Exova

Oil and Gas

Exova has a proven track record of supporting organisations at the forefront of global oil and gas exploration, production and distribution. We have worked with the likes of Shell, BP and Chevron, providing a range of technical testing services for the independent assurance of assets - from research and development right through to operation, life extension and disposal. Our experts lead the way in corrosion, coatings, asset life management, failure analysis, environmental testing and Immersion Ultrasonic Testing (IUT), and are recognised for their capabilities in critical but routine testing, including weld procedures, weld certification and metallurgy for pipelines and other industry assets.

Pharmaceuticals

With the natural ambition to bring new products to market quickly and cost-effectively tempered by the modern obligation to comply with a sea of regulations, more and more pharmaceutical companies are looking to Exova for advice and support in research and development. We understand the demands of the global pharmaceutical sector, and we work in close cooperation with our clients to accelerate development and minimise costs whilst ensuring safety and compliance through accurate, reliable testing and analysis. Find out more by visiting Exova online.

Chemistry

Our global laboratories are certified for the analysis of a range of substances (including food, drinking water, wastewater, soil and hazardous waste) for both organic and inorganic contaminants. We also regularly perform oil analysis on naturally occurring petroleum mixtures such as crude oil, condensate, bitumen and heavy oil, as well as on processed products. 

Medical device testing is another area in which we specialise. This includes support in device design, prototyping and fabrication, mechanical testing, testing of extractables/leachables for implantable materials, and testing and analysis of bioabsorbable polymers. 

Coatings

We specialise in two key areas of coatings technology. First, pre-qualification testing (such as cathodic disbondment) as well as water, impact, indentation and adhesion testing of pipe and field joint coatings in the oil and gas industry. And second, the testing of protective and marine coatings in compliance with IMO and PSPC procedures for resistance to corrosion, UV light and extremes of temperature over an extended period of time (ageing). 

We can also provide specialist protective coatings services for the aerospace and defence sectors. Get in touch to find out more. 

Aerospace

Exova has helped many of the world’s leading aerospace companies achieve a competitive advantage through the provision of technically demanding testing solutions and advisory services. In fact we have a long history in commercial and military aerospace testing, and our laboratories hold many approvals from leading OEMs worldwide. We support our clients at every stage of the product life cycle, ensuring compliance with industry standards from research and development through to manufacturing and application, life extension and disposal. Exova laboratories are qualified to deliver a full range of services and can provide solutions across mechanical, non-destructive and chemical testing, wear properties, and structural and failure analysis.

Calibration and Metrology

Exova’s services in metrology and calibration are focussed on offering the optimum solution to help clients avoid production disturbance or downtime. As experts in metrology, we give you the confidence to complete a measurement task knowing that it will be performed in accordance with your quality requirements. Our accredited calibration services also assure your customers that the test equipment you use is calibrated by an independent, qualified laboratory. With mobile on-site facilities working in tandem with specialist laboratories in Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Finland, Exova METECH is Europe’s leading calibration service provider.

Environmental

As global environmental regulations tighten, organisations throughout the world are under growing pressure to ensure their operations adhere to the highest standards of environmental management and compliance. With a network of accredited environmental testing facilities throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas, Exova is able to help them meet their obligations with a complete range of environmental testing services. We work in partnership with our customers to define strategies and develop programmes that deliver testing, reporting and post-analysis to the very highest standard. Find out more about our environmental testing services by visiting Exova online.

Corrosion

As oil and gas exploration and production pushes deeper into the world’s harshest environments, the industry’s requirement for top grade materials grows. The exposure of assets to water and hydrogen sulphide brings a greater need for assurances on the performance of coatings, platings and metals. Premature corrosion of pipelines and extraction equipment threatens a breakdown in supply and costly remedial action, and in extreme cases can lead to environmental damage which compromises reputations.  As a world leader in corrosion testing and consulting, we can help you mitigate this risk through the provision of a comprehensive range of testing services carried out under simulated environmental conditions. Working with Exova corrosion testing experts will ensure your oil and gas supplies are kept running and that your reputation is protected.

