Mistras, a provider of global solutions for plant protection and industrial risk management, recently received permission from the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) to provide its customers with real-time X-ray (RTR) services with the OpenVision system (reference number: T760556). Mistras is the first company to be allowed to provide this type of control on French territory.
This non-intrusive inspection method responds to a major problem faced by manufacturers from different industries: to detect and prevent in a non-intrusive way the appearance of corrosion under insulation on the lines of insulated pipes calorugated and refrigerated.
The challenges of corrosion under insulation (CUI)
Insulated corrosion (CUI), the consequences of which have long been underestimated, occurs when moisture is able to enter the insulation system. It is one of the most difficult corrosion processes to prevent but also the most sneaky: it can indeed appear under an insulation system that seems visually in good condition. When not detected and corrected in time, CUI often causes costly damage such as leakage from pipes and significant production losses that can lead to dangerous situations.
Non-intrusive detection of corrosion under heat and refrigeration of pipes
OpenVision uses real-time X-ray imaging to locate signs of external corrosion or corrosion precursors such as the abundance, loss of thickness by craters or moisture in the insulation.
The method makes it possible to observe external degradations of less than 1 millimetre on an insulated pipe, positioning welding joints or hose clamps, and locating welding cords under the insulation.
Much faster than traditional X-rays, the method allows the identification and immediate location of abounding areas including during the day due to the short distance of markup, and without the need to remove the insulation for inspection.
Where conventional radiography only allows element-based control for corrosion research, real-time radiography allows continuous inspection of a complete isometry if the environment permits. The method therefore saves significant time, money and resources for the customer.
Mistras has already launched several inspection campaigns by OpenVision and their results have been conclusive.
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