INTEGRATION OF ADVANCED NDT TECHNIQUES & IMPLEMENTING QA/QC PROGRAMS IN ENHANCING SAFETY AND INTEGRITY IN OIL & GAS OPERATIONS

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive systematic review of the digitalization of Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) systems, focusing on their synergistic role in enhancing asset integrity management (AIM) within the oil and gas industry. Recognizing the growing importance of intelligent inspection and quality monitoring processes in high-risk industrial environments, this review aimed to synthesize evidence on how digital tools—such as cloud-based QA platforms, mobile inspection applications, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and digital twin technologies—have transformed conventional quality and inspection workflows. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, an initial pool of 1,224 academic and industrial articles published between 2015 and 2022 was identified from reputable databases including Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and industry repositories like ASME, API, and ISO. After duplicate removal, relevance screening, and full-text eligibility assessment, 81 high-quality publications were selected for in-depth analysis. The review found that integrating mobile and cloud technologies into QA/QC systems has significantly improved real-time data access, reduced inspection cycle times, and enhanced documentation traceability. AI and ML applications were found to increase defect detection accuracy in ultrasonic and radiographic testing, while digital twin technologies enabled real-time monitoring, defect simulation, and condition-based maintenance planning. Furthermore, the convergence of QA/QC documentation and NDT inspection analytics has paved the way for predictive maintenance strategies, thereby reducing downtime and extending asset lifespans. However, the review also highlights persistent challenges, including cybersecurity vulnerabilities, resistance to digital transformation among field personnel, and the need for standardization in data governance. The findings provide actionable insights into the benefits and barriers of digital transformation in QA/QC and NDT systems and offer a knowledge base to support future implementation strategies and research efforts aimed at achieving safer, more efficient, and resilient industrial operations. This review not only validates emerging digital practices but also sets the groundwork for the next generation of quality and inspection management in asset-intensive sectors.