SGS in Qatar recently completed a specialized Magnetic Bias Eddy Current Testing (MBECT) project for a petrochemical company, showcasing our ability to tackle complex industrial inspection challenges with innovative solutions.
Client Challenge
The client required the inspection of approximately 4,000 tubes constructed from duplex stainless steel (SA789 UNS-S31803). This material is renowned for its strength and corrosion resistance, but it also presented unique challenges due to its partial ferromagnetic properties. Traditional inspection methods like Eddy Current Testing (ECT) and Remote Field Testing (RFT) were unsuitable for the task:
- ECT's Depth Limitation: The high permeability of duplex stainless steel restricted the depth of penetration for ECT, limiting its effectiveness.
- RFT's Sensitivity Issues: The material's partial ferromagnetic properties provided insufficient magnetic flux acceleration, making RFT impractical for detecting sensitive defects.
With these challenges in mind, our client required a solution that could efficiently and effectively detect any potential flaws in the tubes while adhering to strict time constraints.
Our innovative solution
Recognizing the limitations of traditional methods, SGS in Qatar's expert inspection team recommended Magnetic Bias Eddy Current Testing (MBECT) as the ideal alternative for this project. MBECT offered several advantages for duplex stainless steel:
- Improved defect detection sensitivity compared to ECT and RFT.
- Comparable cleaning requirements to ECT, enabling rapid deployment.
- Significantly faster inspection speeds than Internal Rotary Inspection System (IRIS), saving valuable time.
While IRIS was considered, the method would have required extensive time due to the high volume of tubes. MBECT emerged as the clear choice, balancing efficiency and precision to meet the client’s needs.
Our excellent execution
The inspection team at SGS in Qatar leveraged their technical expertise and advance equipment to complete the MBECT project successfully. Despite the complexities of the material and the scale of the project, our team ensured:
- Accurate defect detection
- Minimal disruption to the client’s operations
- On-time project delivery, exceeding the client’s expectations
By adopting MBECT, the client benefited from:
- Enhanced Accuracy: Reliable identification of defects despite the material's challenging properties.
- Time Efficiency: Faster inspections compared to traditional alternatives, reducing downtime.
- Optimized Resources: Comparable preparation requirements minimized the additional effort needed for implementation.
The success of this project highlights our commitment to tailoring inspection solutions that address complex challenges while delivering exceptional results.
Why choose SGS for tube inspections?
At SGS, we take pride in our ability to innovate and adapt to industry challenges. Our expertise in advanced inspection techniques like MBECT ensures that our clients receive the highest standards of accuracy, efficiency, and safety. Whether dealing with unique materials, large-scale projects, or tight deadlines, we remain a trusted partner for industrial inspections.
Ready to enhance your inspections? Contact SGS in Qatar today via webform to learn how we can deliver cutting-edge solutions tailored to your needs.
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,700 laboratories and business facilities across 119 countries, supported by a team of 99,250 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and sustainability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH0002497458, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
SGS Building, Street no. N 203,
Jebel Ali Free Zone, P.O. Box: 18556,
Dubai, United Arab Emirates