Eddy Current Testing (ECT)
Eddy Current Testing (ECT) is an advanced, high-speed electromagnetic inspection technique widely utilised for surveying non-ferromagnetic heat exchanger tubing, steam surface condensers, feedwater heaters, and chiller bundles. In high-demand facilities such as thermal power stations, nuclear plants, and petrochemical refineries, condenser and heat exchanger tubes endure harsh operational degradation where undetected wall loss precipitates severe unscheduled outages.
ECT operates upon the fundamental principle of electromagnetic induction. An alternating current energises an internal bobbin probe coil, establishing an alternating magnetic field that induces localized eddy currents within the conductive tube wall. Discontinuities such as internal diameter (ID) pitting, external diameter (OD) erosion, stress corrosion cracking (SCC), and baffle plate wear distort the eddy current flow, generating phase angle and amplitude shifts visualised in real time upon Lissajous impedance planes.
Stellar Inspection and Testing NDT deploys calibrated multi-frequency digital ECT instrumentation operated by accredited PCN / ASNT Level II and Level III specialists. With scanning velocities of up to 2.0 metres per second, our specialists can inspect thousands of tubes during tight turnaround windows, delivering comprehensive computerized tube sheet condition mapping.
Key Technical Highlights & Capabilities
High-Speed Automated Scanning
Inspects at rates up to 2 metres per second, enabling thousands of condenser and heat exchanger tubes to be mapped within tight turnaround windows.
ID & OD Flaw Discrimination
Multi-frequency phase-angle analysis accurately distinguishes internal pitting, external erosion, and baffle fretting defects.
Non-Ferrous Tubing Specialism
Calibrated specifically for Titanium, Stainless Steel, Copper-Nickel, Inconel, and brass tubular alloys.
Full Digital Data Archiving
100% raw impedance signals and tube sheet colour maps are digitally archived for third-party auditing, asset integrity, and trend monitoring.
Require Eddy Current Testing (ECT) for Your Facility?
Contact our experienced Level III inspection specialists for technical consultation, procedures, or expedited site mobilisation.