EDDY CURRENT EXAMINATION (ET)

Standard eddy current testing is essentially a near-surface technique. It is useful for detecting surface-breaking or near-surface cracking and variations in material composition. It can also be used to measure the thickness of non-electrically conductive coatings on electrically conductive substrates.

WHAT IT WILL FOUND?

In general, standard eddy current methods are only used in plant inspection for non-ferritic materials (where eddy current penetration is deeper) or for special applications, such as in the inspection of heat exchanger tubing for cracking or corrosion thinning.

APPLICATIONS

Since 1994 we have built a reputable track record within the Offshore, Maritime, Waste to Energy and Renewable industries. We can carry out Eddy Current Testing (ET) at many structures:

  • crane boom
  • pad-eyes
  • crane structures
  • jacking-house structures
  • jack-up constructions

ADVANTAGES & BENEFITS

The advantages of eddy current testing are:

  • Can detect through surface coatings. Able to detect defects through non-conductive surface coatings in excess of 5mm thickness.
  • Sensitivity to surface defects. Able to detect defects of 0.5mm in length under favourable conditions.
  • Can detect through several layers. The ability to detect defects in multi-layer structures (up to about 14 layers), without interference from the planar interfaces.
  • Little pre-cleaning required. Only major soils and loose or uneven surface coatings need to be removed, reducing preparation time.
  • Portability. Portable test equipment is very small and light, some of the latest equipment being as small as a video cassette box and weighing less than 2kg.

OUR VALUES AND COMMITMENT

  • High class NDT examinations.
  • Multidiciplined NDT operators.
  • Certified according all major AICS.
  • Certified according to DNV-GL CP 0484 offhore (formerly known as 402B).
  • 24/7.
  • Worldwide.
  • Flexible teams.
  • Validated NDT reports according mandatory regulations.
  • Cloud based reporting.

DISADVANTAGES ET

The disadvantages of eddy current testing are:

  • Only effective on conductive materials. The material must be able to support a flow of electrical current. This makes testing of fibre reinforced plastics unfeasible.
  • Will not detect defects parallel to surface. The flow of eddy currents is always parallel to the surface. If a planar defect does not cross or interfere with the current then the defect will not be detected.
  • Signal interpretation required. Due to the many factors which affect eddy currents, careful interpretation of signals is needed to distinguish between relevant and non-relevant indications.

NDE REPORT

Our experienced project management team will ensure that your inspection requirements are completed on time and within budget. The magnetic particle inspections of your products and assets will be reported according the national and international standards. All our reports are digital and cloud based.