Shaping the Future of CUI Monitoring: Insights from SABIC and Industry Leaders

Managing Corrosion – Innovative Technologies and Strategies for Prevention

At a time when asset integrity demands are rising across global facilities, Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) remains one of the most persistent and underestimated challenges in the field.

A distinguished panel convened at the 8th Asset Integrity & Corrosion Management Conference in Doha, Qatar to share first-hand insights and experiences on how industry leaders are rethinking their approach to CUI monitoring and mitigation.

The session was moderated by Dr. Prafull Sharma, Chief Technology Officer at CorrosionRADAR, and featured contributions from key figures across engineering, inspection, and operations:

• Dr. Khalid Sheltami, Chief Engineer, SABIC
• Fahad Mudhaeq, Principal Engineer, SABIC
• Mohammed Abufour, Global Advanced NDT Advisor and ASNT Ambassador
• Ibrahim Hachicha, Regional Director – Middle East, Baker Hughes
• Salahudheen KP, Divisional Manager, Galfar Al Misnad Engineering and Contracting W.L.L

Together, they brought diverse perspectives from owner-operators, service providers, and technology leaders—all aligned in recognising that traditional inspection methods are no longer sufficient on their own.

The discussion explored both the operational and strategic layers of CUI risk management, touching on material selection, the role of coatings and insulation systems, and the growing need for more proactive monitoring practices. Particular emphasis was placed on digital technologies that provide visibility into areas where conventional inspection techniques fall short—especially in hard-to-reach, high-consequence zones.

Key Takeaways from the Panel:

• Sites are starting to prioritise predictive strategies over reactive ones.
  Rather than waiting for visible signs of degradation or relying solely on periodic inspections, more facilities are moving towards data-led, condition-based maintenance models. This shift allows teams to detect early indicators of corrosion and take informed action before failures occur, improving both safety and operational efficiency.
• Remote monitoring isn’t just a ‘nice to have’—it’s becoming essential for difficult-to-access and high-risk zones.
  Traditional inspection methods often struggle in areas with limited access, high temperature exposure, or continuous operation. Remote sensing technologies offer continuous visibility into these zones, enabling early detection without the need to disrupt production or expose personnel to risk.
• Middle East operators are driving innovation and embedding monitoring into long-term asset strategies.
  There’s a clear shift towards scaling monitoring across entire portfolios—aligning efforts with broader goals around reliability, risk reduction, and operational excellence.