Positive Material Identification – PMI

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Positive Material Identification is a non-destructive method for verifying the chemical composition of metals and alloys. PMI can be performed effectively and accurately onsite, in remote locations, or on items too large to transport. IRISNDT deploy suitably trained technicians with the latest portable XRF-analyzers for effective confirmation of material types.

IRISNDT can also back this field service up with fully equipped laboratories for more in depth chemical analysis requirements. Suitably trained Technicians with the latest portable XRF-analyzers for effective confirmation of material types.

IRISNDT APPLIES PMI FOR:​ 

  • Testing ferrous and non-ferrous metallic materials, stainless steels, Monels, Inconels, Hastelloys, Aluminum alloys, nickel based alloys, exotic materials
  • Verifying material compliance in power and petrochemical industries
  • Inspecting valves and valve components, pipe, fittings, machined parts, castings, forgings, bolts and stock items
  • Inspecting welds and weld overlays
  • Verifying compliance of new and in-service pressure vessels, plate material, and structural steel

ADVANTAGES​ 

  • Rapid and accurate analysis
  • Highly portable digital technology, can be used on site
  • Certifies components requiring NACE MR0175/ISO 15156
  • Leaves no trace of testing on test sample
  • Care must be taken to ensure that the surface of the test specimen is representative of the material as a whole
  • The instrument must be able to maintain surface contact with the material

LIMITATIONS​

  • The depth of penetration of the x-ray for most elements is less than one thousandth of an inch in steel
  • Care must be taken to ensure that the surface of the material being analyzed is chemically representative of the whole
  • Surface of the item must be accessible and subject to satisfactory cleaning and visual inspection
  • Analyzers are limited to identifying only those alloys that are listed in the manufacturer’s library for the analyzer
  • Material verification cannot be performed where the material temperature is in excess of approximately 90 °C (200 °F), unless specialized equipment and techniques are used
  • Identification of small amounts of a specific element in an item can be difficult
  • Carbon, sulfur and phosphorous cannot be identified with x-ray fluorescence

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Learn more about how IRISNDT applies PMI