In 1982 I established my own company offering a mobile analysis service using a mobile emission spectrograph. In addition to PMI testing, I have in the past offered an analytical consultancy service on spectrographic techniques where clients have utilised my skills for the primary calibration of laboratory spectrographs.

Currently we carry out Positive Material Identification using 2 Niton XLt model 898 portable X-ray tube alloy analysers, and 1 Thermo F.I Quantoport mobile spark emission spectrograph.

The company has embraced the changes in equipment throughout the years building up vast experience and expertise within this field. Seven years ago we purchased our first Niton Analyser which due to its lightweight and mobile nature made access to site fabrications much easier.

We have carried out PMI within the following industries;

Petrochemical

Gas/Power Plants

Aviation

Deep Sea Vessel Assembly

Scrap Merchants

The company has worked all over the UK and parts of Europe. Having done work for many major petrochemical companies, e.g. Shell, Exxon, ConocoPhillips and a number of large fabrication companies involved in major plant shutdowns/refurbishments/new plant units etc., such as Mitsui Babcock, Flour Daniels, Foster Wheeler, Amec, etc.

The work usually falls into 1 of 3 categories;

1) New Materials;

PMI testing of stud bolts, pipe, pipe fittings, pumps, valves gaskets, seals, etc.

Which would usually be tested in a quarantine area at a stores , warehouse or fabrication shop, prior to fabrication or assembly.

We would then cross check the PMI result and the heat number stamped on the item, with the test certificate and then mark the items as verified.

 Stamp and sign the test cert and produce a report, depending on the clients requests.

2) New Fabrication Work (Welds and Parent Materials);

PMI would usually be carried out before installation for ease and site safety. But also could be tested at the point of installation, as would any field welds.

Surface preparation may be necessary for this type of work, which may involve sparks so it is ideal to carry out the work in a non-hazardous location, to avoid further safety precautions.

The spools can then be tagged if required and a report produced using the weld and drawing numbers provided.

3) Retrospective Work;

Positive Material Identification of existing equipment and materials where no data is available to the client.

Surface preparation is usually necessary as the test surface may be badly scaled.

Reports are usually produced using the detail on isometric drawings, or whatever information is available.