The SCAR offers a new technology that reduces the area of radiographic testing. It provides a non-intrusive radiography transforming the traditional downtime into productive time. The system operates in a smaller area compared with conventional radiography and with safer and more controlled way.

 

The SCAR is benefical because :

 

   ¤ No downtime due to radiography sessions.

   ¤ Significant cost saving for construction and maintenance projects.

   ¤ Better quality of radiographic film in terms of sensitivity and contrast.

   ¤ No restrictions on the work site or on the size of the pipe.

   ¤ Advantages unprecedented security of radiation.

   ¤ No risk of lost source.

 

 

Phased Array testing is a specialized type of ultrasonic testing that uses sophisticated multi-element array transducers and powerful software to steer high frequency sound beams through the tested component and map returning echoes, producing detailed images of internal structures similar to medical ultrasound images. It is used for inspection of critical structural metals, pipeline welds, aerospace components, and similar applications where the additional information supplied by phased array inspection is valuable.

 

This method is distinguished by:

 

   ¤ Inspection on maintenance site or in the production line.

   ¤ Immersion Inspection or contact Inspection.

   ¤ Large volumes inspected in a single scan line instead of the conventional scanning.

   ¤ Inspection easier and faster for parts with complex geometry or when access is restricted.

   ¤ Evaluation easier for doubtful indications.

   ¤ Improving the traceability of the results (image - report-Storage-inspection data.

 

This method is used to inspect :

 

   ¤ Critical metal structures.

   ¤ Weld in pipelines and in components.

   ¤ Aerospace and similar applications when additional datas provided by the Phased Array testing are more important.

 

 

Identification of materials by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

 

This method has many advantages :

 

   ¤ Easy to prepare the sample,

   ¤ Measure on-field

   ¤ Reliable and quick results

   ¤ Analyze sample of all sizes and forms

   ¤ The temperature of the material can reach 400 ° C

   ¤ Inspection carried out without stopping production.

 

This method is used in many applications such as inspection of:

 

   ¤ Welding Rod.

   ¤ Pipelines

   ¤ Pressure vessels

   ¤ Storage Bins

   ¤ Stocks-in lack of identification

 

 

A pair of translators greatly depreciated operating in transmission is shifted parallel to the axis of the weld to be controlled or imperfection to be assessed by means of a mechanical carriage. In the presence of a defect, its extremities diffract sound waves emitted by the first translator. These waves are detected by the second translator as well as the bottom echo and the lateral wave transmitted in the area. A picture of D-scan type, representing a lateral section of the weld, is then displayed in real time.

 

This method is discerned by:

 

   ¤ Sensitivity detection ameliorated (compared to standard techniques).

   ¤ Rapidity of exécution

   ¤ Sizing very accurate (length, height, depth)

   ¤ generating digital mapping result

   ¤ Alternative-ionizing radiation for control of large thicknesses

 

The TOFD is applicable in :

 

   ¤ Expertising suspicious areas including those considered out of tolerance in the regulatory controls

   ¤ Carried out on welded constructions

   ¤ Inspection equipements in high temperature

   ¤ Detection and sizing of corrosion occurring in the root of a weld

   ¤ Sizing and following imperfection occurring in service

   ¤ Checking large range of thicknes

 

 

Eddy Current testing utilizes principles of electromagnetic induction to locate near-surface cracks, measure thickness, and categorize certain material properties in metals. An eddy current probe generates a magnetic field that induces currents that flow in a circular path in the test material. Changes in the integrity or thickness of the tested component will in turn affect current flow, the magnetic field, and ultimately the magnitude and phase of the voltage in the coil. The instrument monitors the probe output and displays information for analysis. Eddy current array systems use multiple probes to expand coverage areas and provide imaging capability.

 

The inspection by Eddy current is descerned by:

 

   ¤ Low Cost

   ¤ Immediate Results

   ¤ Portable

   ¤ No problems related to environmental or safety

   ¤ Ability to control long parts and profiled

   ¤ Allows to perform dimensional measurements

   ¤ High sensitivity detection of defects

   ¤ Requires little training to employees

 

This method is used in many applications such as:

 

   ¤ Surface discontinuity

   ¤ Measurement of conductivity

   ¤ Corrosion

   ¤ Thickness Measurement

 

 

The principle of measuring of acoustic emission is based on the detection of ultrasonic waves generated by the activity of the structure. Detection is usually performed by sensors type piezoelectric placed in contact with it.

 

The inspection by Acoustic Emission is benefical because :

 

   ¤ General assessment of the state of equipement during pressurization tests

   ¤ Localization of acoustic emission sources generated by imperfections in the structure.

   ¤ The real-time monitoring of the evolution of informations, thereby improving the safety of installations and personnel,

   ¤ The Evaluation of the overall integrity of a structure

   ¤ The time of completion,

   ¤ The ability to monitor a structure without stoppage of process or vidangeage or dismantling or is inaccessible to conventional non-destructive testing.

 

Acoustic Emission is applicable for:

 

   ¤ Requalification of pressure equipments

   ¤ Following in service equipments

   ¤ Leak Detectors

   ¤ Monitoring of corrosion

   ¤ Control of Structure

   ¤ Control of composite materials

 

 

New method of U.S. : Guided Waves

 

   ¤ These Waves can be generated by the magnetostrictive effect or by piezoelectric effect.

