A leading petrochemical company has successfully integrated CODA for on-site inspection and maintenance within its facilities in Nigeria. CODA serves as a vital tool for spot thickness measurement across conditions, including high-temperature environments.
The petrochemical industry demands meticulous inspection of components even under extreme high-temperature conditions. However, conventional UT techniques often fall short in such environments. Apart from the temperature limitation, the transducer of conventional UT requires using a liquid (couplant) between the transducer and the solid being inspected.
Moreover, when dealing with rough surfaces with corrosion, paint, or coatings, thorough surface cleaning becomes imperative to establish proper substrate contact. Consequently, inspections become significantly more time-consuming due to this preparatory step.
CODA's utilization of EMAT technology empowers it to excel in high-temperature applications prevalent in the chemicals industry. From boiler heaters to reheater tubes, petroleum refining plant tubes, and cracking tubes for ethylene plants, CODA delivers unparalleled performance across diverse operational environments. Notably, CODA is engineered to conduct inspections on components operating at temperatures up to 650ºC.
EMAT technology does not require couplant for transmitting sound, which makes it very well suited for inspection of very hot and very cold parts. Furthermore, the 100% dry and non-couplant EMAT technique and its ability to inspect metals with rough surfaces, coatings, or paintings further optimizes the inspection workflow, ensuring comprehensive assessments without the need for surface preparation.
In addition, maintains readings even when the probe face is not parallel to the part. No beam steering errors caused by misalignment of the transducer with the surface, which is a big challenge using conventional UT, especially on curved or uneven surfaces. Practical working distance from the coil to the part (lift-off) is usually between 0-3mm. Greater lift-off can be achieved depending on material, equipment and type of inspection.
This capability dramatically reduces the time, cost and inconvenience associated with plant shutdowns for inspection purposes or the use of more expensive techniques.
The portability of CODA is a standout feature, facilitating seamless operation even in the most challenging environments. Its compact design allows it to navigate under pipes and access narrow spaces with ease, enhancing overall inspection efficiency. Moreover, CODA's hands-free inspection capability simplifies the inspection process and reduces setup time.
Overall, the adoption of CODA by the chemicals company has significantly elevated its on-site inspection and maintenance protocols, delivering enhanced versatility, efficiency, and reliability in ensuring the integrity of critical components across its facilities. The positive outcomes achieved through the use of CODA have prompted a significant expansion in the deployment of devices for its operations.
Quote from the customer: We've had a great experience with CODA so far. As we familiarize ourselves with the unit, we're consistently achieving impressive results. Even under challenging conditions, such as our lines operating at approximately 360°C during inspection, we're obtaining remarkably accurate thickness measurements. It's truly impressive. We're genuinely excited about the potential applications of CODA's technology. Looking ahead, we anticipate an exciting and mutually beneficial partnership with Innerspec.
Learn more about CODA: https://www.innerspec.com/portable/coda