NDEI's Composites
Division specializes in equipment manufactured from composite materials such
as Fiberglass, Furan, Kevlar, Graphite Epoxy, etc. These materials pose special
challenges to the inspection and testing process. The failure modes which
need to be detected in these material are markedly different than those of
metal structures. Furthermore, many of the traditional NDT methods which perform
exceptionally on metal structures are ineffective on composites. Therefore,
the structural evaluation of a composite tank, vessel, or piping system requires
a unique combination of technician expertise and specialty NDT methods. NDEI
Composites Division provides this unique combination.
For Composite Equipment that falls under Process Safety Management,
OSHA 1910.1 19, or EPA RMP guidelines, the Composites Division recommends
a procedure that definitively meets the "Good Engineering Practice"
criteria outlined in state and federal regulations. Using NDT methods including
but not limited to Acoustic Emission, Digital Photography, Composite Ultrasonics,
Barcol Hardness, and Visual Inspection, we provide a reliable and quantitative
assessment of the tank, vessel, or piping system. Because the Acoustic Emission
Test is supported by National Engineering, Testing, and Personnel Qualification
Standards, it provides a high level of comfort with respect to regulatory
compliance. Further, the recommended inspection/testing procedure enables
the customer to implement an effective predictive maintenance program for
production, equipment repairs, and capital budgeting.
New and Recently Repaired Composite Equipment are ideal candidates
for our comprehensive inspection/testing procedure. New equipment
can have manufacturing defects, be damaged in transport, or installed improperly.
Our program can detect these problems before further damage to the equipment
occurs. Field repairs of in-service composite equipment can be a risky proposition.
Field repair crews must contend with inclement weather, airborne particulants,
chemical contamination, possible training deficiencies, and tight schedules.
Clearly, customers should be concerned with the quality of the repairs. Our
comprehensive inspection/testing procedure can address both customer and regulatory
concerns.
For Composite Equipment that does not fall under current safety or
environmental guidelines and is not as process critical, NDEI Composites
Division provides a comprehensive inspection program consisting of a Visual
Inspection, Barcol Hardness Test, Composite Ultrasonics, and Digital Photography.
Several of our clients utilize this program to implement and maintain strong
preventative maintenance programs. This results in reduced inspection/testing
costs while maintaining a proactive maintenance effort. Whichever program
you choose, NDEI Composites Division can provide engineering assistance should
repairs be required.
If you do not
currently have a program in place for your composite equipment, one of our
representatives would be pleased to meet with you and discuss your regulatory
compliance and/or maintenance needs. Did you know that the date for "Mechanical
Integrity" compliance under OSHA was MAY 1992. The deadline under the
Environmental Protection Agency's RMP Program is JUNE 1999. If you do have
an ongoing program, we would ask you to consider the following:
• Is it based on accepted national engineering and testing standards?
• Are the inspection/testing personnel certified in accordance with
national standards?
• Do you feel comfortable that your program would meet the scrutiny
of a state or federal inspector?
