Winner: Phonon Diagnostic Technique® PDT®.

This award, presented by the European Institute for Non-Destructive Testing (EINDT), a non-profit European NDT association, recognises the application and implementation of advanced inspection methodologies in industrial environments, including non-destructive testing (NDT) approaches for Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) and Corrosion Under Pipe Supports (CUPS).. 

Phonon Diagnostics Technologies Ltd. (UK) and Shark Consulting FZ LLC were recognized in their respective roles as technology developer and service provider in relation to the application of the Phonon Diagnostics Technique®, PDT® within non-destructive testing (NDT) for Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI).

The Industry Challenge is an initiative coordinated by the European Institute for Non-Destructive Testing (EINDT), with a focus on the evaluation of demonstrable non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions for the inspection of Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) and Corrosion Under Pipe Supports (CUPS) in piping systems.

Conventional CUI inspection methods typically involve high-cost robotic systems and labor-intensive manual techniques. Advanced inspection methodologies may contribute to reducing maintenance costs and mitigating safety risks associated with piping system inspections.

From the four companies shortlisted to participate in the Industry Challenge, Phonon Diagnostics Technologies Ltd. (UK) and Shark Consulting FZ LLC were selected in recognition of their roles as technology developer and service provider in relation to the application of the Phonon Diagnostics Technique® , PDT® for non-destructive testing (NDT) of Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) and Corrosion Under Pipe Supports (CUPS) in piping systems.

Following the Industry Challenge, Phonon Diagnostics Technologies Ltd. (UK) and Shark Consulting FZ LLC were recognized in 2025 and invited to continue the development and application of the Phonon Diagnostics Technique® (PDT®) within the next phases of a multi-year program addressing CUI and CUPS inspection.

The Phonon Diagnostics Technique® , PDT® system demonstrated efficient execution timing, supporting inspection activities without requiring extended production shutdowns and contributing to reduced personnel on board (POB) during normal operating conditions.

The methodology enables in-service inspection of piping systems with minimal preparatory work and supports a high level of inspection coverage across the defined scope of work.

Operational application indicated a high level of consistency in data acquisition and interpretation, providing valuable input for asset integrity assessment.

In the evaluation of the PDT® solution, it was noted that the system design offers a differentiated approach that may be advantageous in hard-to-access areas and upstream oil and gas environments.

The capability to perform efficient and reliable inspection supports optimized scanning processes and may contribute to reductions in personnel on board (POB) requirements during operations.

Further application and development of this methodology may support its integration as part of future non-destructive testing (NDT) approaches for piping inspection and maintenance.

For more information about the 2025 award recognition:

Shark Consulting FZ LLC (The Shark Holding) https://www.thesharkholding.com

Phonon Diagnostics Technologies Ltd. (UK) https://www.phonondiagnostics.com

The European Institute for Non-Destructive Testing (EINDT) https://www.eindt.com/post/innovative-technology-award-2025the-best-inspection-method-for-cups-and-cui-corrosion-under-insula