Overview of Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC)
Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) is a nondestructive examination technique used for detecting flaws or corrosion in ferrous materials or measuring the thickness of objects.
The principles of eddy current testing were first laid out in 1831. This was the year with Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction. Eight years later these basic principals led to a new discovery. Researchers discovered that the properties of a coil would change when placed in contact with metals of different connectivity and permeability. It wasn't until World War II that these principles found practical use though.
PEC works using the principle of electromagnetic induction. When applying step function voltage to a conductor, a magnetic field develops around it. This field changes in intensity as the current alternates. If brought close to the first field, another conductor will have a current induced in it as well. If there are any flaws in this material then the eddy current will distort. In the case of PEC, the first conductor is an eddy current probe. The second is the test material.
The main advantage of PEC over conventional eddy current is that it contains a continuum of frequencies. Because of this, it is possible to measure the electromagnetic response to several different frequencies can with just a single step. Information from a range of depths can be obtained all at once.
PEC can be done without need for contact with the surface of the material. Because of this, it can be useful in situations where an object’s surface is rough or inaccessible. This method also doesn’t require surface preparation or removing any insulation. It can be a quick and cost-effective solution for corrosion detection.
PEC is widely used for a number of applications. These include both measuring the thickness of steels and detecting corrosion. It can be used on materials as diverse as vessels, columns, storage tanks and spheres, piping systems, and structural applications with fireproofing. Furthermore, it can be used on both insulated and uninsulated materials.
Is this definition incomplete? You can help by contributing to it.
Share this Topic
Related Topics
Acoustic Emission Testing (AET) Advanced Ultrasonic Backscatter Technique (AUBT) Eddy Current Array (ECA) Electro Magnetic Acoustic Transducers (EMAT) Guided Wave Ultrasonics (GWUT) Infrared Inspection Liquid Penetrant Examination (LPE) Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT) Meandering Winding Magnetometer Array (MWMA) Radiography Ultrasonic Testing (UT)-
November/December 2019 Inspectioneering JournalBy Dr. Timothy Black at Quasset, Maurice Fransen at Shell Global Solutions International BV, and Sieger Terpstra at Shell Global Solutions International BV
This article examines multiple trials that entailed testing robotic systems on different non-magnetic surfaces to identify the feasibility of detecting CUI using robotics in combination with NDE technology.
-
May/June 2015 Inspectioneering JournalBy Vibha Zaman, P.E. at Asset Optimization Consultants, and Peter Dsouza at LyondellBasell
Verifying pipeline integrity is particularly challenging due to the difficulty of pipeline access, as well as the limitations in available technology to perform subsea wall thickness inspections. These challenges require action rather than reaction.
-
BlogJune 1, 2015 By Nick Schmoyer at Inspectioneering
Nondestructive Testing (NDT) makes up the majority of testing performed in our industry. There many different types of nondestructive testing techniques. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages; each can detect different types of flaws....
-
September/October 2013 Inspectioneering JournalBy Sam Ternowchek at Mistras Group
Maintaining the mechanical integrity of above ground storage tanks (AST’s) is the focal point of tank inspection programs. Performing internal inspections is an integral part of a tank integrity program, however, deciding when to take a tank out...
-
September/October 2004 Inspectioneering JournalBy Greg Alvarado at Inspectioneering Journal
Exactly two years ago, an interview with John Nyholt appeared in the “IJ”. New ground will be covered in this interchange. We at the IJ thought it might be valuable to spend some time chatting about his background, challenges he has faced...
Inspectioneering Journal
Explore over 20 years of articles written by our team of subject matter experts.
Company Directory
Find relevant products, services, and technologies.
Job Postings
Discover job opportunities that match your skillset.
Case Studies
Learn from the experience of others in the industry.
Event Calendar
Find upcoming conferences, training sessions, online events, and more.
Industry News
Stay up-to-date with the latest inspection and asset integrity management news.
Blog
Read short articles and insights authored by industry experts.
Acronyms
Commonly used asset integrity management and inspection acronyms.
Downloads
Downloadable eBooks, Asset Intelligence Reports, checklists, white papers, and more.
Videos
Watch educational and informative videos directly related to your profession.