Reflecting the importance that Applus+ places on innovation, the Energy & Industry Division in Australia last year completed a 4-month-long investigation into pulsed eddy currents (PECs), specifically looking at two systems currently on the market: RTD INCOTEST and Eddify Lyft.
This Applus+ investigation has brought about a series of in-house technological innovations leading to the following key benefits and applications:
- Inspection without disturbing insulation, coatings, cement or marine growth.
- Inspection of corrosion under insulation.
- Inspection of hot and cold assets (<500° to >-100°).
- Interactive 3D scope planning, implementation and reporting.
Over the course of the investigation,
PEC results were compared – very favorably – to known defects, ultrasonic measurements and pit-gauge results.
In addition, PEC footprints, averaging areas, probe capabilities, specifications and edge effects were investigated so as to be able to offer the most suitable solution for each topside and subsea scope.
In order to select the most suitable technique for each asset, the investigation considered a wide range of issues including rope access; topside and subsea inspection areas; ferrous and conductive materials; small corroded areas; encoded C-scans; and tight-radius assets.
With highly skilled PEC operators, Applus+ is able to assist the client on finding the best PEC system for his application.