• Print

Laboratory and Site Evaluation

Analysis of microstructures and chemical compositions, and the use of mechanical testing, can assist greatly in the evaluation of the condition and performance of materials.

 

Typical Problem Areas

  • The need to evaluate heat treatment procedure and quality of heavy duty shafts and fasteners
  • Identifying the type of embrittlement in weld joints of pressure piping and oil/gas pipelines
  • Evaluation of repair worthiness of gas turbine blades, vanes, and transition pieces
  • Chemical microanalysis on corrosion pits to identify the most probable corrosion mechanism
  • Fatigue testing of coated or hard-faced components for wear resistance applications
  • Fatigue simulation to evaluate structural health monitors for early crack detection

Our Expertise


Microstructural Assessment
Revealing the microstructure through metallographic techniques is central to material analysis.

SVT uses material specific techniques, such as tint etching metallography, to reveal selective features in the microstructure which would be hidden in standard preparation. While complex, these techniques provide significantly more effective material analysis than observation through electron microscopy.

SVT also has expertise in non-destructive assessment of microstructures by replication. With this technique the microstructure is replicated from in-service equipment through the use of cellulose-acetate films. This allows the observation of microstructures on any curved surface with a high magnification optical microscope.

Mechanical Testing
SVT has world-class capability in low-cycle fatigue and fracture toughness and structural health monitoring. These capabilities are crucial in the fitness for service assessments of critical equipments.

Our close association with the University of Western Australia and Monash University(Melbourne) provides access to the latest research and access to research-level mechanical testing facilities.

Electron Microscopy
Scanning electron microscopy is arguably the most utilised micro-analytical tool, not only for material but also for biological and medical investigations.

In term of failure analysis, it has been primarily used in corrosion related failure due to its capability in chemical micro-analysis. It is also instrumental in fatigue analysis to determine the level of stresses responsible for failure.

However, a tool is only as good as its user and the preparation technique. Our materials engineers have a significant research background, with a wealth of experience in electron microscopy, allowing them to uncover specific issues pertinent to metal and failure analysis.