Nicoustic AS
Seeing Inside Industrial Separators Without Breaking the Surface
Nicoustic has developed the world's first non-intrusive multiphase level measurement system for oil and gas separators, using Guided Elastic Waves to profile fluid levels from the outside of the vessel wall. Our technology eliminates the need for invasive installation, radioactive sources, and costly maintenance, unlocking safer, more efficient production.
Ausgründung aus dem
Unternehmensprofil
Energie
#Level Measurement
#Ultrasound
#Offshore Separators
Gründung:
04.05.2022
Geschäftszweck: To deliver improved level measurement solutions to process industries.
Unternehmenssitz: Trondheim (Norway)
Kontakt: dmitri@nicoustic.com
Gründer:
Dmitri Gorski
https://nicoustic.no/
Problem
Accurate level measurement inside oil and gas separators is essential for efficient production, yet it remains one of the most persistent unsolved challenges in the industry. Separators handle complex mixtures of oil, water, gas, foam, and emulsions under high pressure, making reliable measurement extremely difficult.Most existing technologies require penetration of the vessel wall, introducing potential leak points, demanding costly installation during planned shutdowns, and adding costly maintenance obligations. Radioactive source-based level gauges, still widely used, face increasing regulatory pressure and operational restrictions due to safety concerns.
Insufficient level measurement results in poor separation efficiency, off-specification products, unnecessary chemical dosing, production losses, and excess emissions.
The industry lacks a solution that is both non-intrusive, requiring no vessel modifications, and robust enough to perform reliably.
Lösung
Nicoustic has developed a non-intrusive level measurement and profiling system that clamps onto the outside of a separator vessel, requiring no penetration of the vessel wall, no shutdown for installation, and no radioactive sources.The system uses Guided Elastic Waves (GEW), acoustic waves that propagate along the vessel wall and interact with the fluid inside. A belt of sensors mounted around the circumference detects these interactions in real time, enabling accurate measurement and profiling of multiphase fluid levels, including oil, water, emulsion, foam, and gas layers.
Because the sensors are entirely external, the system can be installed on live assets, retrofitted to existing separators, and relocated between vessels. It operates reliably under challenging conditions including wax fouling, foaming, and dense emulsions.
Validated through onshore and offshore field trials on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, the technology is now ready for pilot deployments.
Produkt
The Nicoustic measurement system consists of two main components: a flexible sensor belt carrying 10-20 individual acoustic sensors designed to wrap around the exterior of a separator vessel, and a control cabinet housing the electronics, signal processing unit, and communication interfaces.The sensor belt is engineered for installation in industrial environments, including offshore facilities, and requires no modification to the vessel itself. The control cabinet processes raw sensor signals using proprietary algorithms to deliver real-time level profiles and measurement outputs compatible with standard plant control systems.
The system will be offered as a complete hardware and software package, with installation, commissioning, and technical support provided by Nicoustic.
The current product is at an advanced prototype stage, with offshore pilot deployment planned for 2027-2028 on the Norwegian Continental Shelf in collaboration with major operating companies.
Alleinstellung
Nicoustic is the only company offering a truly non-intrusive externally mounted multiphase level measurement and profiling system for oil and gas separators.Unlike all competing technologies, our system requires no penetration of the vessel wall, no radioactive sources, and no planned shutdown for installation. It can be fitted to a live, pressurised asset in hours.
Existing non-intrusive alternatives measure a single level interface at one point. Nicoustic delivers a full vertical profile across multiple fluid layers simultaneously, oil, water, emulsion, foam, and gas, from a single installation.
The technology is suitable for assets where intrusive installation is impractical, such as ageing infrastructure already in operation, high-pressure vessels, or facilities with restricted access.
Nicoustic combines a genuinely differentiated technology with demonstrated industry validation and commercial traction.
Geschäftsmodell
We offer our measurement solution to operators of industrial separation equipment. There is a one-time hardware fee and a software/algorithm component (annual fee).Traction / Highlights
- Nicoustic has achieved significant commercial and technical validation since founding.
- The Research Council of Norway has funded two consecutive Innovation Projects (IPN), recognising the technology's potential for the Norwegian oil and gas sector.
- We have established two Joint Industry Projects with a total of six major operating companies: Aker BP, OKEA, ConocoPhillips, Vår Energi, Equinor, and Petrobras.
- Our technology has been validated through multiple onshore and offshore field trials on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
- Offshore pilot deployment is planned for 2027-2028 under the current IPN project.
- Strong backing from the industry, institute sector and venture capital.
Kunde / Markt
Oil and gas production (onshore and offshore), primarily oil and gas separators, desaltors, contactors and related equipment.Also suitable for:
- Petrochemicals and refining: level measurement in reactors and process vessels
- Carbon capture and storage (CCS): monitoring fluid levels in capture and injection systems
- Pharmaceuticals and food & beverage: hygienic, non-intrusive monitoring in closed vessels
- Water and wastewater treatment: level profiling in tanks and separation systems
- Hydrogen production and storage: level and phase monitoring in pressurised systems
Team
Dmitri Gorski, PhD, MBA – CEO, ex-Equinor, offshore project backgroundUwe Lieske – VP Technology, ex-Fraunhofer, ultrasound expert
Erlend Magnus Viggen, PhD – Lead Researcher, ultrasound expert
Jarle Haugness – VP Projects & Operations, long offshore experience
Morten Frøseth – VP Finance
Naseh Amini – Ultrasound Researcher and PhD student
Isak Swahn – Software Engineer
Commercial Product in 2029
We plan to conduct three pilots in offshore production facilities in Norway in 2027-2028. After that, we aim at releasing our first product in 2029. Just before that we will run our Series A funding round and we are interested in developing a relationship with investors interested in participation.