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Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI)
Long Range Ultrasonic Testing (LRUT)
Guided Wave Testing (GWT)
Southern Services, Inc. uses the MsSR system that is based on the magnetostrictive sensor technology developed by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI).
MsSR System is a device that electromagnetically generates and receives low-frequency ultrasonic guided waves. It is used for rapidly surveying a long length of pipeline. Wall loss in aboveground, buried, and insulated pipe can be detected, and their locations can be estimated by analyzing the data with the MsSR software. MsSR system is also useful for inspecting and monitoring areas that are difficult to access, such as those at high elevations, behind walls, or under insulation, from a remote accessible location. This saves the time and money that would otherwise be used for scaffolding, insulation removal, or excavation.
Some benefits of long-range guided wave testing with MsSR system are:
- Rapid surveying of long lengths of pipe
- Detection of corrosion under insulation
- 100% of pipe wall is inspected
Permanent Installed Monitoring Sensor (PIMS) can be accomplished with the MsSR system by installing permanent MsSR probes at difficult to access locations for long-term pipeline monitoring.
Real Time Radiography (RTR)
Southern Services, Inc. utilizes the latest advancement in RTR technology (OpenVision) to assist our clients in the evaluation of equipment and piping systems susceptibility CUI, as well as locating and detecting other components hidden beneath insulation.
The OpenVision DX is an easy to use, digital x-ray system with live video output for real-time radiographic inspection and reporting. On the C-arm frame a 70 kV source and a digital imager allows you to observe external defects as small as .010-inch on insulated piping.
OpenVision DX can be used on various insulation and cladding combinations up to 36 inches in diameter.
Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC/PECA)
Southern Services, Inc. offers Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) and PEC Array (PECA) using Eddyfi Lyft inspection technology for the detection of corrosion areas in carbon and low alloy steels. The system does not require direct contact with surface allowing measurements to be taken through any non-conductive material such as insulation and protective coatings.
Effective tools for detecting corrosion under insulation (CUI) and fireproofing (CUF)
PEC can be used on outer surfaces with or without insulation, jacketing or fireproofing
How it works:
The probe triggers a magnetic field that penetrates through the material and stabilizes in the component thickness, and then the field is turned off. As a results electromagnetic induction, eddy currents appear in the component wall. The decrease in eddy currents is monitored by the PEC system. The thicker the wall, the longer it takes for the eddy currents to decay to zero.
Limitations:
- Cannot distinguish between near-side and far-side defects
- Not designed to detect small-volume pitting
- Difficult to use on elbow fitted on pipes smaller than 8 inches
- Wall thickness readings are affected by close-proximity nozzles, welds, internal fittings, and support structures
Typical Applications:
- Suitable for general wall loss: isolated pitting defects cannot be detected
- Detects corrosion under insulation (CUI), including through aluminum and stainless steel weather jacket
- Inspection through fireproofing, coating, composite wraps
- Identifies general wall condition through external corrosion (scabs)
PEC inspection should be used as a screening tool and may require additional inspections methods for exact corrosion sizing.
Digital Radiography (DR)
DR is an advanced technology based on digital detector systems in which the x-ray image is displayed directly on a computer screen without the need for developing chemicals, film or image plate scanning.
Advantages:
- Improved discontinuity evaluation
- Portable
- Enhanced image storage and archiving
- Reduced safety hazards
- Increased productivity
- No chemicals needed for processing
Neutron Radiography
Neutron backscatter moisture detection instruments have a radioactive source that emits high-energy neutrons into the test material. If there is moisture in the test material, the hydrogen nuclei attenuate the energy of the emitted neutrons. The inspection gauge detector displays a low-energy neutrons count proportional to the amount of water in the test material. High counts per time period indicate more moisture.
Advantages:
- Relatively quick and accurate method to identify areas of potential CUI
- Access elevated areas without scaffolding
- Light, versatile to reach congested areas
- Liquid level determination
Neutron Backscatter & Moisture Detection
Neutron Backscatter (NBS) is a nondestructive testing method for determining the presence of moisture in insulation, which may result in component corrosion. High-energy neutrons are released into the insulator by a radioactive source.
When water is found in the insulation, a low-energy neutron count appears on the instrument’s gauge detector. CUI is more likely to be present if there are a higher number of counts throughout a short period of time.
