In industries where safety, efficiency, and uptime are non-negotiable, Work Mining Technologies (WMT) is redefining how companies monitor the internal integrity of pipelines. Its breakthrough system, Magic Eye, uses real-time sensing, advanced robotics, and AI-driven analytics to deliver continuous, non-invasive inspection of pipelines—without interrupting operations.
Developed in Chile and now gaining global traction, Magic Eye is poised to support the oil, gas, and water infrastructure of the Gulf region, where predictive maintenance, operational safety, and sustainability are top national priorities.
We spoke with Mario Terraza, CEO of WMT, about how this innovation is transforming asset-integrity management and why it could soon become an essential tool for the region’s industrial future.
How does Magic Eye revolutionize internal pipeline monitoring compared to traditional methods?
Magic Eye represents a paradigm shift in pipeline inspection. Traditional methods often require operational shutdowns, limited inspection reach (typically around 800 meters at a time), and expensive civil works or excavations to access underground segments.
In contrast, Magic Eye offers:
- Continuous, real-time inspection: Over 1.5 million measurements per second, with high-precision sensors capable of covering up to 220 km in a single run.
- 360° internal coverage: Complete 2D and 3D scans of internal surfaces using lasers, ToF sensors, ultrasonic transducers, and accelerometers to detect cracks, corrosion, diameter changes, and even micro-leaks.
- No operational interruption: The device travels with the pipeline’s own flow—no need to drain or disconnect the duct, provided access traps are available (either existing pig launchers or those designed by WMT).
- AI-based data analysis: Our artificial intelligence processes the collected data to generate automated integrity reports and build a digital twin of the infrastructure—turning weeks of analysis into hours.
In short, Magic Eye transforms manual, reactive inspections into a predictive and preventive monitoring model—an end-to-end asset-integrity management solution.
Why is this technology particularly important for the oil, gas, and water sectors in the Gulf?
These sectors operate in critical environments, where a single leak or rupture can result in multi-million-dollar losses, environmental damage, and safety risks. Magic Eye brings value in three essential ways:
- Early detection: Prevents catastrophic events and unplanned shutdowns, protecting both communities and the environment.
- Large-scale monitoring: Can inspect hundreds of kilometers across desert or subsea networks, perfectly suited for the Gulf’s vast infrastructure systems.
- Energy-transition support: Compatible with water, oil, gas, hydrogen, and pressurized gases, helping operators adapt to new forms of energy transport.
Its adoption enhances operational safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainability—key pillars of the Gulf nations’ industrial strategies.
Can it be deployed without interrupting operations in critical infrastructure?
A: Yes. The system is designed to operate in situ, without stopping flow or emptying pipelines—provided that access traps are available.
For clients who lacked complete extraction points, we simply installed exit traps at pumping stations, without affecting service continuity. This feature is crucial in sectors where downtime is either extremely costly or operationally unfeasible.
What return on investment (ROI) can clients expect from Magic Eye?
A: The ROI is substantial and measurable across several dimensions:
- Prevention of major incidents: Avoids production halts, product losses, and environmental fines.
- Maintenance optimization: Frequent, accurate data allows preventive repairs, minimizing emergency costs.
- Extended asset life: Detects wear before it escalates, improving infrastructure efficiency and longevity.
- Operational efficiency: With inspection speeds of up to 370 km per day (as achieved in Chilean mining projects), the cost per monitored kilometer is significantly lower than that of traditional inspections.
The result is both direct financial savings and risk reduction in high-impact operational areas.
Are you seeking partnerships with EPC contractors, public entities, or industrial operators in the UAE?
A: Absolutely. Our business model positions WMT as a monitoring-service provider, delivering data and integrity reports either through our proprietary systems or directly within a client’s asset-management platform.
We see strong alignment with:
- EPC contractors: To integrate monitoring during new builds and rehabilitation projects.
- Public utility entities: Particularly water and sanitation authorities aiming to reduce leaks and optimize network management.
- Industrial operators: Who must comply with strict safety and efficiency standards across critical infrastructure.
We invite potential partners in the UAE and the wider Gulf to schedule pilot programs to experience the measurable value of Magic Eye in action. Our approach is collaborative and focused on building strategic alliances that enhance reliability, sustainability, and operational intelligence.
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