition, the company successfully delivered multiple specialised inspection projects utilising guided wave ultrasonic technology and phased array techniques, and provided ongoing X-ray and radiography services under long-term contract arrangements.
2008 - 2009
De-Tect Unit Inspection became part of an international inspection group, the CRC Evans Inspection Group, expanding its global footprint and access to specialised inspection capabilities. This group included PIH Services Middle East (headquartered in Dubai) and Universal Inspection Systems (UNISPEC), based in Scotland with further expansion into Houston, USA.
The company maintained its South African National Accreditation System accreditation as a government-approved inspection authority and achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification. During this period, De-Tect also strengthened its BEE rating through focused socio-economic development and enterprise initiatives.
De-Tect secured long-term contracts for in-service maintenance across both nuclear and conventional power generation facilities, as well as petrochemical plants. The company successfully executed multiple major outages and shutdowns, with a strong emphasis on utilising and developing local personnel.
A key focus area during this time was skills development, with extensive training aligned to ISO 9712 standards, alongside continued investment in safety performance and human reliability.
2012 - 2013
De-Tect Unit Inspection successfully completed a major turnaround project at a Chevron facility, delivering a full range of NDT services.
The company continued its work in the power generation sector, performing comprehensive NDT services (RT, MT, PT, UT, and Phased Array) at Grootvlei Power Station during outages and maintenance activities.
In addition, De-Tect was awarded a contract to carry out manual ultrasonic inspections on waterways and penstocks at the Palmiet hydroelectric power station, further reinforcing its expertise in critical infrastructure inspection.
2016
De-Tect Unit Inspection expanded its footprint in the regional power generation sector with the award of a contract from Murray & Roberts for the provision of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) services at Morupule A Power Station in Palapye, Botswana, as part of a major refurbishment project.
The company further strengthened its position within Eskom’s fleet by securing a 24-month contract at Lethabo Power Station for the provision of NDT services during maintenance and operational activities.
At Komati Power Station, De-Tect successfully completed the Digital Radiography scope of work on boiler and turbine components (Unit 7), demonstrating its advanced inspection capabilities.
In the oil and gas sector, De-Tect was awarded a three-year contract by PetroSA for the provision of NDT services, reinforcing its presence in offshore and petrochemical environments.
2017 - 2018
De-Tect Unit Inspection continued to deliver specialised NDT services across multiple sectors, including supporting a major turnaround at a Chevron facility in 2017.
The company secured a contract at Matla Power Station under Stanley Inspection South Africa for the provision of NDT services during maintenance and outage activities over a 12-month period, further strengthening its presence within Eskom’s power generation fleet.
De-Tect also delivered targeted inspection services for Sulzer at Ankerlig Power Station, performing ultrasonic and penetrant testing on critical components.
In the water and hydroelectric sector, the company successfully completed Non-Destructive Examinations on penstocks at Drakensberg, covering Waterway Units 1–4, under Contract No. 4600064128.
At Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, De-Tect provided administrative and project support services to Westinghouse Electric Company, contributing to ongoing nuclear maintenance and inspection activities.
Further strengthening its training and development capabilities, De-Tect achieved full accreditation (17-QA/CC/1456/18) under Stanley Inspection South Africa to provide NDT and Heat Treatment training through its training facility.
2019
De-Tect Unit Inspection continued to strengthen its position within the power generation sector through the award of a long-term Level III contract at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station under Stanley Inspection South Africa, with a duration of 64 months.
The company expanded its regional footprint by performing NDT services at Hwange Power Station in Zimbabwe for General Electric, demonstrating its capability to deliver across Southern Africa.
Additional contracts were secured across Eskom’s fleet under Stanley Inspection South Africa, including Matimba, Majuba, and Camden Power Stations, where De-Tect provided NDT services during maintenance and outage periods.
In the petrochemical sector, De-Tect successfully executed a major turnaround for Astron Energy, further reinforcing its shutdown and turnaround expertise.
The company also enhanced its specialised inspection capabilities through the acquisition of Sonartech Specialized Inspection Services.
2023
De-Tect Unit Inspection continued to expand its advanced inspection capabilities both locally and internationally. Early in the year, the company performed tube inspections on various exchangers for Omnia Group using Eddy Current Testing (ECT) and Remote Field Testing (RFT).
Internationally, De-Tect delivered specialised inspection services across multiple regions, including IRIS inspections in Nigeria and Australia, as well as NDT services on sugar mill infrastructure.
At Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, De-Tect was awarded a long-term contract to continue providing radiography services, building on a track record of over 40 years of continuous service at the facility. The company also supported GE Steam Power with NDT services on low-pressure (LP) turbine rotor blading.
