APPLUS SERVICES, S.A. RTD INCOTEST, short for Insulated Component Testing, is a technique used by Applus+ based on the pulsed eddy current principle. It is designed for generalised corrosion detection and can be used as a screening tool to isolate areas of interest on which to perform a deeper survey. RTD INCOTEST is unique in that it allows for the testing of objects without the removal of existing insulation.
RTD INCOTEST, a technique based on the pulsed eddy current principle
The RTD INCOTEST system detects remaining average wall thickness (AWT) and measures the resulting voltage with time. This technique consists of an examination of a carbon steel object by measuring the decay time of the eddy current induced during pulsing. The decay time is proportional to the volume of material under an area called the 'footprint', and it is compared with the time of a reference point. Locations with times longer than the time of the reference point are thicker and locations with shorter times are thinner than the reference point.
Benefits of RTD INCOTEST
The Applus+ RTD INCOTEST can be used for a variety of applications in a wide range of industries. Measurements can be taken through insulation, coatings, paint, concrete fire-proofing, marine growth and fouling. Under certain conditions, the results are comparable to those achieved through ultrasonic testing techniques. When examining objects with rough internal and external surfaces, however, INCOTEST is a superior solution because it does not require direct contact or a smooth and clean surface to detect wall thickness. It can therefore be used to detect areas of concern while saving clients the additional time and cost of removing insulation and cleaning and smoothing each surface for inspection.
During INCOTEST inspection, the footprint area stays fairly constant, as comparing volumes is the same as comparing wall thickness. Results are then presented in Average Wall Thickness percentages (AWT%) and reported with a color scale.
At Applus+, we pride ourselves on offering a variety of testing, inspection, and certification options to ensure that we can meet our clients' needs with minimal risk, time and cost. RTD INCOTEST is an example of one of our in-depth pulsed eddy current services that can be used to reliably survey pipes and vessels through their thermal insulation and protective coatings. In this way, we can help our clients prioritize future inspections in a systematic and cost-effective manner.
For more information, or to contract services, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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Applus Services SA published this content on 21 January 2021 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 21 January 2021 10:15:02 UTC
