Thoughts on Acoustic Pulse Reflectometry (APR)?

[Stallionbreed]

Hi All,

I'm looking into alternate technologies that can measure for detects and wall lost in heat exchanger tubes. We been using IRIS and ECT. I recently learned about Acoustic Pulse Reflectometry (APR)and apparently the major benefits is that it's minimally invasive and it's faster than ECT and IRIS.

I found a lot of information on the reliability of ECT and IRIS but i'm finding very little for APR. One disadvantage i found so far is that it can be used to inspect the OD of tubes.

Anyone have experience with this technology? Is it really as great as the NDE companies been telling me?

 

[EdStainless]

It is the new flavor of the day, with limited experience.
All of these methods are much better at finding (and sizing) some types of indications over others.
Do you know what indications you are looking for?
How do you quantify NDT performance now?
Do you have access to a mock tube bundle that you require people to test?
This is what the power gen guys do.
Every vendor has to test and report on a reference bundle.
Only the people that are the closest to the known condition get to compete for work.

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed

 

[Stallionbreed]

Most general corrosion, maybe some pitting.

Yes, we have an old bundle in the shipyard that we use to qualified vendors

that's what i plan on doing with this vendor if they come out but i wanted to check with the experts here to hear any feedback.

thank you for responding.