Non-Destructive Examination You will have access to a wide range of testing and inspection
services when you select BISCo for your assessment projects. We have
extensive expertise in selecting the best testing technology for your
specific application.
Remote Visual Inspection Flexible and articulated
probes equipped with fiber optics or miniature cameras can be used to
remotely view and record inaccessible areas inside tubes, headers,
piping and other components.
Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) A
magnetic field is induced in the test specimen and finely divided
magnetic particles are applied. The particles are attracted to the
magnetic flux leakage field from surface and subsurface discontinuities.
Wet Fluorescent Magnetic Particles (WFMT) are sometimes applied to
increase sensitivity for locating very small defects.
Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) A
dye is applied to the test specimen, soaking into any discontinuities
open to the surface. A developer draws the dye from the surface defects,
producing a visible or fluorescent indication.
Visual Inspection Perhaps
the most important inspection method, visual inspection by trained,
experienced inspectors should precede the application of every other
inspection method and is often used to determine the use of additional
tests.
Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT) An ultrasonic
transducer introduces high frequency vibrations into a material. They
are reflected from the opposite surface of the material back to the
transducer and are used to measure the material thickness or the depth
and extent of erosion or corrosion. A variety of automated systems and
computerized recording instruments are available, including B-scan and
C-scan methods.
Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Flaw Detection Similar
to UTT, the high frequency vibrations are reflected from
discontinuities within the material back to the transducer in a pattern
that is displayed on the screen of the ultrasonic instrument. The size
and location of the discontinuity or defect within the material can then
be determined.
Eddy Current Testing (ET) An electrical
current in the probe coil excites eddy currents in the test specimen
through the principle of electromagnetic induction. Disturbances in the
induced eddy currents caused by discontinuities in the material are
monitored by the coil and relayed to the test instrument, where they are
displayed and evaluated. This method is commonly used to evaluate
non-ferrous tube materials in chillers, condensers and heat exchangers. Surface Replication This
nondestructive method allows on-site microanalysis of the metallurgical
structure of metals without removing a sample for laboratory analysis.
It is used to evaluate metals for metallurgical damage caused by
overheating, creep void formation or the long term effects of time at
pressure and temperature.
Remote Field Eddy Current (RFEC) Testing Very
similar to eddy current testing, this technology is specifically
designed to evaluate ferrous materials. This method is well suited to
conveniently evaluate the wall loss or condition of inaccessible carbon
steel boiler generating bank tubes, fire tube boiler bundles, and feed
water heater tubes with consistently repeatable accuracy.
Metallurgical, Chemical and Mechanical Analysis Laboratory
analysis of metal, scale, corrosion or deposit samples, including
scanning electron microscope (SEM) evaluation, can evaluate the
elemental or compound composition and the physical structure of the
sample. Laboratory analysis commonly identifies various operating
characteristics, root cause and possible corrective actions. Mechanical
testing provides data on the physical properties of a material,
including tensile or yield strength, fracture resistance or hardness.
Thermal Imaging / Infrared Thermographic Testing (ITT) Minute
temperature differentials can be detected and measured with ITT
scanning equipment. Deterioration in insulation, refractory and casings
can be evaluated. Leaks or hot spots can also be located. Positive Material Identification (PMI) Identification
and composition analysis of metals can be quickly and nondestructively
made on-site to determine the exact material specification of a
component or to ensure that the correct materials of construction have
been provided.