inspection services

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Inspection Services

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  • PO Box 2507 5581 Creel Road Harrison, AR 72601 Pho: 870-741-8917 FAX: 870-741-8975

    Al Newberry, PE

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    Jess Richter, Manager of Inspection

    [email protected]

    THIRD PARTY INSPECTION

    Third party inspection of custom designed and fabricated industrial equipment is prudent, given the fact

    that the cost of failure is always high. High costs result from plant shutdowns, chemical spills, chemical

    cleanup, lost product and combinations thereof. An example of the latter occurred some years ago when

    an improperly designed and fabricated FRP tank suddenly failed at a cosmetics factory. The tank

    contained a very expensive cosmetic ingredient and the resulting losses were in the hundreds of

    thousands of dollars.

    While many companies employ inspectors who are qualified for conventional materials, such as metal and

    concrete, few companies have staff inspectors qualified for corrosion resistant fiberglass reinforced plastic

    (CR FRP).

    FEMech Engineering is staffed with qualified individuals having extensive experience in the inspection of

    CR FRP new and in-service equipment. An exhaustive technical knowledge of CR FRP and decades of

    experience, combined with high ethical standards, result in inspection which is practical, yet thorough.

    We know what is important and what is unimportant.

    Inspection of CR FRP falls into two major categories: new equipment and in-service equipment. New

    equipment should be inspected during and at the completion of the fabrication process, to make sure the

    laminates, the materials, the assembly details, the reinforcements and work schedule are in compliance

    with the specifications, the applicable codes or standards, the calculations and the approved shop

    fabrication drawings. In-service equipment should be inspected periodically, depending on the chemical

    service, the operating temperature and any upset conditions which may have occurred.

    Third party inspectors are in a position either to facilitate solutions or to create undue fears, require

    unnecessary testing, bring about delays and increase costs for everyone concerned. The latter behavior

    typically results from an unqualified inspection firm or an inspection firm whose business philosophy is to

    profit by fueling controversy. The FEMech Engineering business model is very simple: Promote solutions

    which benefit all parties and result in good quality, while avoiding the incubation of controversy and

    problems.

    Some of the major aspects of new equipment inspection are:

    Material verification and documentation

    Resin gel and viscosity testing

    Mold and mandrel inspection

    Observation of the winding process and ply counting

    Inspection of nozzle cut-outs

    Verification of thickness and ply sequence

    Internal and External laminate inspection for visual defects

    Barcol hardness for indication of laminate cure

    Dimensional checks

    Verification of fitting location and installation

    Witness of hydro/pressure test

  • Proof tests of laminate cutouts to verify physical properties

    Jobsite inspection to verify the absence of shipping damage and to ensure proper foundation fit-

    up.

    In 1732, Benjamin Franklin wrote in Poor Richards Almanac A stitch in time saves nine. There are two

    steps in that stitch in time: the first is to determine the need for the stitch and the second is to apply the

    stitch.

    Upon the failure of one of its CR FRP vessels, the plant engineers at an edible oil company remarked We

    thought FRP tanks last forever. Nothing lasts forever. The tank which failed had been in service many

    years in a difficult environment. Sulfuric acid and live steam sparging made the service of particular

    concern and the tank should have been inspected every 2 or 3 years and repaired and relined as required.

    As it was, the tank was neglected and catastrophically failed, causing a lot of unnecessary damage and

    cost. Periodic inspection of in-service CR FRP equipment should be based on a careful evaluation of the

    service conditions. FEMech Engineering can work with your engineering staff in developing a periodic

    inspection and documentation plan.

    The inspection of in-service equipment can be very challenging, as different corrosive environments have

    different effects on CR FRP. In addition to broad-based experience in the inspection of in-service CR FRP

    equipment, FEMech Engineering has a long standing relationship with the FRP testing labs and FRP resin

    polymer chemists for assistance in evaluating difficult situations.

    Some of the major aspects of in-service equipment inspection are:

    Full and friendly compliance with the customers safety regulations and confined space entry

    requirements as well as good industry practice.

    Detailed external inspection of the equipment, anchor bolts, supports, etc.

    Verification the vessel is clean and safe and that oxygen levels are being monitored prior to

    entry.

    Detailed internal inspection of the equipment using some or all of the following:

    o Industry standard visual criteria

    o Barcol hardness testing

    o Grinding of cracks or delaminations if significant in nature

    o Taking biopsy samples using FEMechs small diameter diamond core bit.

    o Sending samples for lab testing.

    Once the inspection is completed, FEMech will issue a formal report and, if repairs are required,

    issue a recommended repair procedure. FEMech can provide a follow-up inspection of any

    repairs prior to putting the equipment back in service.