Positive Material Identification (PMI)
/Positive Material Identification (PMI) is a non-destructive testing technique used to identify and verify the chemical composition and alloy grade of metallic materials and components.
Rivest Technologies provides PMI using portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology. XRF allows materials to be analyzed quickly and non-destructively, making it particularly useful for verifying alloy materials in industrial facilities, fabrication shops, construction projects, and material receiving applications.
PMI can help confirm that the correct material has been supplied, installed, or placed into service and can form an important part of material verification and quality assurance programs.
Common Applications
Rivest Technologies provides Positive Material Identification for applications including:
Piping and tubing
Fittings and flanges
Valves
Pressure equipment and components
Welds and weld metal
Stainless steels
Nickel-based alloys
Chrome-moly and other alloy steels
Incoming material verification
Fabricated components
In-service equipment
Material sorting and alloy grade verification
How Positive Material Identification Works
Portable XRF analyzers expose the material being examined to X-rays. The elements within the material respond by emitting characteristic secondary X-rays, which are detected and analyzed by the instrument.
Because different elements produce characteristic responses, the analyzer can determine the presence and concentration of many of the elements contained within the material.
The measured elemental composition can then be used to identify or verify an alloy grade and compare the material against applicable specifications or established alloy chemistry.
XRF testing can normally be performed directly on components in the field with little or no effect on the material being examined.
Alloy Identification and Grade Verification
Positive Material Identification can be used both to determine an unknown alloy and to verify that a component conforms to the expected material grade.
Alloy Identification — The measured elemental composition is analyzed to assist in identifying the alloy or material grade.
Grade Verification — A known or specified material can be examined to confirm that its measured elemental composition is consistent with the expected alloy grade.
Elemental Analysis — Measured elemental concentrations can be documented to provide additional information regarding the chemical composition of the material.
Material Sorting — PMI can be used to separate and identify materials where alloy grades have become mixed or material identification has been lost.
Advantages of Positive Material Identification
Positive Material Identification using portable XRF offers several advantages for industrial applications:
Rapid alloy identification and grade verification
Non-destructive examination
Immediate on-site results
Quantitative elemental composition information
Portable equipment suitable for field inspection
Testing of installed components
Verification of incoming materials
Identification of mixed or unknown materials
Reduced risk of incorrect alloy materials entering fabrication or service
Electronic documentation of examination results
Portable XRF is particularly valuable when material traceability must be confirmed without removing samples for laboratory chemical analysis.
Rivest Technologies Positive Material Identification Services
Rivest Technologies Inc. provides Positive Material Identification using portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for industrial, fabrication, construction, maintenance, and material verification applications.
Our PMI capabilities include:
Piping and Component Verification — Examination of piping, fittings, flanges, valves, and other components to verify alloy composition and material grade.
Weld and Weld Metal Analysis — XRF examination of suitable weld metal to provide elemental composition information and assist in alloy verification.
Pressure Equipment — Material verification of suitable pressure equipment and associated components.
Incoming Material Verification — Confirmation of alloy materials before fabrication, installation, or entry into service.
Alloy Identification and Sorting — Identification and segregation of unknown or mixed alloy materials.
Elemental Composition Reporting — Documentation of measured elemental composition and alloy identification as applicable to the examination.
Rivest Technologies provides both shop and field PMI services with an emphasis on accurate material verification, clear documentation, and responsive service.
Codes, Standards and Inspection Requirements
PMI requirements vary according to the material, component, industry, governing construction code, quality program, and client specification.
Depending on the application, examinations may be performed in accordance with applicable ASTM, ASME, industry, project, or client requirements and procedures.
ASTM E1476 provides guidance for metals identification, grade verification, and sorting and specifically includes X-ray fluorescence spectrometry as a quantitative method for material identification.
Testing locations, surface condition, number of examinations, alloy acceptance requirements, reporting, and other examination requirements are determined by the applicable procedure or client specification.
Qualified XRF Personnel
Rivest Technologies has NRCan-certified Level 1 and Level 2 XRF analyzer operators.
NRCan's XRF certification program addresses the theory and application of XRF analysis as well as radiation safety and equipment requirements. Level 1 certification qualifies personnel to operate portable handheld open-beam XRF analyzers, while Level 2 certification includes additional advanced knowledge and responsibilities.
Our certified personnel combine this qualification with practical industrial experience to provide material identification, alloy verification, and reporting for a wide range of industrial applications.
XRF Safety
Portable XRF equipment produces ionizing radiation and must be operated by appropriately trained and certified personnel using established radiation-safety practices.
Rivest Technologies' XRF examinations are performed by certified operators in accordance with applicable Canadian requirements and established safe-work procedures. NRCan's XRF certification program was developed in collaboration with Health Canada and incorporates radiation-safety requirements applicable to portable XRF equipment.
Need Positive Material Identification Services?
For information about Positive Material Identification, material verification requirements, scheduling, or pricing, contact Rivest Technologies Inc.
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