 

This method has many advantages such as:

 

   ¤ Faster (global method)

   ¤ Ability to control areas not accessible

   ¤ Ability to make periodic comparative inspection

   ¤ Characterization of thickness loss by additional NDT

 

 

The inspection performed by endoscopy is used to examine the inside of capacities and pipes using an optical system flexible or rigid. Images are observed directly through a lens or a screen video.

 

The inspection by Endoscopy is benefical because it provides:

 

   ¤ Visual inspection of inaccessible zone without important dismantling

   ¤ Possibility to registrate results.

   ¤ Monitoring by periodical inspections

 

The endoscopes are used to inspect:

 

   ¤ Condensers tubes.

   ¤ The interchangers and there pipes.

   ¤ Pipelines.

   ¤ The steam turbines and power turbines.

   ¤ Collectors and valves.

 

 

This technique is based on creating an intense magnetic flux in ferromagnetic structures. This flux involve around the imperfection a leakage flux . Generally a reduction of the wall or an acute discontinuity cause modification of the flux these changes will be detected by a probe.

 

This method is descerned by:

 

   ¤ Inspection of Thickness : about 20 mm,

   ¤ Instantly Acquisition (numerical results)

   ¤ Recording control data,

   ¤ Autonomous source of energy

   ¤ rapidityof Control .

   ¤ Ability to measure through the coating (6 mm)

   ¤ High sensitivity of detection .

   ¤ Simplicity of use.

 

The MFL is used to inspect:

 

   ¤ Tanks fund

   ¤ Several flaws such as: biting, craters, cracks, cankers, ...

   ¤ Monitoring the condition of pipelines (oil industry).

 

 

The probe INCOTEST is designed to generate a magnetic field and detect the eddy currents that result. It measures the time elapsed until the fall in their amplitude, giving as a result an indication of the average thickness of the wall.

 

This method is beneficial because it :

 

   ¤ Provides a measure in few seconds.

   ¤ Runs on a wide range of climatic conditions

   ¤ Significantly reduces inspection costs

   ¤ Did not Require cleaning or removal of concrete (inufugeage), coating or insulation.

   ¤ Reduces the probability of failures and fatal accidents (damage resulting from corrosion under insulation)

   ¤ Is used when the insulation is: Wet / Irregular or heterogeneous / reinforced wire mesh.

 

The inspection by INCOTEST is applicable for:

 

   ¤ Coating Thickness <1 mm

   ¤ Wall thickness between 6 and 65 mm

   ¤ Temperatures between -100 ° C and 500 ° C

   ¤ Detection of corrosion under insulation

 

 

Fitness-For-Service (FFS) assessments are quantitative engineering evaluations which are performed to demonstrate the structural integrity of an in-service component containing a flaw or damage. This Recommended Practice provides guidance for conducting FFS assessments using methodologies specifically prepared for equipment in the refining and petrochemical industry.

 

The FFS is a method distinguished by:

 

   ¤ Identifing and analyzing of any type of imperfection

   ¤ Taking preventive and adequate corrective action

   ¤ Economic gain: (to avoid an immediate interruption or replacement of equipment, adjusting the parameters of operation and service according to the state of the device)

 

This method is used in many applications such as:

 

   ¤ Control of setting in service of facilities

   ¤ Periodic inspection and periodic re-qualification of equipment for gas and steam subject to regulatory

   ¤ Specific Intervention for steam equipments

   ¤ Regulatory Expertise coatings forming physical or chemical protection

   ¤ Following repair and alterations

   ¤ Monitoring Equipment by setting up inspection plan based on the criticality.

 

 

The RBI method is a rigorous program management of inspection of various types of equipment in a facility (pressure equipment, piping, storage tanks, etc.) which aims to reduce the risks while in service. Objectives:

Enables decision making: Why, When, Where and How to Inspect?

 

This method has many advantages such as:

 

   ¤ Identification and management of all causes of risk

   ¤ Determination ,in some cases, when the inspections only are insufficient and which further measures must be implemented to reduce the risk

   ¤ Focusing inspection and maintenance on high risk equipment and adequate level of inspection for low-risk equipment

   ¤ Selection of appropriate inspection plan: Technical / Relevant areas / frequencies.

 

 

The presence of an internal imperfection will be highlighted at the surface by disruption of the transmission of thermal radiation around this defect.

 

The infrared thermography has many advantages :

 

   ¤ Non-contact method - using remote sensing

   ¤ Measure -two-dimensional

   ¤ Real time measurement

 

This method is utilized in many applications such as:

 

   ¤ Conditional Maintenance

   ¤ R & D / NDE

   ¤ Monitoring and control of continuous processes

   ¤ Corrosion, loosening, overcurrent producing heat

   ¤ Measuring temperature without contact

 

 

Vibration analysis is used in many applications such as:

   ¤ Design and installation of instrumentation onboard.

   ¤ Modeling dynamic structure.

   ¤ Correlation with the numerical model and shift.

   ¤ Experimental modal analysis.

   ¤ Function tests.

 

 

This NDT method is usefull in the :

   ¤ Understanding of the microstructure of any metal

   ¤ Controls of receiving material

   ¤ Following of metallurgical evolution

   ¤ Detection of structure anomalies

   ¤ Exploration of the origins and causes of incidents or damage in use.

Particularly suitable for big components, for divices with difficulty in access, this technique facilitate and complementate all others surfacic or volumic techniques.