Positive Material Identification (PMI) and Testing

Our Positive Material Identification (PMI) and Testing Service

We use Positive Material Identification (PMI): for the analysis of a metallic alloy to determine its composition by reading the quantities by percentage of its constituent elements.

Radiography Testing is used to find defects and flaws throughout an entire part. It is one of the most effective ways of determining the soundness of a part or component. PMI can be used for welder certifications, proving the soundness of castings and much more.

Portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a nondestructive, semi-quantitative method of positive material identification that determines the chemical composition of a material. Correct and specified materials are critical in many industrial applications such as piping systems, fittings, flanges, gaskets, bolting materials, and other components. PMI techniques can be implemented as a stand-alone program or as part of an ongoing program to identify potentially improper materials in high-risk systems to prevent catastrophic failures.

X-Ray Tube Based X-ray fluorescence cannot detect elements with an atomic number of less than 22 (titanium), with the exception of 5 elements: Mg, Al, Si, P, and S.

Principle of operation: X-ray is used to generate a beam of low-energy radiation to excite the material being examined. When irradiated, the analyzed material emits a characteristic spectrum which is then analyzed to determine which elements are present and in what quantity. The instruments are typically small, lightweight, highly portable, and can deliver quick results in even the most demanding situations.

Portable XRF can be applied to QA/QC on new construction, maintenance activities, and existing equipment to verify a product’s chemistry conforms to the correct material standard, code, and specifications. It can ensure welded components have the correct filler metal. Portable XRF can also identify incorrect or potentially mixed-up materials and assess enhanced corrosion potential in HF alkylation units due to residual elements in carbon steels (such as Ni, Cr, Cu), as well as identifying process units susceptible to sulfidation.

Portable XRF Limitations

Both isotope and x-ray methods of XRF are semi-quantitative as there are various elements that avoid detection. These instruments cannot detect carbon, therefore alloy grades such as SS304 and 304L cannot be differentiated. The device indicates whether the alloy composition is consistent with the specified alloy material. The amount of the specific elements detected are also reported for each material tested. The device can export an Excel file showing the percentages and the percent of error.

Metal industries depend on fast, accurate elemental analysis. Portable analyzers can provide reliable, real-time data for sample identification and positive material identification for even difficult-to-analyze light elements, without helium purging or vacuum pumps.

Wide Range of Applications

• Scrap metal recycling
• Sorts aluminum, titanium, and bronze alloys
• Tramp and trace element analysis
• Organize work areas
• Scrap metal sorting
• Analysis of light elements
• Identifies material anomalies
• Soil analysis
• Concentrate measurement
• Ore blending analysis
• Precious metal identification
• Lab analysis prequalification
• Detects contaminants such as chlorine and sulfur in sediment
• Detect arsenic in the soil.
• Identifies environmental hazards in residential, commercial, and industrial settings

Contact G.Cotter about Positive Material Identification (PMI) and Positive Material Testing