The HSE Centre for Asset Integrity brings together specialist scientific and engineering expertise to support asset integrity across high-hazard sectors.
Established in 2021 at HSE’s Science and Research Centre in Buxton, it brings together specialist scientific and engineering expertise to support asset integrity across high-hazard sectors and nationally critical infrastructure.
The Centre is led by Tim Plowright, supported by Sarah Hicks (Relationship Manager) and Kate Jeffrey (Energy Sector Manager), and colleagues across HSE’s science, engineering, operational and policy functions.
View our website to find out more about asset integrity.
Purpose and focus
The Centre supports industry and regulatory partners to better understand and manage complex asset integrity challenges, helping to protect people, places and critical infrastructure.
Its work supports safer operations, innovation and the transition to Net Zero through research, testing and technical capability development.
How the Centre delivers impact
The Centre delivers its work through 2 main routes:
1. Shared research projects
Multidisciplinary projects delivered through HSE's Science, Engineering, and Analysis Division to address priority issues identified by regulators and industry. These draw on HSE’s specialist knowledge, facilities and expertise to improve understanding of complex integrity challenges and support better decision-making.
Previous projects have included; Engineered Composite Repairs, Corroded bolts, and Remote Visual Inspection techniques.
2. Bespoke testing
Targeted testing services that provide evidence-based insight into asset performance and integrity. This helps organisations identify risks and strengthen control measures across new and existing assets, including:
- tanks and vessels
- pipes and valves
- protective coatings
- safety devices
- structures
Corrosion under fireproofing: exploring a new shared research project
Corrosion under fireproofing (CUF) is a longstanding but often under-detected integrity challenge affecting structures, pipework and vessels protected by passive fire protection systems.
Unlike corrosion under insulation, deterioration beneath fireproofing coatings can remain hidden for long periods, making inspection and intervention difficult. If left unmanaged, CUF can lead to significant degradation, loss of integrity and, in some cases, structural failure.
The HSE Centre for Asset Integrity is exploring a shared research project which aims to:
- better understand the causes of CUF
- review current guidance and standards
- assess inspection technologies
- identify opportunities to improve detection and management across industry
The project is expected to include a review of lessons learned from incidents and near misses, alongside an assessment of non-intrusive inspection techniques and their effectiveness in different applications.
Contact us to find out more
We are currently exploring industry interest in this work.
Contact us via this form to:
- learn more about the Centre for Asset Integrity
- discuss potential involvement
- help shape the CUF project
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