Fire Safety

Exova Warringtonfire is a division dedicated to the provision of independent fire engineering, testing and certification services. Their worldwide teams have been helping customers gain market entry, achieve a competitive advantage and ensure regulatory compliance for over 40 years. A connected network of fire specialists throughout Europe, the Middle East, Canada, Australia and the Asia Pacific region enables Exova Warringtonfire to offer a complete spectrum of services to support customers in both their domestic and international markets. This includes:

• Reaction to fire and fire resistance testing
• Architectural and security testing
• Doors and windows testing
• Fire engineering
• Fire consultancy services
• Fire risk assessment
• Site inspection
• Voluntary and mandatory fire certification

Aerospace Corrosion

The quality of an aerospace component depends on its ability to withstand some of the most extreme operating conditions, making it essential for aerospace engineers to determine the performance of the coatings, platings and metals used in their manufacture. The premature corrosion of metal not only compromises the performance, functionality and appearance of aircraft but also threatens life safety. With years of experience in aerospace corrosion testing, Exova will help you extend asset life whilst protecting your reputation and your bottom line. We are able to carry out a complete range of testing procedures and can recreate a variety of environmental conditions to guarantee the safety and performance of your components in real-life situations.

Failure Analysis

Exova’s failure analysis teams comprise of qualified metallurgists, chemists, materials and polymer scientists with years of experience working with oil and gas industry clients throughout the world. Drawing upon this experience and employing a range of technical capabilities (including pipeline failure assessment, stress analysis, trace evidence analysis and forensic engineering), they are able to determine the causes of asset failure, to advise on remedial action and support you in any potential litigation.  Find out more by visiting Exova online.

Transportation

Exova has been supporting the automotive and transportation industry for almost 90 years, helping manufacturers throughout the world test tomorrow’s technology today. We’ve worked with the likes of GM, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Scania and many other automotive manufacturers requiring critical testing services and global compliance support.  

Exova can offer a range of automotive testing and advisory services through a network of specialist facilities in both Europe and the Americas, helping you to comply with local and international standards. 

Immersion Ultrasonic Testing

Advances in weld technology and techniques naturally require advanced testing capabilities. Realising the need to ensure weld integrity in oil and gas pipelines, Exova has developed one of the leading capabilities in Immersion Ultrasonic Testing (IUT). This enhanced version of Automatic Ultrasonic Testing makes sizing more accurate and also reduces the risk of missing defects in girth welds. With these capabilities, Exova can help you improve weld quality and give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your pipelines are completely free from critical defects.  The process can be applied to any kind of girth weld up to 48”, to any type of material and any wall thickness.

Environmental Testing

Environmental safety is a vital business consideration, particularly when you operate under the world’s spotlight as most oil and gas industry clients do. It is essential that companies working in this sector have the very best knowledge and understanding of the environmental impact of their activities before, during and after production. Exova’s team of worldwide environmental testing specialists can help you address this highly sensitive area. They provide a range of accurate analytical testing services, including water and soil analysis, drilling waste, microtox, remediation, reclamation, contaminated sites and spill response. Find out more by visiting Exova online.

Weld Testing Services

In the challenging oil and gas industry, the quality of a weld is critical to asset integrity. And with the push into ever more demanding environments, the use of new welding techniques and changing demands on materials has placed even greater emphasis on weld testing and qualification. As a recognised leader in weld testing services, Exova can help you guarantee the safety and performance of your welded assets. We have a number of CPN and CSWIP-qualified weld inspectors as well as many certified welding engineers – together they can offer a comprehensive testing service in this critical technical area.

Pipeline Services

The integrity of the pipeline is at the very heart of oil and gas production worldwide. The need to guarantee pipeline safety, performance and durability in tough environments requires the very best testing. Bringing together some of the most experienced experts in pipeline testing and assurance, Exova can help you address that requirement with a range of laboratory and field-based services, including:

• Barge model tensioner tests
• Overall heat transfer coefficient determinations
• Pipe bursting trials
• Pipeline reeling 
• Trawl board impact studies
• Weld certification

Defence

Our ability to deliver technically demanding solutions for defence industry applications is relied upon by governments and specialised system producers worldwide. We offer a range of defence testing and advisory services to support clients on projects ranging from military aircraft to marine vessels, armoured vehicles to missiles and ammunition. This includes mechanical and fatigue testing, non-destructive testing and physical and thermal analysis of materials, parts and components for compliance with many recognised industry standards.