Advanced NDT Services
Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing
Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing is an advanced method of non-destructive testing. It is a precise, efficient, and dependable volumetric assessment approach that utilizes real-time imaging to detect and measure corrosion, cracking, faults, and other defects in a broad range of materials, components, and industries.
PAUT employs a series of ultrasonic testing (UT) probes comprised of several tiny components, each of which is individually pulsed with computer-calculated timing (“phasing”). When these components are stimulated with varied time delays, the beams may be guided at different angles, focused at different depths, or duplicated throughout the length of a large array, resulting in electronic beam movement.
Automated Ultrasonic Testing
Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT) is a term that refers to a variety of ultrasonic inspection procedures that use mechanical scanners that are automated. AUT covers pulse-echo weld inspection, phased array, and Time Of Flight Diffraction, and is typically used to describe corrosion mapping.
Various tests systems are often performed using a semi-automated system. The scanner is manually controlled in this situation, yet it produces the same encoded location data as a fully automated scanner.
Guided Wave Ultrasonics
Guided Wave Ultrasonics is a nondestructive testing technology that uses sound waves to detect corrosion or other damage along pipe walls. Ultrasonic guided wave testing is frequently referred to as long range ultrasonic testing (LRUT).
This procedure is accomplished by encircling a pipe with a ring of transducers. The sound waves created by these transducers propagate down the pipe in both directions. If they come into touch with corrosion or damage, they are reflected back to the transducers, which automatically gather the data.
Vibration Analysis
Vibration analysis is the process that continuously analyzes the trends of vibration signals inside a component, equipment, or infrastructure to detect irregular vibration occurrences and analyze the test object’s overall condition. Through capturing this vibration in a variety of different ways, a skilled vibration analyst can diagnose malfunctions.
Measuring the amplitude and frequency of the vibration allows for the detection of mechanical faults such worn bearings, rotor imbalances, coupling and bearing misalignment. With this insight, clients may avert equipment failures far in advance of their impact on production.
Infrared Testing
Infrared Testing is used to identify radiated thermal-energy emissions. Using thermal imaging, the examiner can see and quantify emitted energy since the wavelength spectrum is expanded.
These cameras do not need any physical interaction with the subject they are photographing. As a result, the instrument’s thermal performance may be tracked, and any problems pinpointed with pinpoint accuracy at any point in time.
Leak Testing
Leak testing is a non-destructive testing method that uses a compressed or evacuated system to identify the site of a leak and, in certain cases, to quantify the leakage through the leak.
When compared to other approaches, such as surface (MT, PT) or volumetric (UT, RT), LT has a better degree of sensitivity to find and quantify leakage. is performed to assess if a product’s leak threshold has been exceeded. Leaks emerge when a gas or liquid moves from one side of a component to the other due to holes, fractures, poor seals, or permeable regions.
Neutron Backscatter and Moisture Detection
Neutron Backscatter (NBS) is a nondestructive testing method for determining the presence of moisture in insulation, which may result in component corrosion. High-energy neutrons are released into the insulator by a radioactive source.
When water is found in the insulation, a low-energy neutron count appears on the instrument’s gauge detector. CUI is more likely to be present if there are a higher number of counts throughout a short period of time.
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NDT Inspection Services
Visual Testing (VT), is the most fundamental and oldest form of non-destructive testing. It is the technique of visually inspecting a piece of equipment for defects using just the eyesight.
Visual testing may be performed to check both the internal and external surfaces of a range of different kinds of equipment, including storage tanks, pressure vessels, pipes, and other forms of equipment.
Radiographic Testing (RT) (X-Ray Testing) is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method which uses either x-rays or gamma rays to examine the entire volume of the asset to identify any flaws or defects. In Radiography Testing the test-part is placed between the radiation source and film (or detector).
Radiographic Testing is an extremely popular inspection technique, thanks to its versatility in detecting a wide range of defects on multiple materials, and its ability to produce a permanent record of each inspection.
Ultrasonic Testing (UT) is utilized for the detection and location of discontinuities, material composition analysis, and wall thickness measurements.
Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT) is a method for determining the extent of corrosion and erosion on the walls of piping, vessel, storage tank, and other assets. We offer UTT spot inspections, and long-term, remote wall thickness monitoring for pipes and vessels in high-temperature and hard-to-access locations.
Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), technicians magnetize a ferromagnetic material and apply finely-milled iron particles coated with a dye pigment to the magnetized area. The particles indicate discontinuities in the material by clustering directly over it, which can be visually detected under proper lighting conditions.
Southern Services Inc. offers dry powder and wet fluorescent MT inspection services, depending on the application.
Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) or dye penetrant testing – is based on the properties of surface wetting and capillary action, which causes a liquid to rise when confined to a small opening. After applying the penetrant and wiping away the excess and applying a developer, the penetrant that rises to the surface can indicate surface-breaking anomalies.
PT inspection services are widely applicable to identify discontinuities in a variety of assets given its ease of use and minimal equipment requirements.
Positive material identification is a quick, non-destructive procedure that may be used on a broad range of components and assets. It delivers a semi-quantitative compositional analysis. It is utilized for both the verification and identification of materials.
Computed radiography (CR) is used to analyze corrosion/erosion losses in process pipes, pressure vessels, and valves on an internal or exterior basis. It allows for the estimation of residual thickness and wall losses.
Computerized pictures facilitate data exchange, resulting in considerable increases in radiographic inspection productivity and speedier problem diagnosis.
Computed radiography (CR) stores radiographic examination data on phosphor-imaging plates rather than film. Although the CR imaging plates are exposed in the same manner as conventional radiography plates, the pictures are laser scanned from the plates into a computer system. The photos may then be analyzed, modified, printed, and stored for future study using advanced software. The residual wall thickness may then be estimated for use in interpreting ASME code welds and evaluating wall loss.
Eddy current testing is a non-destructive testing method used for detecting flaws in conductive materials that utilizes the electromagnetic principle.
A specifically constructed coil activated with alternating current is positioned near the test surface, providing a changing magnetic field that interacts with the test component and generates eddy currents in the area.
Variations in the electrical conductivity, magnetic permeability, or the existence of discontinuities will result in a change in the eddy current and a corresponding change in the phase and amplitude of the measured current. The changes are seen on a screen and evaluated to detect faults.
NDT Inspection Services
Visual Testing
Visual Testing (VT), is the most fundamental and oldest form of non-destructive testing. It is the technique of visually inspecting a piece of equipment for defects using just the eyesight.
Visual testing may be performed to check both the internal and external surfaces of a range of different kinds of equipment, including storage tanks, pressure vessels, pipes, and other forms of equipment.
Radiographic Testing
Radiographic Testing (RT) (X-Ray Testing) is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method which uses either x-rays or gamma rays to examine the entire volume of the asset to identify any flaws or defects. In Radiography Testing the test-part is placed between the radiation source and film (or detector).
Radiographic Testing is an extremely popular inspection technique, thanks to its versatility in detecting a wide range of defects on multiple materials, and its ability to produce a permanent record of each inspection.
Ultrasonic Testing
Ultrasonic Testing (UT) is utilized for the detection and location of discontinuities, material composition analysis, and wall thickness measurements.
Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT) is a method for determining the extent of corrosion and erosion on the walls of piping, vessel, storage tank, and other assets. We offer UTT spot inspections, and long-term, remote wall thickness monitoring for pipes and vessels in high-temperature and hard-to-access locations.
Magnetic Particle Testing
Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), technicians magnetize a ferromagnetic material and apply finely-milled iron particles coated with a dye pigment to the magnetized area. The particles indicate discontinuities in the material by clustering directly over it, which can be visually detected under proper lighting conditions.
Southern Services Inc. offers dry powder and wet fluorescent MT inspection services, depending on the application.
Liquid Penetrant Testing
Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) or dye penetrant testing – is based on the properties of surface wetting and capillary action, which causes a liquid to rise when confined to a small opening. After applying the penetrant and wiping away the excess and applying a developer, the penetrant that rises to the surface can indicate surface-breaking anomalies.
PT inspection services are widely applicable to identify discontinuities in a variety of assets given its ease of use and minimal equipment requirements.
Positive Material Identification
Positive material identification is a quick, non-destructive procedure that may be used on a broad range of components and assets. It delivers a semi-quantitative compositional analysis. It is utilized for both the verification and identification of materials.
Computed Radiography Testing
Computed radiography (CR) is used to analyze corrosion/erosion losses in process pipes, pressure vessels, and valves on an internal or exterior basis. It allows for the estimation of residual thickness and wall losses.
