Eddy Current Testing

Eddy Current Testing:

Eddy current testing is a non-destructive testing technique that utilizes electromagnetic induction to examine the test subject. This non-destructive testing technique is used most often to check tubes. Modern eddy current testing uses the principles of electromagnetism as the basis for conducting examinations of the test subject. Testing is done when eddy currents are generated through electromagnetic induction whereby alternating current is applied to a conductor to cause a magnetic field to develop in and around the conductor. This magnetic field can then be adjusted to expand and contract based on the current. By bringing this field into close proximity to the test subject, our team is able to detect defects or other flaws in the subject. At Entec our highly trained team of professionals are able to perform eddy current testing using the most up to date technology in order to ensure everything is to the proper specifications.

• Crack detection
• Material thickness measurements
• Coating thickness measurements
• Conductivity measurements for:
• Material identification
• Heat damage detection
• Case depth determination
• Heat treatment monitoring

Some of the advantages of eddy current inspection include:

• Sensitive to small cracks and other defects
• Detects surface and near surface defects
• Inspection gives immediate results
• Equipment is very portable
• Method can be used for much more than flaw detection
• Minimum part preparation is required
• Test probe does not need to contact the part
• Inspects complex shapes and sizes of conductive materials

Some of the limitations of eddy current inspection include:

• Only conductive materials can be inspected
• Surface must be accessible to the probe
• Skill and training required is more extensive than other techniques
• Surface finish and  roughness may interfere
• Reference standards needed for setup
• Depth of penetration is limited
• Flaws such as de-laminations that lie parallel to the probe coil winding and probe scan direction are undetectable

Entec Consultants offers a full suite of inspection, nondestructive testing, and QA/QC services.

All services offered can be performed in-house or on-site.

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Specialized Services

• Video & Fiber optic video boroscope inspection
• AWS-CWI inspectors
• ASNT level III services
• Welder qualifications, Procedure qualifications
• Welder training
• Process safety management & vessel integrity
• Digital cameras
• Autocad & excel reporting

Items Commonly Tested

• Kiln sections
• Structural steel
• Turbines
• Boilers
• Digester vessels
• Pipe welds
• Heat exchanger tubes
• Storage tanks
• Paper machines
• Deaerator tanks