Pulse Eddy Current Testing (PECT)
Pulse Eddy Current Testing (PECT)
Pulse Eddy Current Testing (PECT) is an advanced non-destructive testing technique specifically designed to detect corrosion, wall thinning, and metal loss in ferromagnetic materials—particularly through insulation, coatings, fireproofing, and cladding. At Assessfie, our PECT services provide reliable inspection results without removing insulation or interrupting operations, making it a highly efficient solution for in-service assets.
How Pulse Eddy Current Testing Works
- A probe generates a pulsed electromagnetic field that penetrates insulation and coatings.
- The pulsed signal induces eddy currents within the underlying metal surface.
- Changes in material thickness or corrosion alter the decay response of the signal.
- Certified PECT inspectors analyze the response to determine remaining wall thickness and corrosion severity, producing a clear inspection report.
Technologies & Techniques We Use
- Pulsed Eddy Current Probes for CUI Detection
- Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) Screening
- Quantitative Wall Thickness Measurement
- Grid-Based and Area Scanning Techniques
- Portable PECT systems for site and offshore inspections
- Data Logging and Trend Analysis for in-service monitoring
PECT Applications in the Oil & Gas Industry
PECT is widely used across upstream, midstream, and downstream facilities where insulation removal is impractical or costly. Common applications include:
Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) — Screening insulated pipelines and vessels
Pipelines & Piping Systems — Wall thinning assessment without removing insulation
Pressure Vessels & Storage Tanks — Detection of external corrosion beneath coatings
Offshore & Marine Facilities — Inspection in splash zones and insulated systems
Refineries & Process Plants — In-service inspection during operation
Fireproofed Structures — Corrosion detection beneath fireproofing materials
Asset Integrity Programs — Baseline inspection and corrosion monitoring over time
Standards & Regulations
Our Pulse Eddy Current Testing services comply with recognized international standards and industry practices to ensure accurate, repeatable, and globally accepted results.
International Standards
- ISO 15548-1 — Eddy current equipment characteristics and verification
- ISO 17643 — Eddy current testing of welds (where applicable)
ASTM Standards
- ASTM E376 — Measurement of coating thickness using electromagnetic methods
- ASTM E309 — Eddy current examination of steel tubular products
Industry-Specific Standards
- API 570 — In-service piping inspection
- API 510 — Pressure vessel inspection
- API 653 — Storage tank inspection
- ASME Section V — NDT requirements for pressure equipment
Personnel Qualification Standard
- SNT-TC-1A — Qualification and certification of NDT personnel
