Specialty Service Inspections & Testing

Expanding our already vast portfolio of services, AIS is now one of the only inspection

providers to offer multi-frequency microwave inspection for non-metallic materials

such as plastics or composites.

TECHNOLOGY & BENEFITS:

• Multi-frequency system developed by Advanced Microwave Imaging.
• Data is collected using Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) with specifically designed bespoke antennae to allow for enhanced defect detection and sizing.
• Antennae are designed with broadband features to allow for expanded frequency range, increasing the probability of defect detection.
• Bespoke antenna with the VNA system allows the system to be better matched to geometry, material, and inspection conditions.

APPLICATIONS:

• Butt Fusion Joint Inspections
• Electro Fusion Joint Inspections
• AE Verification of Fiberglass Tanks
• Composite Overlay Quality Inspections
• Multi-Layer HDPE/Fiber Wrap Pipe Inspections
• Ceramic Insulator Inspections for Power Transmission
• Wind Turbine Blades

Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) is a non-destructive examination technique that embraces the physics of electromagnetic conductivity in test pieces and the non-electromagnetic conductive insulators that surround them to determine wall thickness in the test piece. This technology allows for investigation of thickness underneath coatings, insulation, concrete, fireproofing, and other non-conductive layers without the invasiveness or safety concerns of traditional NDE techniques.

The Pulsed Eddy Current technology has been used in the petrochemical, power production, and construction industries for investigation of wall thinning due to FAC, corrosion under insulation, erosion corrosion, safety testing, and insurance compliance purposes. This technology is fast, safe, reliable, and relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of un-insulating, or de-coating, and surface preparing components for inspection with traditional techniques. It's safer than radiography and it's faster than UT.

TYPICAL COMPONENTS INSPECTED:

• Feedwater Heater Shells
• Heater Drain Piping 
• Boiler Finned Tubing 
• Service Water lines 
• Chemical Storage Tanks 

APPLICATIONS:

• Pipe examination for Flow Accelerated Corrosion (FAC) in power plants 
• Corrosion under insulation (CUI) for outdoor piping and process plants or petrochemical plants 
• Corrosion under insulation (CUI) on vessels or thickness variation on vessels 
• API and other safety related inspection protocols for thickness 
• Insurance Compliance for Pressure Vessels in Nuclear Power
• Weld Identification under insulation