An integrated offering for protecting critical assets

In an exclusive interview with Oil Review Middle East at ADIPEC, Hassan Abdulhak, general manager of Integrated Rectifier technologies (IRT), discussed IRT’s regional presence, its product applications and the strategic benefits of its acquisition by GPT Industries

The Alberta-based company, which supplies rectifiers, junction panels and control systems for the cathodic protection industry, became part of GPT Industries this year. This strategic acquisition unites GPT’s expertise in flange isolation technology and remote asset monitoring with IRT’s long-standing reputation for reliable rectifier systems. It further strengthens GPT’s role in helping operators mitigate corrosion and maintain asset integrity across energy and infrastructure sectors, while better positioning IRT to support customers and partners worldwide through expanded regional sales, technical expertise and customer support.

Leveraging synergies

Abdulhak stressed the synergies between the two companies and how the acquisition will strengthen GPT Industries’ portfolio and create a more integrated offering for end-users, with GPT’s isolation gaskets complementing its rectifiers and together resulting in a complete cathodic protection offering – helping operators isolate, protect and monitor critical assets while supporting long-term integrity and corrosion prevention.

“GPT’s isolation gaskets align with our rectifiers, as they help contain the protective current to specific pipe sections, giving protection in emergencies such as fire and explosions. Without an isolation gasket, the current we are putting in will go along the whole pipe,” he explained.

At ADIPEC, IRT exhibited with GPT Industries, showcasing its cathodic protection rectifiers and control equipment alongside GPT Industries’ Pikotek isolation gaskets and kits, EVOLUTION isolation technology, monolithic isolation joints and Iso-Smart remote integrity monitoring solutions.

Discussing its air-cooled rectifier, Abdulhak explained that its primary function is to protect pipes from corrosion by converting AC current to DC through a diode bridge.

“The negative lead goes to the structure, and the positive lead goes to the end node,” Abdulhak said. “The end node will corrode with time, but the pipe is protected from corrosion.”

IRT has a strong presence in the utilities and water sector as well as oil and gas, with products including its Aqua-Line rectifiers designed specifically for water and wastewater applications, which protect water tanks from corrosion. While its main customer base in the water sector currently remains in the USA, Abdulhak suggested this could change following the acquisition.

Strong presence in the Middle East

Abdulhak highlighted IRT’s significant presence in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where it is the only rectifier company approved by Aramco. The company operates through three manufacturing partners in the Kingdom who assemble products locally using parts supplied by IRT’s Edmonton, Alberta facility. It is looking to expand beyond the Saudi market, leveraging the access it now has to global markets worldwide through its acquisition by GPT with its network in South America, Middle East, Europe and China. IRT has already begun moving into the Africa market, starting with Nigeria. Looking ahead, the company is setting its sights on further growing its footprint in the Middle East, whether through a physical presence or through distributors and partners, further expansion in South America, where it is already doing business with Columbia and Mexico, and growing its market share in the USA, where there is strong competition.

The future looks bright for IRT!