Oil Analysis

Oil analysis is an effective way of establishing the condition of mechanical systems. And by monitoring their condition you can take active steps to prevent costly downtime that comes as a result of failure. By using OilCare® (a system developed by Exova specialists), our analysis teams are able to supply technical information about your system, guide you through the test results and help you make the right decisions as part of your planned maintenance programme. Find out more about system condition monitoring by visiting Exova online.

Calibration and Metrology

Exova METECH is a division dedicated to calibration services. It provides traceable, ISO/EC 17025-accredited calibration of measuring instruments in electrical, dimensional and physical parameters such as pressure, temperature, humidity, torque, flow, acoustics and more. As a company that is entirely independent of vendors, Exova METECH is able to support all manufacturers and instrument types. Our services are designed to help customers across various industries fulfil the requirements on the maintenance and calibration of their measuring instruments. We do this by providing metrological confirmation that the instrument meets the industry standard that applies to it (ISO 9001, ISO 10012, etc.).

Polymers

Exova has a dedicated polymer and plastics testing team that serves virtually all industry sectors. It is made up of chemists, engineers and technologists who have many decades of combined experience. It is thanks to this team that Exova can offer such a broad range of testing and characterisation services, including:

• Polymer and plastics identification
• Contaminant analysis
• Polymer and plastics failure analysis
• Chemical and thermal QA and QC testing
• Mechanical and physical testing
• Tape and adhesive testing
• Rubber and elastomer testing
• Contract R&D
• Product and process development
• Polymer synthesis and pilot scale-up

You can find out more about these services by visiting Exova online. 

Structures and Systems

Exova has decades of experience in the testing and analysis of components, assemblies and structures, and has tested them across a range of industry sectors, including infrastructure and transportation. Our services cover static testing for both mechanical and physical performance, as well as dynamic load testing with the option of superimposed environmental exposure. We have facilities for bespoke test rig design, construction, control system configuration and data acquisition, and our consultants are able to assist in the development of complete product performance and durability test programs. Visit us online to find out more.

Metal Technology

We are leaders in precise mechanical, metallurgical and chemical testing, and can provide testing and consultation at all stages of metal processing and product development. Our laboratories are fully staffed and equipped to deliver comprehensive, interdisciplinary services in the development, processing, characterisation and testing of all materials. Exova capabilities range from highly specialised services in fatigue, fracture mechanics, creep and corrosion through to more routine mechanical testing. We are also experts in failure analysis and can offer professional services in forensic investigations and litigation support. Find out more by visiting Exova online.

Composites

Exova is one of the world’s leading composite testing companies. As well as carrying out a range of mechanical, non-destructive, chemical and physical tests, we can offer support in material selection and qualification, manufacturing process development, failure analysis, repair technology and training. You can find out more about our composite testing and consultation services by visiting Exova online.

Vehicle Emissions Testing

Exova has state-of-the-art vehicle emissions testing facilities that enable us to provide fast and reliable results. We work with a range of customers, including medium to heavy duty engine and vehicle OEMs, regulatory agencies and manufacturers of exhaust after-treatment systems, providing quality managed services in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and in conjunction with EPA procedures (or customers’ own emissions testing protocols). Our services include:

• EPA heavy-duty on-road transient cycles
• EPA test protocols for emissions testing
• Exhaust after treatment system development
• Customised test cycles
• Emissions development
• Engine combustion system development
• Emission certification including DF testing
• Low temperature emissions testing of full exhaust systems
• Petrol and diesel engine efficiency
• Exhaust simulation studies
• Alternative fuel engines and fuel systems and engine production audit testing

Food and Consumer Products

We know that in the ultra-competitive FMCG sector it takes much more than taste for a product to be a success. Quality and safety are critical, and our clients’ reputations depend on them. Getting your products to the shelves quicker than your competitors is also important. Exova is a company you can trust to manage these responsibilities. We are utterly committed to ensuring product safety and quality whilst also helping you to achieve a shorter journey to market. From verifying nutritional information to Health & Safety management, we have all your requirements covered.

