Pipe Failure Analysis

Pipe failure analysis involves a step-by-step approach that focuses on the unique aspects of pipe systems. This includes collecting data about the pipe, its installation, service history, operating conditions, material of construction, and any unusual incidents or changes in service conditions. A visual examination is used to inspect the failed pipe for visible signs of failure, such as leaks, bursts, cracks, or corrosion. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques can reveal defects or discontinuities inside the pipe or within its wall. Material characterization is determined to determine the type of material used and its properties, such as mechanical strength, hardness, chemical composition, and physical properties.

Microscopy examination and fractographic analysis are used to examine the pipe’s internal surface and fracture surfaces, revealing signs of erosion, fatigue, stress corrosion cracking, or creep. Laboratory testing may involve destructive testing to understand the pipe’s resistance to various stresses, chemical composition, or susceptibility to certain types of corrosion. Failure mode and root cause analysis are then identified, involving factors like poor design, faulty installation, inappropriate material selection, corrosion, excessive pressure, temperature effects, or a combination of these. Report writing is then completed to summarize the investigation and analysis, explain the determined cause of failure, and provide recommendations to prevent similar failures in the future.

Infinita Lab is responsible for corrosion testing and metallurgical pipe failure analysis. We are capable of analyzing technical issues and standards to determine the root causes of component and material failures.

We offer evaluation services that involve analyzing a range of water and process pipe failures made of steel, PVC, copper, ABS, CPVC, HDPE, polyethylene, cast iron, and Kitec pipes. We carry out scale and corrosion deposit examination, optical metallography, mechanical property analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microstructural analysis, and SEM (EDS and XRD).

To determine the reasons behind failure events, our techniques evaluate, look into, and test engineered materials. By thoroughly analyzing the parts and procedures that went wrong, we not only help our customers solve problems but also eradicate the root cause. Our material engineers for pipe failure analysis reconstruct incidents, gather crucial data, and evaluate it for in-depth investigation and reporting.Our objective is to produce comprehensive pipe failure analysis results that are in conformity with industry requirements by offering cost-effective and cutting-edge technology solutions.

Testing types:

• Electron microscopy for scanning
• Microscopic Examination
• Metallography
• Chemical Evaluation
• Analysis of mechanical properties
• Analysis of Scale and Deposit

X-Ray Diffraction Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy Pipe Failure Analysis:

• PVC pipe failure, copper pipe failure, water pipe failure, ABS pipe failure, and HDPE pipe failure are all examples of pipeline failures.
• Failure of polyethylene and cast iron pipes
• KITEC Pipe Defect