At AMPP 2025, the Inspenet team spoke with Andy Shingledecker, Tank and Pipeline Asset Integrity Operations Manager at TEAM Inc., who shared how the company is transforming NDT inspection processes with a comprehensive approach focused on safety, advanced technology, and technical talent.
Security as a cornerstone
From the beginning of the interview, Andy was clear that safety always comes first. This vision isn’t just a slogan, but an operational practice that permeates every phase of the service, from design to execution. TEAM Inc. technicians work under protocols that prioritize the protection of the client’s people and assets. This philosophy aligns with the expectations of the energy and industrial markets, which demand reliable operations without compromising the physical integrity of the team.
3D Laser Scanning and Digital Twin
One of the highlights was TEAM’s use of technologies such as 3D laser scanning and Digital Twin models. Andy highlighted that the company was the first to commercially implement LiDAR and has now standardized it in its API tank inspections.
These types of solutions enable an accurate representation of the structural condition of assets, facilitating tasks such as mapping, anomaly detection, and real-time change documentation. In complex or difficult-to-access facilities, these tools provide value from the diagnostic stage to strategic decision-making.
Remote visual inspection: less risk, more precision
The conversation also touched on remote visual inspection (RVI), a technology the company uses with drones, robotic systems, and cameras in confined spaces. Andy noted that anywhere that exposure to a person can be avoided, it will be done to reduce risk and increase accuracy.
This methodology is essential in interconnected structures such as tanks, pipelines, or industrial facilities, where human mobility is limited, and the inherent risks are high. By using caged drones and specialized robots, TEAM Inc. ensures efficient inspections without compromising safety.
A case where engineering, NDT and technology were successfully integrated
One of the most revealing moments of the talk was the account of a technical success story involving an advanced 3D scanning inspection. An improperly installed valve was detected, causing a slight implosion of the tank when it was drained.
Thanks to prior digital records and the intervention of the engineering team, TEAM Inc. was able to map the damage and monitor the repair process in real time. This type of intervention validates the value of combining NDT inspection, digital scanning, and specialized technical support.
API Certification and Continuing Education
With the growing demand for API inspection services (510, 570, and 653), TEAM responds with highly trained personnel. Andy emphasized that a large portion of the technical team holds all three certifications and that the company actively supports ongoing training, funding courses and facilitating the time required to complete them.
This educational approach not only keeps TEAM in regulatory compliance, but also allows it to anticipate regulatory changes and deliver a robust and up-to-date service.
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Source: Inspenet.