Regional industry engagement and specialised PAUT training strengthens refinery inspection capability in Iraq
30/03/2026
Argyll Ruane recently delivered a specialised phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) training course in Erbil, Iraq, supporting inspection capability within the oil & gas sector in collaboration with Miqias IIC Services Ltd.The ten-day programme was developed for experienced non-destructive testing (NDT)personnel supporting inspection activities at Dora Refinery, a major oil refining facility in Baghdad operated by the Midland Refineries Company under Iraq’s Ministry of Oil. As a critical asset within the country’s downstream infrastructure, the refinery required advanced PAUT training aligned with refinery inspection demands and international code compliance.
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| The showcase event was attended by around 30 key stakeholders from across Iraq’s oil & gas sector |
The course combined targeted theoretical input with extensive practical application, ensuring alignment with American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) requirements and relevant refinery inspection scenarios.
Training was delivered using equipment including Sonatest Veo instruments and probe systems (including wheel probes and curved wedges for piping), Phoenix Bracelet and MultiMag scanners, Sonaspection flawed specimens and representative refinery components. Theoretical sessions covered PAUT principles, beam steering and focusing, focal law optimisation and system configuration for refinery applications.
Calibration exercises were conducted using recognised calibration blocks, including PH Tool’s AOD ERVW pipe calibration blocks for time-corrected gain, long version ASME blocks, AMK/MAPUT blocks, ASTM E2491 assessment blocks and PX-PA calibration blocks. Participants applied calibration procedures and prepared written instructions in accordance with ASME code requirements.
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Argyll Ruane delivered specialised PAUT training in Iraq |
Practical inspection exercises focused on weld inspection across pipes of varying diameters, including plate and pipe butt welds and T-joints. Inspectors undertook defect detection, sizing and characterisation using UTStudio for signal analysis and interpretation. Advanced applications included corrosion mapping using the Sonatest wheel probe and weld inspection of both small and large bore piping using Bracelet and MultiMag scanners. Defect evaluation was carried out in accordance with ASME B31.3 (process piping) and ASME BPVC Section VIII Division 1, with preparation of compliant inspection reports using approved templates.
All participants successfully completed the course, demonstrating increased confidence in system set-up, calibration, advanced scanning configurations and data interpretation. Inspection techniques developed during the course were applied directly to live refinery inspection activities.
Through Argyll Ruane’s collaboration with Miqias, the company continues to strengthen inspection capability and professional development across the oil & gas sector.
Argyll Ruane also supported Miqias IIC Services Ltd at a one-day NDT and coatings inspection technology showcase event in Iraq, which took place in December 2025.
The event was attended by over 30 key stakeholders from governmental and industrial organisations across Iraq’s oil & gas sector.
The showcase provided a platform for industry professionals to engage with inspection technologies, certification pathways and best practice aligned with international standards.
As part of the event, Kristian Hampson, Group Technical Manager at Argyll Ruane, delivered a presentation covering Argyll Ruane’s training, examination and consultancy services and its collaboration with Miqias, an overview of the British Institute of NDT (BINDT) and the PCN certification scheme and an introduction to the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr) and its professional certification pathways and certification scheme.
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| Kristian Hampson gave a presentation covering Argyll Ruane’s training, examination and consultancy services |
Miqias IIC Services Ltd is an Iraq-based engineering company specialising in NDT, inspection, instrumentation supply and calibration services for the oil, gas and industrial sectors. With branches in Erbil, Basra, Baghdad and Sulaymaniyah, the company supports clients across the country, serving major international operators such as BP, Eni, Crescent Petroleum, DNO and Gazprom, as well as key government entities including Basra Oil Company and Midland Refineries Company.
Certified to ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 standards, Miqias operates two ISO 17025-accredited calibration laboratories and an ISO 17020-certified inspection department, ensuring compliance with international standards through qualified personnel and advanced inspection technologies.
This engagement reinforced Argyll Ruane’s commitment to developing inspection capability through technical training and increased awareness of internationally recognised certification pathways within the region.
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