SURFACE EDDY CURRENT
Surface Eddy Current Testing (SECT) is one of many applications that utilizes electromagnetic testing to identify surface-breaking cracks, and depending on the material, shallow subsurface cracking. There are some techniques that have a limited ability to detect and size pitting. This can be done using a single coil in a hand-held probe that is maneuvered on a test specimen (Conventional Surface Eddy Current Testing) or multiple coils to cover more surface on a test specimen (Surface Eddy Current Array Testing). Using a method known as “lift off” testing SECT can measure non-metallic coatings as well as cladding and weld overlay thickness.
ADVANTAGES
- Faster than PT/MT
- Very high PoD
- Controlled Human Factor
- Repeatable and reliable results
- Minimal surface preparation
- Data archiving
- Assisted detection
- Encoded data
SECT can be used for crack detection in the following areas
- Welds (internal and external)
- Plate
- Lugs
- Gears
- Castings
- Bolt holes
- ETC
- Emulsion pipelines (150°C / 300°F)
- Tank floors and inside walls
- Yellow Jacket™ piping
- Detection of corrosion (far-side or under coating)
- Pressure vessels
- Fertilizers transport
Crack sizing capabilities
- Less than 1/16th or .0625” in length
- Less than .5mm or .020” in depth
- Depending on material and probe type – can size up to .250”
Modern array technology is suited for direct assessment of surface-breaking cracks including Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC), Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC), fatigue cracking, lack of fusion along ERW and A.O. Smith welds, hook cracks, and various other defects.
EddyFi’s Spyne Probe is an adaptable surface Eddy Current Array (ECA) screening tool with circumferential encoding, is specifically engineered to maximize productivity for the detection of Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC), cracks, subsurface defects, and pitting in various critical components such as high-pressure gas pipes, vessels, tanks, pipelines and more. With a higher Probability of Detection (PoD) than Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI or MT)/ Penetrant Testing (PT) and with ultrafast capabilities, it paves the way to unprecedented efficiency. (COPIED FROM WEBSITE)