Portable Power Generation / Oil and Gas (PMI) Solutions

Verify your process systems by taking matters into your own hands

In power plants, petroleum, and petrochemical facilities, the emphasis on safety and accident prevention has never been greater – and with good reason. According to one study, about 10% of corrosion-related accidents declare the inadequacy of material composition as the key component for failure¹. The requirement for positive material identification (PMI) in alloys used throughout the plant is more critical than ever. Simply relying on spot testing of parts and subassemblies is too risky and unacceptable.

Niton handheld XRF and LIBS analyzers help power generation and oil & gas operations with PMI analysis, providing accurate elemental identification of all types of metal and alloys - from trace levels to major elements - and differentiating alloy grades that are nearly identical in composition.

¹Wood, M., Vetere Arellano, A., Van Wijk, L. (2013). Corrosion-Related Accidents in Petroleum Refineries: Lessons learned from accidents in EU and OECD countries. JRC Scientific and Policy Reports.
 

Carbon equivalency

The weldability of a steel is primarily influenced by its carbon content. Adding additional elements such as manganese, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, copper, nickel, or silicon can impact material composition and effect carbon equivalence (CE). In welding, carbon equivalent (CE) calculations are used to predict heat affected zone (HAZ) hardenability. By understanding chemistry differences through carbon equivalency, it can be determined if the properties of two materials being joined together via filler metal components are compatible. The Niton Apollo Handheld LIBS Analyzer can automatically calculate carbon equivalency. Ready to learn more? Download our application note to learn more about using the Niton Apollo analyzer for carbon equivalency.

 Application note: Carbon equivalents in steel components

Sulfidic corrosion

Sulfidation (sulfidic) corrosion affects steel piping and equipment and continues to be a significant cause of leaks in the refining industry. American Petroleum Institute (API) 939C, “Guidelines for Avoiding Sulfidation (Sulfidic) Corrosion Failures in Oil Refineries,” recognizes implementing “Retrospective PMI into a Material Verification Program” (per API 578) as an inspection method to detect and track sulfidation corrosion. Niton handheld elemental analyzers can assist with material analysis to prevent sulfidic corrosion. Ready to learn more? Download our application note to learn more about using the Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer to prevent sulfidic corrosion.

 Application note: Preventing sulfidic corrosion failures

HF alkylation

HF Alkylation is an increasingly central process in the refining industry for the production of petrochemical products. The proper selection, application and placement of the alloys within the process piping envelope is critical to avoid unexpected corrosion and deterioration of pressure equipment components. Case studies have shown that residual elements (REs) in carbon steel can contribute to accelerated HF corrosion, primarily chromium, nickel and copper elements. Niton elemental analyzers can identify residual elements in steel piping. Ready to learn more? Download our application note to learn more about using the Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer to identify residual elements.

 Application note: Identifying residual elements in steel piping

Flow accelerated corrosion

Flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC), is a well-known source of problems in nuclear and fossil-fuel power plants. FAC occurs when carbon steel piping and components are degraded in the presence of flowing water or steam water with low-dissolved oxygen. With industrial safety regulations becoming increasingly stringent, positive material identification (PMI) of alloys used throughout the plant is a necessity. Niton handheld XRF and LIBS analyzers can assist with an FAC prevention program. Ready to learn more? Download our application note to learn more about how to use the Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer for power plant FAC inspection protocol.

 Application note: Power plant FAC inspection protocol

Microalloying elements

Microalloyed steels, often referred to as High-Strength Low-Alloy steels (HSLA), are a family of materials strengthened by the addition of “micro” alloy concentrations to low-carbon mild steel. The technology of microalloying includes adding specific elements to achieve desired mechanical properties. The strengthening effects of these elements make microalloyed steels particularly suited for high-strength applications, but can also detract from desired qualities such as toughness, ductility and weldability. Niton elemental analyzers provide fast, accurate analysis of microalloying elements in steel. Ready to learn more? Download our application note to learn how the Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer can provide analysis of microalloying elements in steel.

 Application note: Analysis of microalloying elements in steel

Retroactive PMI

Industry reported data suggests a probability that as much as 3% of rogue material will make its way into the field as part of a final fabricated assembly, piping circuit, pressure vessel, or other critical process equipment. Aging infrastructure more often provides the challenge of “in-situ” or retroactive PMI testing to confirm existing assets are fit for service. Typically, this requires performing measurements at elevated temperatures under normal process operating conditions ranging from 200° F up to 900° F. Such conditions require an analyzer that meet the demanding aspects of retro-PMI testing. Niton handheld XRF and LIBS analyzers are purpose-built and specifically designed to perform retroactive PMI. Ready to learn more? Download our application note to learn how the Niton XL5 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer is the instrument of choice to conduct retroactive PMI.

 Application note: Conducting retroactive PMI

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