Detect corrosion under insulation (CUI) and fireproofing without costly removal. A Pulsed Eddy Current Technology (PECT) System is a non-contact NDT method designed to measure average wall thickness reduction (corrosion) in ferromagnetic materials, even through thick layers of insulation or cladding. It solves the expensive and dangerous problem of CUI/CUF inspection, providing a rapid screening method to locate and quantify metal loss for asset integrity management. Supplier: Maxwell NDT
An advanced NDT instrument utilizing the Pulsed Eddy Current Technology (PECT) technique. This method is specifically designed to measure corrosion and wall thickness loss through thick insulation and coatings without removing them. The system provides a non-intrusive, rapid corrosion assessment solution for insulated pipes and vessels, saving significant cost and time associated with insulation removal.
| Instrument operation and software | |
| Selection of measurement parameters | Probe selection and measurement parameters are automatically set at start of an inspection using test measurements. Option for automatic analysis. |
| Data storage | All PECT signals fully stored in data files for verification purposes. There is an option to export raw signals to MS Excel. |
| Data collection software | GUI user interface with multi-language menus (English, Chinese, French and Spanish). Auto analysis option. Direct reporting to MS Excel 2021. |
| Data collection speed | Typical recording speed (second per reading): 3mm< WT ≤12mm 0.5s; 12mm< WT ≤25mm 1s; 25mm< WT ≤50mm 2s. Note: the measurement time depends on a number of parameters that are hard to quantify, such as pipe vibration. |
| Data collection with position encoder | Data can be recorded with and without position encoder: (a) Point-by-point measurements by manual trigger; (b) Dynamic scanning: measurement triggered by encoder while moving the probe – applicable under favorable circumstances; (c) Stop & go data collection: measurements triggered when encoder detects that probe is steady – applicable under less favorable circumstances. |
| PC-based reporting software | Unlimited and license free copies of PC-based analysis software is provided for Windows 10/11 and Microsoft Excel 2021. Password-protected option for advanced users, enabling to change data analysis method and to override automatic setting of instrument parameters: pulse duration, sampling time and ADC frequency (max 125 kHz). |
| Report generation and Language | Microsoft Excel Reports are generated both instrument software and PC-based analysis software. The layout of the reports can be customized. The report language can be adjusted to English, French, Spanish and other languages. |
| Typical performance parameters | |
| Wall thickness range | 2-65mm steel |
| Wall lift-off range | 0-250mm for WT ≤ 15mm; 0-200mm for 15mm < WT ≤ 30mm; 0-100mm 30mm < WT ≤ 65mm |
| Minimum pipe diameter | 0mm insulation: 1″ (25mm); 50mm insulation: 3″ (75mm). 50mm (2″) OD can be inspected with footprint around full pipe circumference. |
| Insulation sheeting | Aluminum and stainless. Performance on galvanized (magnetic) sheeting depends on its properties. |
| Footprint diameter | Approximately 1.5 times the thickness of the insulation, with a minimum of 25mm. |
| Typical measurement accuracy | PECT measures steel thickness averaged over its footprint area with a typical accuracy of ±10%. |
| Standard set, Optional items, and General Specs | |
| One standard set comprises of | PECT data acquisition unit permanently connected to a U11i Durabook tablet computer for data acquisition with high capacity battery, AC adapter and Blue tooth mouse; Four standard probes with protector shoes and wear piece; each probe can be used with a one-axis position encoder; Two vibration-suppression shims; Two 8m long signal cables for connection of PECT instrument with any of the probes (one for use, one spare); Two main batteries for PECT instrument; One external charger for the main battery 110V-230V; Reference plate for functional check by user and annual remote calibration by MAXWELL. |
| Optional items: | One-axis position encoder that can be attached to each of the four standard PECT probes (S, M, L and XL); Flat probe for in-service inspection of annular ring atmospheric storage tanks; Splash zone probe, 50m water depth; Underwater probe, 2500m depth rating; 20m long signal cable in transport case; different lengths are available on request; 100m long underwater umbilical in transport case; Telescopic pole: 1.8m collapsed – 6m extended. |
| Data acquisition computer | DARABOOK U11i Touch screen with LED backlight, Sunlight Readable Display; Ambient Light Sensor; screen protector. 8GB memory, 250 GB SSD. |
| Standard probes | Four standard probes, types S (small), M (medium), L (large) and XL (extra-large); Nominal lift-off ranges: 0-20mm (S); 25mm-75mm (M); 40mm-125mm (L) and 75mm-250mm (XL). Probe selection is automated at inspection set-up. |
| Custom made probes | A range of probes to custom specification can be supplied; e.g. with special coil configuration, magnetic materials and probe housing. |
| Batteries | Typical safe main battery life: 8 hours; external chargers ensure no down time due to battery re-charging. Hot-swappable. Computer battery is recharged automatically from the main battery in case its charge drops below 20%, no spare battery for the tablet is required. |
| Communication | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, USB 3.0. Remote control via VNC. |
| Environment | IP 65. Salt and Fog resistant. Operating Temperature -20°C to +40°C. Relative humidity < 93% atmospheric pressure 70 – 105 kPa. |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS, FCC Part 15B. |
| Dimensions & weight | Instrument with batteries: 33cm x 26cm x 15cm; weight 7.5 kg. |
| Transport of standard set | On-site transport by a single operator is possible using the rucksack included in the set and instrument carrier belt. Air and road transport in three Explorer cases typer 4830, L x W x H = 52 cm x 45 cm x 24 cm and weight 14 kg each. |
PEC Flaw Detection, Insulation Corrosion Sensor, Through-Insulation Testing, CUI Tester, Wall Loss Through Insulation
PEC uses a pulsed magnetic field instead of a single-frequency alternating current, allowing it to inspect through thick insulation, coatings, or fireproofing to detect corrosion on the underlying carbon steel.
PEC is generally limited to detecting metal loss (wall thinning) and is less effective at detecting small, isolated cracks compared to conventional high-frequency EC.
**Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)
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