At Emtex NDT, we specialize in testing of shell and tube exchangers, air coolers, chillers, feed water heaters and condensers using advanced techniques such as Eddy Current Technique (ECT), Remote Field Eddy Current Technique (RFECT), Near Field Technique (NFT), Saturation Eddy Current Technique and IRIS.

Eddy Current Technique (ECT)

Emtex NDT uses advanced Eddy Current Technique to inspect heat exchangers with non-ferromagnetic tubes such as SS, Titanium, Inconel, Copper, Brass, Cu-Ni, AL6XN and other exotic materials.

Advantages of ECT:

  • Up to 450 heat exchanger tubes (prime surface & finned) can be tested per shift including analysis and reporting
  • Inspection speed of 3’ – 4’ per second; automated systems can inspect large number of tubes per shift
  • Can differentiate between ID & OD flaws; ability to detect pitting, general & localized thinning, stress corrosion cracking, fretting / baffle cutting
  • Multi Frequency System minimizes false positives and enhances accuracy of flaw detection and sizing
  • Mixing capabilities allow for flaw detection & sizing under support plates
  • We can inspect straight sections of tubing from 0.375” OD and above

 

 

Remote Field Eddy Current Testing

Emtex NDT uses Remote Field Eddy Current (RFECT) to inspect heat exchangers with ferritic & partially ferritic tubes such as Carbon Steel, Cr-Mo, SS 400 series, Duplex etc.

Advantages of RFECT:

  • Up to 300 tubes can be tested per shift including analysis & reporting
  • Dry inspecting method that does not require use of couplant
  • Straight Sections and U-bends can be tested
  • Inspect tubing sizes from 0.500” and above
  • Minimal cleaning required since technique is forgiving to fill factor

 

Saturation Eddy Current Technique

Saturation Eddy Current Technique can be used to inspect heat exchangers with ferritic & partially ferritic tubes such as Carbon Steel, Cr-Mo, SS 400 series, Duplex etc. in lieu of RFET

Advantages of SECT:

  • Up to 450 tubes can be tested per shift including analysis & reporting
  • Dry inspecting method does not require use of couplant
  • Multi Frequency System minimizes false positives and enhances accuracy of flaw detection and sizing
  • Differentiate between ID & OD flaws
  • Detect pitting in carbon steel tubes with better flaw sizing
  • Excellent results on finned tubing

 

Near Field Testing

This testing method is used extensively on finned tubing such as Air Coolers. Used exclusively on carbon steel tubes.

Advantages of NFT:

  • Used on carbon steel finned tubing
  • Test up to 300 tubes per shift
  • Can detect ID pitting in finned tubing
  • Quality results can be obtained with better cleaning

 

Identifying, locating, and quantifying defects in a timely manner is critical for continued operations of processes within any industry. Emtex NDT has extensive experience in testing and evaluating heat exchangers of various material types based on ASNT and API guidelines.

Detailed inspection reports provide color coded maps, location of defects, damage mechanism and 3D view of exchanger. Additionally, we also provide API 510 based evaluation of the entire shell and tube exchanger system.