A major milestone was achieved with De-Tect attaining accreditation as a South African National Accreditation System Type A Inspection Body (Accreditation No. NDT 0003), demonstrating compliance with ISO/IEC 17020:2012 and confirming the company’s technical competence and independence.
The company continued to secure key contracts within the power generation sector, including Non-Destructive Examinations (MT and UT) on penstocks at the Drakensberg Pumped Storage Scheme, Eddy Current inspections at Palmiet Pumped Storage Scheme, and high-pressure pipework metallurgical replication at Grootvlei Power Station.
Additional specialised work included CUPS detection using QSR technology on international pipeline projects, as well as a river crossing pipeline inspection project in Mozambique.
2024
De-Tect Unit Inspection began the year by strengthening relationships with existing clients while securing new opportunities across multiple sectors. The company expanded its portfolio with projects for Air Liquide and Babcock International, and was awarded new work in the renewable energy sector, providing NDT services at the Dorper Wind Farm for Altitec, as well as NDT oversight for Ansaldo Energia.
In support of the growing renewable energy supply chain, De-Tect received a purchase order from ArcelorMittal to perform NDT on wind tower plates at its Vaal branch for Vestas.
The company further diversified into the mining sector, securing a contract for Eddy Current inspections at the Karowe Mine operated by Lucara Diamond.
Within the nuclear sector, De-Tect was awarded advanced NDT work at Koeberg Power Station by John Thompson, including Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD).
In the oil and gas sector, De-Tect secured a significant three-year contract with PetroSA to provide ongoing NDT services.
Additional Oil & Gas Experience
| Client | Project | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fina Elf Nigeria | Inspection & Testing and TFT | 2002-2003 periodically |
| Mossgas Construction |
Radiography /UT/MT/PT Welding Inspection |
2 years Jan 89-Jul 91 |
| Chevron Angola | NDE & Inspection: Onshore and Offshore | 8 years (Oct 90-Oct 98) |
| Chevron Texaco Refinery | Wall thickness & UT/MT/PT/RT | 2003 |
Highlights of our team's proven track record of successfully delivering solutions across the Oil & Gas Industry
| Client | Project | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NATREF | Oil & Gas | 2013 - 2022 |
Collective Industry Experience done by Tube Inspection Personnel
Our tube inspection team brings together extensive international industry experience gained by our personnel throughout their professional careers, including experience acquired prior to joining our company.
Collectively, our Eddy Current specialists have contributed to tube inspection projects for prestigious clients across the globe. Their individual experience spans a wide range of industries, including power generation, petrochemicals, mining, manufacturing, and oil & gas, where they have applied their expertise in support of complex inspection programmes.
This information reflects the professional experience of our personnel and should not be interpreted as representing projects undertaken by the company.
Our team's experience spans the following major industries:
- Oil & Gas (Upstream, Midstream & Downstream)
- Oil Refineries
- Petrochemicals
- Fertilizer & Ammonia Production
- Power Generation
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
- Mining
- Water Treatment & Desalination
- Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC)
- Industrial Manufacturing & Maintenance
This broad industry exposure demonstrates extensive experience in heat exchanger, condenser, boiler, and process equipment tube inspections across some of the world's most demanding industrial sectors.
Oil & Gas Eddy Current Testing
The projects listed below reflect the collective Eddy Current Testing expertise of our personnel, based on projects successfully completed in their individual professional capacities across the Oil & Gas Industry.
- Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Petroleum Operations (ADCO) UAE - Oil & Gas
- Bapco Refinery Bahrain - Oil Refining
- Chevron South Africa - Oil & Gas
- Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) Kuwait - Oil Refining
- PetroSA South Africa - Oil & Gas
- Qatar Petroleum Qatar - Oil & Gas
- Ruwais Refinery UAE - Oil Refining
- SAPREF South Africa - Oil Refining
- Sasol Temane Mozambique - Oil & Gas
- Petronas Miri Lutong A & B Malaysia - Oil & Gas
- BP Kwinana Australia - Oil Refining
- Santos Australia - Oil & Gas
- Kwinana Australia - Industrial / Oil Refining
- Bayu-Undan Australia/Timor - Sea Offshore Oil & Gas
- Karratha Gas Plant Australia - LNG / Natural Gas Processing
- Pluto Gas Plant Australia - LNG
- OKHA FPSO Australia - Offshore Oil & Gas (FPSO)
- Curtis Island Plant Australia - LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)
- Darwin LNG (DLNG) Australia - LNG