NDT Services
PMI Analysis
Positive Material Identification verifies the chemical composition of metals and alloys in seconds, ensuring the right material is in the right place for safety-critical applications.
PMI uses portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers to determine the elemental composition of metallic materials. The analyzer fires X-rays at the material surface, causing each element to emit characteristic fluorescent X-rays. The instrument measures these emissions and identifies the alloy grade within seconds, comparing results against built-in alloy libraries.
Material mix-ups can have catastrophic consequences in process industries. The wrong alloy in a corrosive service can fail rapidly, leading to leaks, fires, and environmental releases. PMI provides rapid, non-destructive verification that the installed material matches the engineering specification — catching mix-ups before they become incidents.
PMI is critical for refineries, chemical plants, power generation facilities, and pharmaceutical operations. Common applications include incoming material verification, in-service alloy confirmation, turnaround material QA/QC, fabrication shop material control, and failure analysis support.
We perform PMI per ASME Section V, API RP 578 (Material Verification Program for New and Existing Alloy Piping Systems), ASTM E1476, and owner-specific procedures. Results are documented with alloy identification, element percentages, and pass/fail disposition.
Verifying material composition to prevent costly mix-ups.