Acoustic Emission Examination:Broad Scope of Application | |
Examples of a wide field of application
Spherical Gas Tanks
In the course of conventional first and regular inspections these spheres are subjected to a water pressure test. Apart from the pressure loading this also means a loading to the supporting pillars that never happens during normal operation. Even if a crack occurs during the test phase, it will possibly not be detected and can lead to problems in the following period of operation.
The only known and safe alternative is the pressure test in the form of acoustic emission examination (AE).
Due to the pressure test can be carried out with the normal storage media. The advantage for the customer: More safety and no expensive water pressure tests.
Apart from many other reference projects we are proud to have tested the largest spherical gas tank in the EU, which is in Berlin and has a diameter of 40 m.
Reactors in the Chemical and Petrochemical Industry
Most conventional inspection methods require a cost-intensive standstill of the plant, followed by local selective tests. In some cases this standstill and opening the reactor destroy the catalyst inside. The gas pressure test carried out "in-service" helps to reduce the inspection costs considerably. Therefore, this testing method, that is already laid down in the future CEN standard, helps you to become more competitive.
Dry Cylinders in the Paper Industry
Dry cylinders used in paper machines are pressure devices and must consequently be subjected to regular inspections (water pressure test and inside inspections). This requirement cannot be fulfilled for economic reasons (standstill) and for reasons of production technology (loss of cylinder curving and heaving).
The only alternative is an air pressure test together with AE. This means a considerable cost reduction to paper industry and secures the further use of dry cylinders. Since 1993 the examination of these cylinders with regard to operational safety (pressure and rotating loads) is regularly carried out by TÜV Austria in a successful and cheap way.
