In many facilities, pipelines and vessels are insulated to prevent heat loss, conserve energy or protect personnel. However, this same insulation often hides early-stage leaks, allowing water, chemicals or hydrocarbons to accumulate undetected. When leakage remains trapped beneath insulation layers, it can:

• Accelerate external corrosion and lead to structural failure.
• Cause corrosion under insulation (CUI), one of the costliest integrity threats in refineries and petrochemical plants.
• Create fire and explosion hazards, especially when hydrocarbons are involved.
• Compromise product quality, safety and environmental compliance.
• Result in unplanned shutdowns, extensive repairs and costly downtime.
  
  

Early detection is therefore critical. Identifying leaks as soon as they occur helps operators mitigate CUI, prevent escalating failures and maintain safe, reliable operations.