Inspection

Module from the Heat Exchanger Engineering Curriculum curriculum.

Module 10 - Inspection and Integrity · Learning Objectives · 1. Apply API 510 shell-side pressure-vessel inspection rules to exchanger shells · 2. Select tube inspection method: ECT, IRIS, RFT, MFL by material · 3. Classify tubes at >20% wall loss as plug candidates (owner criteria) · 4. Re-rate MAWP after corrosion monitoring or tube wall retirement · 5. Plan replacement based on remaining tube wall and cycle economics · Tube NDE Method Selection

Method	Principle	Material	Detects	Limit	Ref
ECT (eddy current)	Electromagnetic	Non-ferromagnetic (SS, CuNi, Ti)	Pits, wall loss	Cannot use CS/CrMo	API RP 583
IRIS	Ultrasonic in-tube	All metals	Wall thickness	Slow	API 510
RFT (remote field)	Through-wall ECT	Ferromagnetic	General wall loss	Poorer sensitivity	API RP 583
MFL (magnetic flux leak)	Magnetic	CS only	Pits and wall loss	Not quantitative	API RP 583
Helium leak test	Pressure drop / tracer	Any	Through-wall leaks	No wall thickness	ASME V Art 10

Source: Heat_Exchanger_Engineering_Curriculum_v1.xlsx · Sheet: Inspection

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