US industrial service company Baker Hughes has bought Qi2 Elements, which designs and builds advanced robotic sensor systems for the inspection and monitoring critical energy infrastructure.
Qi2’s robotic inspection technology can inspect above ground liquid tank storage facilities without the need for personnel to enter confined hazardous spaces. It monitors the integrity of the tank floor while the tank remains in service. This technology is currently used to support oil and gas customers but has the potential to be deployed in tanks used by other industries, such as power generation and pharmaceuticals.
The acquisition also includes Qi2 Elements’ Electro Magnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) technology, which detects and measures cracks and similar features such as those which occur in gas pipelines. The technology will extend Baker Hughes’ existing offerings to customers with small and medium diameter pipelines up to 24” (60 cm), including transmission, distribution, gathering and process pipelines.
The transaction is expected to be completed within Q1 2022. Once complete, Qi2 will be integrated into Baker Hughes’ Process & Pipeline Services segment.
‘As we continue to partner with operators to drive enhanced environmental and public safety, the acquisition of Qi2 Elements significantly expands our asset inspection offering,’ says Michael Bellamy, vice president, Process & Pipeline Services at Baker Hughes. ‘As an energy technology company, Baker Hughes delivers a broad range of inspection services for critical infrastructure, and Qi2 Elements is another example of how we continue to invest for growth in this space.’