Computerized pictures facilitate data exchange, resulting in considerable increases in radiographic inspection productivity and speedier problem diagnosis.
Computed radiography (CR) stores radiographic examination data on phosphor-imaging plates rather than film. Although the CR imaging plates are exposed in the same manner as conventional radiography plates, the pictures are laser scanned from the plates into a computer system. The photos may then be analyzed, modified, printed, and stored for future study using advanced software. The residual wall thickness may then be estimated for use in interpreting ASME code welds and evaluating wall loss.
Eddy Current Testing
Eddy current testing is a non-destructive testing method used for detecting flaws in conductive materials that utilizes the electromagnetic principle.
A specifically constructed coil activated with alternating current is positioned near the test surface, providing a changing magnetic field that interacts with the test component and generates eddy currents in the area.
Variations in the electrical conductivity, magnetic permeability, or the existence of discontinuities will result in a change in the eddy current and a corresponding change in the phase and amplitude of the measured current. The changes are seen on a screen and evaluated to detect faults.
Visual Testing
Visual Testing (VT), is the most fundamental and oldest form of non-destructive testing. It is the technique of visually inspecting a piece of equipment for defects using just the eyesight.
Visual testing may be performed to check both the internal and external surfaces of a range of different kinds of equipment, including storage tanks, pressure vessels, pipes, and other forms of equipment.
Radiographic Testing
Radiographic Testing (RT) (X-Ray Testing) is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method which uses either x-rays or gamma rays to examine the entire volume of the asset to identify any flaws or defects. In Radiography Testing the test-part is placed between the radiation source and film (or detector).
Radiographic Testing is an extremely popular inspection technique, thanks to its versatility in detecting a wide range of defects on multiple materials, and its ability to produce a permanent record of each inspection.
Ultrasonic Testing
Ultrasonic Testing (UT) is utilized for the detection and location of discontinuities, material composition analysis, and wall thickness measurements.
Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT) is a method for determining the extent of corrosion and erosion on the walls of piping, vessel, storage tank, and other assets. We offer UTT spot inspections, and long-term, remote wall thickness monitoring for pipes and vessels in high-temperature and hard-to-access locations.
Magnetic particle Testing
Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), technicians magnetize a ferromagnetic material and apply finely-milled iron particles coated with a dye pigment to the magnetized area. The particles indicate discontinuities in the material by clustering directly over it, which can be visually detected under proper lighting conditions.
Southern Services Inc. offers dry powder and wet fluorescent MT inspection services, depending on the application.
Liquid Penetrant Testing
Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) or dye penetrant testing – is based on the properties of surface wetting and capillary action, which causes a liquid to rise when confined to a small opening. After applying the penetrant and wiping away the excess and applying a developer, the penetrant that rises to the surface can indicate surface-breaking anomalies.
PT inspection services are widely applicable to identify discontinuities in a variety of assets given its ease of use and minimal equipment requirements.
Positive Material Identification
Positive material identification is a quick, non-destructive procedure that may be used on a broad range of components and assets. It delivers a semi-quantitative compositional analysis. It is utilized for both the verification and identification of materials.
Computed Radiography Testing
Computed radiography (CR) is used to analyze corrosion/erosion losses in process pipes, pressure vessels, and valves on an internal or exterior basis. It allows for the estimation of residual thickness and wall losses.
Computerized pictures facilitate data exchange, resulting in considerable increases in radiographic inspection productivity and speedier problem diagnosis.
Computed radiography (CR) stores radiographic examination data on phosphor-imaging plates rather than film. Although the CR imaging plates are exposed in the same manner as conventional radiography plates, the pictures are laser scanned from the plates into a computer system. The photos may then be analyzed, modified, printed, and stored for future study using advanced software. The residual wall thickness may then be estimated for use in interpreting ASME code welds and evaluating wall loss.
Eddy Current Testing
Eddy current testing is a non-destructive testing method used for detecting flaws in conductive materials that utilizes the electromagnetic principle.
A specifically constructed coil activated with alternating current is positioned near the test surface, providing a changing magnetic field that interacts with the test component and generates eddy currents in the area.
Variations in the electrical conductivity, magnetic permeability, or the existence of discontinuities will result in a change in the eddy current and a corresponding change in the phase and amplitude of the measured current. The changes are seen on a screen and evaluated to detect faults.