Challenges
Keeping mechanical and structural assets in good working order is a constant challenge in metallurgical, energy, and infrastructure industries. Assets eventually deteriorate or become damaged during operations and must be retrofitted or replaced to maximize productivity and ensure continuous and safe production. Comprehensive inspection and monitoring techniques are needed to extend the service life of mechanical and structural assets and optimize maintenance schedules and productivity.Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques and monitoring systems can be used to assess the condition and deterioration of mechanical and structural assets without intrusive instrumentation or damage to the assets. In many cases, NDT techniques can be applied without disrupting normal operations.
NDT has a wide range of benefits, including accident prevention, facilitation of maintenance planning, and optimization of efficiency and profitability. Used regularly, NDT contributes to safer, more reliable assets, and greater profits for the companies that own them.
Capabilities
Acousto Ultrasonic-Echo (AU-E)
This Hatch-patented technique measures the thickness and condition of refractory linings in operational metallurgical process vessels. AU-E can be performed during vessel operation without disrupting the production schedule. It can detect refractory conditions such as remaining thickness, build-up thickness, and chemical alterations such as metal impregnation, metal penetration, hydration, and oxidation. Periodic AU-E measurements can assist the planning of repair and optimize refractory lining campaigns.
AU-E on-site inspection
Low Frequency Pulsed Ultrasound
This system measures the wear and deterioration of cooling staves in blast furnaces. LFPU can determine the remaining stave thickness from the cold face of the furnace shell while the furnace is fully operational. It is a more advantageous solution to destructive drilling and conventional ultrasonic rod thickness measurements. LFPU is flexible and can measure any location of the stave, while the conventional techniques can only measure locations where ultrasonic rods were installed.
Stray Current Measurement
This system allows the detection of cracks or initiation of cracks on rails. Early detection of cracks can ensure timely repair and maintenance to ensure rail safety. The stray current measurements are fast and can be done overnight while the railroad is not in use.
Stray current railway inspection
Furnace Integrity Monitoring System
Our patented technique prevents and provides early warning of structural failures and run-outs in metallurgical furnaces. A system of sensors, it detects and maps acoustic emissions that can be caused by refractory movement and changes in the vessel integrity.
FIMS for real-time continuous furnace integrity monitoring
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Conventional NDT
We also perform conventional NDT, including ground penetrating radar, impact echo, infrared thermography, magnetic particle inspection, ultrasonic inspection, and liquid penetrant inspection, as well as structural health monitoring by acoustic emission technique. Our conventional NDT services are applicable to any infrastructure, including industrial assets, bridges, building, nuclear power plants, hydropower plants, oil and gas infrastructure, pipelines, metallurgical vessels, and assets. We customize solutions to suit site conditions and client requirements. Contact us for more details and let us assist you on customizing a solution that is right for you.
