Boilers

Usually under the guidance of our clients, we offer general pressure vessel inspection services according to API 510. We can perform full external (in-service) or internal (out-of-service) inspections as required.

 

Advantages :

• Complete report attesting to observations according to API 510 requirements
• Certified and competent staff
• Proficiency in advanced testing to suggest optimal inspection techniques and properly interpret results

 

To note :

• An API 510 inspector cannot issue an internal or external pressure installation periodic inspection certificate. Only an inspector employed by a firm qualified in pressure installations according to the applicable legislation can produce such certificate.

The IRIS technique essentially consists of measurements of thicknesses from the inside of the tubes by immersion ultrasonic testing. A turbine activated by the water jet, also used for immersion, rotates a mirror at 45 degrees, which allows rapid thickness measurements to be taken around the entire circumference, and over the entire accessible length of the tubes.

 

Advantages :

• Precise thickness measurements
• Excellent detection of internal or external thickness losses

To consider :

• Requires water supply (difficult below freezing temperature)
• Requires a good cleaning of the tubes to have quality data
• Difficult, or impossible to cover the "U bends", depending on the diameters
• Possibility to record longitudinally encoded data for better longitudinal positioning, and for monitoring over time

RFT ("remote field testing") technique uses the phase and amplitude variations of the magnetic field to perform discontinuities detection. RFT is often used for its speed in order to cover a large number of tubes, followed by measurement validation using IRIS technique.

 

Advantages :

• Much faster than the IRIS technique
• No need for immersion (no need for water)

 

To consider :

• Applicable to ferromagnetic materials only
• Requires representative calibration tube
• Less precise thickness measurements than IRIS
• Possibility to record data according to the longitudinal position for accurate positionning of defects and the follow-up in time
• Possibility of using an automated pusher-puller to increase productivity

The ultrasonic phased-array technique allows multiple angles to be used simultaneously, creating a two-dimensional pie shape view. This greater coverage of weld section allows complete coverage from a single probe position each side of the weld. A specilized scanner is used to scan between tubes and record all data in order to replace radiography.

 

Advantages :

• Fast scans with excellent probability of detection
• Characterization and precise positioning of defects
• Volumetric inspection, not just on the surface

To note :

• Requires application of couplant or water irrigation to inspection surfaces
• Sensitive to irregularities at the contact surface

Certifications:

• ASNT, SNT-TC-1A, UT and PAUT, Levels 2 and 3
• CGSB, UT, Level 2
• API, QUPA
• ASNT, UT, Level 3

We generally use phased-array ultrasonic testing to detect loss of thickness in the shell or tubes of the equipment.

This technique provides faster coverage and better interpretation of surface profiles.

 

Advantages :

• Precise thickness data
• Rapid coverage of large areas
• Excellent interpretation of reflectors
• Possible to inspect through a uniform and well-adhered paint
• Applicable on hot surfaces (variable maximum temperature)

To consider :

• Need to apply couplant to the contact surface
• It may be difficult or impossible to take measurements from a heavily corroded contact surface
• Measurements may become more difficult to take when the thickness is less than 1 to 2 mm (depending on the application)

We master 3D scanning technologies which allow us to obtain accurate profiles of loss of thickness or deformation. The use of self-adhesive targets on the inspected surface allows very precise scanning of the surface profile, even on site.

 

Applications:

• Characterization of areas of corrosion or deformation
• Extensive damage impact assessment using finite element analysis
• Monitoring of damage development over time

 

To note :

• The surface must be dry and not very reflective.
• The technique models any material on the surface, so also paint, deposits or corrosion. It is necessary to clean the surfaces of interest for more precision.
• The result obtained is the profile of the modeled surface, and not directly the wall thickness, it is necessary to supplement with ultrasonic testing to judge the remaining thicknesses.
• The technique requires some clearance (min 12 ") from the surface of interest.

Magnetic particles non-destructive testing method is very efficient and simple to perform. It detects defects emerging at the surface in ferromagnetic materials. A magnetic yoke is generally used to create the magnetic field.

 

Different Techniques:

• Dry powder (yellow or red)
• Black particles on a white background ("black & white")
• Fluorescent particles (in dark environment)

Advantages :

• Fast and effective
• Excellent probability of detection
• Applicable on various geometries
• The dry powder technique is applicable at high temperature

 

To note :

• Applicable only to ferromagnetic materials
• Detection of surface defects, or very close to the surface, only
• Requires a clean surface (no grease)

 

Technician Certifications:

• ASNT, SNT-TC-1A, Magnetic Particles, Level 2
• CGSB, Magnetic Particles, Level 2

The non-destructive liquid penetrant testing method is simple to perform, but requires a few successive steps. This method makes it possible to detect cracks or other defects opened or connected to the surface, and is mostly used for non-ferromagnetic materials, such as aluminum or stainless steels.

 

Advantages :

• Simple execution
• Excellent probability of detection
• Applicable on a wide variety of geometries

 

To note :

• Requires a very clean, paint-free surface
• Inspected surface should be rather smooth, difficult to apply on porous surfaces
• More "messy" process

 

Certification of Inspectors:

• ASNT, SNT-TC-1A, PT Level 2
• CGSB, PT Level 2

Boroscopic cameras are generally used to validate the interpretation or the presence of defects, or to validate the quality of tube cleaning.

 

Advantages :

• Taking pictures of specific defects
• Very easy to perform
• Validation of the cleaning of the inside of the tubes

To consider :

• Tubes must be cleaned well enough to observe surface defects
• Limited or impossible detection of internal cracking