Pulsed Eddy Current - PEC

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  7. Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC)

IRISNDT uses state-of-the-art high-performance Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) systems to inspect for corrosion under insulation (CUI). We use this fast and cost-effective electromagnetic inspection technique (along with guided wave testing, real time radiography, and digital radiography) for identifying CUI suspect areas without stripping insulation. Our portable high-performance fast data acquisition PEC system has dynamic scanning modes and real-time C-scan imaging. The grid maps obtained facilitate data presentation and long cables give us flexibility during set-up.

IRISNDT APPLIES PEC FOR:

  • Identifying CUI on piping (≥ 50 mm (2 inch) diameter), vessels and tanks
  • Inspecting sphere legs through concrete fireproofing
  • Inspecting vessel skirts through concrete fireproofing
  • Inspecting I-beams and piping through concrete fireproofing
  • Inspecting underneath corrosion scale

ADVANTAGES​

  • Can be used on carbon steel with thickness values up to 38 mm (1.5 inch)
  • Can be used at temperatures from -150 °C to 500 °C (-238 °F to 932 °F)
  • Can inspect through insulation up to 152 mm (6 inch) thick (liftoff)
  • Serves to inspect piping of diameter greater than 50 mm (2 inch)
  • PEC is a volumetric inspection technique that inspects the ID and OD at the same time
  • Can be used in dynamic scanning more to take individual readings or real time C-scan imaging to give a permanent encoded record of the inspection
  • Can be used to examine through the following weather jackets: stainless steel up to 1.5 mm (0.06 inch); aluminum up to 1.0 mm (0.04 inch); galvanized steel up to 0.5 mm (0.02 inch)
pec

LIMITATIONS​

  • Can only be used to inspect carbon steel materials
  • The detection sensitivity is dependent on the footprint of the probe (liftoff/insulation thickness) and the thickness of the material (isolated pitting can be difficult to detect)
  • Access to the inspection location if rope access cannot be utilized
  • Cannot differentiate between internal or external defects
  • PEC provides an estimate of the remaining wall thickness, but in general another form of NDT like UT or RT is required to quantify
  • Variation in measurements when close to edges (i.e. nozzles, flanges or the end of a structure)
  • Scanning speed depends on the thickness of the material

Download the brochure

Learn more about how IRISNDT applies PEC