Flow accelerated corrosion (FAC) in piping is a widespread problem in all types of power plants and, if left undetected, can result in personal injury, equipment damage and plant downtime.
FAC is the dissolution of the normally protective oxide layer that is present on the surface of carbon and low alloy steel when exposed to flowing water or wet steam under specific conditions. It causes wall thinning in piping, vessels and other components, and if not detected in time, can lead to leaks or instantaneous ruptures. In some instances, the failure to detect FAC has resulted in catastrophic failures and fatalities at power plants.
The serious problems that FAC can cause mean that it is vital power plants develop a programme to minimise FAC damage.
To address the issue, Intertek has developed a comprehensive Total Quality Assurance approach to identifying the early signs of FAC in piping and locate high risk areas. This can reduce the risk of serious plant failure with damaged components and ensure continued plant safety and reliability. Our FAC services include:
- Computer software to identify and rank high risk areas
- Ultrasonic examination of selected locations
- Engineering analysis of piping
- Non-intrusive wall thickness measurement using a patented pulsed eddy current technology
- Non-intrusive examination of high risk areas (carried out online or offline)
Our Intertek experts are backed by decades of experience and their expertise can help you implement and maintain an effective FAC programme that can minimise costs and forced outages.
Request more information to see how Intertek can help your organisation with Detection of Flow Accelerated Corrosion.
