PMI and Spectrographic Analysis
Confirming the alloy grade and composition of components and welds, so the right material is in the right place on critical service.
About PMI and spectrographic analysis
Positive material identification confirms the alloy grade and chemical composition of a component or weld. On critical service, using the wrong grade of steel can lead to premature failure, so verifying what a component is actually made of matters as much as checking it for flaws.
We carry out PMI using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or optical emission spectroscopy, selecting the technique to suit the alloy and what needs to be confirmed. XRF is fast and portable for sorting and grade confirmation, while optical emission spectroscopy is used where light elements such as carbon need to be measured.
The work is used for material verification to avoid mix-ups on critical service, and for weld PMI to confirm that filler material matches the specification. It is carried out by qualified NDT technicians.
What we confirm
A PMI programme is defined by the service, the specification and the risk of a material mix-up. A typical scope includes:
- Positive material identification of components and welds
- Alloy grade confirmation against the specification
- Chemical composition analysis of parent material
- Weld PMI to confirm filler material
- Material verification on critical service lines and equipment
- Sorting and segregation of mixed or unmarked materials
- XRF analysis for fast, portable grade confirmation
- Optical emission spectroscopy where light elements are required
Why material verification matters
Avoid material mix-ups
Confirming grade on critical service catches the wrong alloy before it goes into a line where it could fail.
Verify welds
Weld PMI confirms that the filler material matches the specification, not just the parent metal either side.
The right technique
XRF for fast sorting and grade confirmation, optical emission spectroscopy where carbon and other light elements matter.
Reporting and recommendations
Every PMI job produces a clear report that records each component tested, the technique used and the alloy grade or composition confirmed, referenced against the specification it was checked to.
Where a component does not match, the report states what was found so it can be segregated and dealt with before it reaches critical service.
Reports are written by the technician who carried out the work, so the results and any recommendations reflect first-hand knowledge of what was tested and how.
Related inspection services
Need to confirm what a component is made of?
Speak with our team about positive material identification, weld PMI and material verification on critical service.