Industrials

Exova can offer a range of testing and advisory services to help support its clients’ industrial assets. We offer support from the design and engineering phase right through to maintenance, in-service testing and decommissioning, ensuring environmental and regulatory compliance throughout. Our capabilities include specialist non-destructive testing (NDT), utilities testing, engineering consultancy and training, as well as more routine mechanical testing. Find out more by visiting Exova online or calling our dedicated service team.

Mechanical testing

Exova’s mechanical testing services help clients push the boundaries of performance in metal-based assets. We have built our reputation on the breadth of our technical capabilities, on the quality of our service, and on the integrity of our results. 

Procedures carried out at Exova testing facilities include:

• Bend testing
• Impact testing
• Hardness testing
• Fatigue specimen testing

Our consultants work closely with customers to understand their operational and commercial needs so that we are able to deliver first time, every time. To discuss your requirements with a mechanical testing expert, just give your regional Exova office a call. 

Utilities Testing

With energy prices escalating and water supplies dwindling, the management of natural resources has come under close scrutiny in recent times. Exova has thus become the partner of choice for many leading utility companies seeking guaranteed supply, minimal leakage and extension to asset life. We support clients in the water, wastewater and gas supply sectors with dependable utilities testing and advisory services that protect both their reputation and their bottom line. Wholly independent and always objective, our accredited laboratories and mobile units will help ensure that you not only meet your regulatory obligations but that you also save on the cost of long term repair and new installation.

Oil & Gas Testing

The oil and gas industry is one of the many industries we support with comprehensive testing and consultancy services. We understand the commercial and operational challenges faced by clients working in this sector, and we know that having a partner you can depend upon for quality test results and expert advice is essential in such a demanding industry. With Exova at your side, you can be completely confident in the safety and performance of your key assets. 

A list of our oil and gas testing services can be found on the Exova website. 

Metallurgical Testing

Exova’s metallurgical testing expertise gives oil and gas industry clients the assurances they need on the future safety and performance of their metal-based assets. We have a global network of experts and specialist facilities where a range of destructive and static testing procedures are undertaken, from tensile and charpy tests through to the more technically challenging fatigue and fracture toughness tests.  Supported by dedicated machine shops, Exova are able to process samples both quickly and cost-effectively, giving you the answers you need in minimal time and at minimal cost. Find out more about our metallurgical services by visiting Exova online.

Water Testing

Testing the quality of water is both an essential element of public safety and a legal obligation bound by strict regulatory conditions. Exova can help you to meet these requirements by providing a comprehensive range of accredited microbiological and chemical water test and risk management services designed to ensure compliance and safeguard your reputation. This includes:

• Testing of water in closed systems such as cooling towers.
• Testing of water in recirculating systems such as spas and swimming pools.
• Testing of groundwater, surface water and wastewater.

Exova are here to guide you through the sea of regulations, with experts on hand to discuss and develop monitoring and testing programmes that are tailored to your specific needs. 

Toxicology Testing

Our environmental toxicology testing services are designed to highlight the potential effects of compounds released into the natural environment so that damaging toxins do not become a headline concern for our clients. Exova’s toxicology testing experts are leaders in the field of environmental sustainability and routinely support customers in highly regulated industries such as oil and gas, pulp and paper, mining and petrochemicals. Their environmental toxicology capabilities include:

• Determination of toxicity levels in soils and liquids according to customer specifications and government guidelines.
• Acute toxicity of effluent/liquids.
• Chronic environmental toxicology of effluents/liquids on Ceriodaphnia dubia, Selenastrum (green algae), inland silversides, sea urchins, and duckweed.
• Environmental toxicology screening using Microtox™.
• Exposure of earthworms, germination and growth rates of plants.
• Custom specification development, analysis and impact guidance.