Introduction Flow accelerated corrosion (FAC), also termed flow assisted corrosion, is a phenomenon wherein carbon steel components with a protective film oxide degrade over time. FAC occurs only when the fluid is moving (not static), when it contains water, and is unsaturated in iron. It is imperative to understand FAC since it is different from simple erosion — the mechanisms of these two processes are different. In short, FAC does not require particle impingement, cavitati

Thomas R. Hay (PhD, PE) and Suhaib Zafar Introduction Eddy Current Testing (ECT) utilizes the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction — a magnet inducing electric currents in a conducting material (typically metals) that is moving relative to the magnet, or an alternating current (AC) causing a time-varying magnetic field [1]. The induced current is known as eddy current , and this in turn affects the current in the magnet. Typically, the magnet used is a coil, with alternat

There are a wide variety of testing methods that are commonly used within the field of non-destructive testing (NDT) including but not limited to ultrasonic testing, eddy-current testing, dye penetrant testing, and magnetic particle testing. There are many logistical and staging requirements for non-destructive testing projects that are related to physical access to the structure and safety concerns during the inspection. NDT project safety concerns include working at height

Non-destructive testing training courses are often rigorous and time intensive commitments. These courses often follow NDT topical, duration, and examination guidelines published by a multitude of acclaimed organizations within the industry. Among them include the American Society for Non-destructive Testing (ASNT), American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and International Standard Organization (ISO). A substantial market shift occurred in the late 1990s as personal

Welded steel bridges consist of many fracture critical members (FCMs) that are require periodic non-destructive testing (NDT) for fatigue crack detection. Fatigue cracks develop for several reasons including [1]: - Welded details that are susceptible to fatigue cracks - distortion-induced fatigue cracking - Many bridges are over 90 years old - Corrosion fatigue cracks, and - Increases in the number of heavy vehicles leading and d allowable leading to significant accumulation

Introduction Non-destructive testing (NDT) of welds with phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) and more recently the total focusing method / full matrix capture (TFM/FMC) are two excellent techniques to detect, locate and size weld defects. Compared to ultrasonic weld testing, PAUT provides more efficient volumetric testing, increases weld defect probability of detection (POD), and should improve flaw sizing given the same NDT inspector skill level. The Total Focusing Method

TechKnowServ Corporation (TKS) is strategically located to serve New York, New Jersey, Ohio Pennsylvania, and West Virginia owners and operators of aboveground storage tanks (AST) used to store chemical bulk and petroleum bulk products. In addition to our strategic location, we are proficient in the different jurisdictional requirements for each state. This article outlines some of the aboveground storage tank testing guidelines for each state and provides links to the import

Introduction to Phased Array Testing of Composites Phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) of aerospace composites during the fabrication stage is an important quality control step to assure that composite structures do not contain delaminations, fiber Phased Array Inspection of Aerospace Compositesdefects, interlayer bonding issues, voids and ply cracking. Phased array testing of composites is comparably more challenging that testing metals due to the material anisotropy, hig

Introduction Acoustic emission testing (AET) is a well-established non-destructive testing (NDT) technology commonly used to detect fatigue cracks in steel and composite pressure vessels, above ground atmospheric storage tanks, and steel and concrete bridges. Acoustic emission testing is characterized as a passive NDT technique since it does not insert some type of energy into the structure to interrogate for material anomalies. The structure must be stressed to a level tha

Streetlights, traffic signal lighting, traffic signage, and support beams are often installed and secured using steel anchor bolts embedded in steel rebar reinforced concrete. Depending on the age of the system, the condition of construction grade bolts and the footer may affect the load bearing capacity of the system. In some cases, damage may be incurred, and a fitness-for-service assessment is required. In many instances the design and fabrication specifications are unavai