Using X-rays to detect elements within an alloy
Positive Material Identification (PMI) is a rapid, non-destructive method. It is mainly used to detect an estimation of the chemical composition of the final product. It is an integral part of production and asset integrity management across various engineering and chemical applications industries. It is performed on a wide range of components and assets. Many industrial activities cannot continue without testing suitable materials. PMI is not something that can be delayed or left out. Material assessment is vital and, therefore, part of standard procedures.
Positive material identification can prevent potential product failure in manufacturing. At oil and gas, power generation and pharmaceutical plants, pre-service and in-service inspection of critical components and welds with PMI can prevent breakdown and costly consequences.
PMI inspection is used to analyse and identify the material grade and alloy composition for quality and safety control. Our PMI inspectors will use handheld devices to test the material positively, namely X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Spark Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES).
At Professional Testing Services, we can detect an extensive range of metals and alloys and routinely assist with large or on-site projects to ensure your materials meet the required specification and stand up to the demands of the environment.
Emission spectrometry is a comparative analytical method in which a small amount of surface material is removed from the specimen.
Light f rom the spark discharge is carried by fiber optics to the sensors, where the wavelengths and intensities of the several spectrum constituents are detected and measured.
Photomultipliers a re used with diffraction gratings to measure the intensities of preselected analytical lines in the spectrum.
Our Positive Material Identification Inspection
Spark Optical Emission Spectroscopy
Emission spectrometry is a comparative analytical method in which a small amount of surface material is removed from the specimen. Recent developments in sensors and microelectronics have produced portable systems that can be used on or adjacent to production lines. In some systems, light from the spark discharge is carried by fibre optics to the sensors, where the wavelengths and intensities of the several spectrum constituents are detected and measured. Photomultipliers are used with diffraction gratings to measure the intensities of preselected analytical lines in the spectrum. The numerical results are digital on readouts or printed out in hard copy.
At Professional Testing Services, we are offering on-site OES tests. Our composition analysis for steel and stainless steel products is accredited to SINGLAS, under test method ASTM E751.
X-Ray Florescence Method
In this process, an electron beam displaces electrons from their atomic orbit, which then causes the displacement of an electron from an atom and causes energy to be released. The energy emitted by an excited atom is unique. X-ray fluorescence is registered and recorded by the XRF instrument, thus determining the quantity of each element.
XRF is an acronym for X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. XRF is a non-destructive analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. Handheld XRF analysers work by measuring the fluorescent (or secondary) X-rays emitted from a sample when excited by a primary X-ray source.
Common Test Methods
ASTM A751
ASTM E572
ASTM E1085
ASTM E1476
Analysis of metallic elements in solid samples
Analysis of liquid sample
Analysis of gas sample
Talk to us today
In Professional Testing Services, our PMI inspection team is always ready to provide you with on-site PMI testing with our portable XRF analyser for identifying alloys. Contact us today to learn more about our PMI inspection services or request a quote.
