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Introduction To Positive Material Identification or PMI With PDF

Positive material identification (PMI) uses non-destructive testing to identify the elements and quantities in a metallic alloy. A PMI gun analyzes materials on-site for applications like verifying vendor materials and ensuring plant integrity in industries such as oil/gas, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals. Common PMI methods include x-ray fluorescence, optical emission spectrometry, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, which use techniques like x-rays, sparks, or lasers to detect elemental "fingerprints". PMI provides quick, reliable results without samples needing extensive preparation.

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231 views

Introduction To Positive Material Identification or PMI With PDF

Positive material identification (PMI) uses non-destructive testing to identify the elements and quantities in a metallic alloy. A PMI gun analyzes materials on-site for applications like verifying vendor materials and ensuring plant integrity in industries such as oil/gas, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals. Common PMI methods include x-ray fluorescence, optical emission spectrometry, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, which use techniques like x-rays, sparks, or lasers to detect elemental "fingerprints". PMI provides quick, reliable results without samples needing extensive preparation.

Uploaded by

kamala 123
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to Positive Material Identification or PMI

(With PDF)
whatispiping.com/positive-material-identification-or-pmi

Anup Kumar Dey

Positive Material Identification or PMI is


the non-destructive analysis of a metallic
alloy to identify the constituent elements
and their quantities. To ensure product or
alloy quality as per requirement, PMI or
Positive Material Identification testing
provides a quick solution. PMI is an on the
spot (on-site) examination method and
highly beneficial for projects where there is
a possibility of a material mix-up. To verify
the compliance of material certificates of
composition, positive material identification is increasingly used in various industries.

A positive material identification test is normally performed using a handheld positive


material identification gun. Once the PMI gun is fired to the material for a specified time
it automatically produces the element compositions in its display and identifies the
material.

Applications of Positive Material Identification


Several accidents in the petroleum and manufacturing sectors highlighted the need for
specific materials during the design stage. Positive material identification ensures that the
material provided by the vendor is exactly the same as is asked or deviating. So
mechanical and structural integrity of the plant is maintained. This is the reason PMI is
widely used as an inspection tool in recent times. The industries that found the
application of positive material identification are:

Oil & Gas, Chemical, Petrochemical, Refinery


Aeronautical
Pharmaceutical
Power Plant
Steel, etc

For verifying in-stock materials, plant inspection, failure analysis, component validation,
operational and installation qualification, etc. PMI is widely used. Positive material
identification is used as an integral part of the process safety management system. It can
also be used to verify welding materials to check if compatible filler material is used.

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Fig. 1: Positive Material Identification Test

Positive Material Identification Testing Methods / PMI Methods


PMI Analyzers of recent times use any of the below-mentioned three different
technologies:

X-ray Fluorescence (XRF),


Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES) or
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS).

Depending on the analysis needs, the technology is chosen.

XRF Method of PMI:


The XRF method uses x-rays. The component is exposed to a flux of x-rays released from
the PMI gun. The atoms of the material absorb this energy and they emit secondary x-rays
that are unique to the elements present. By measuring this energy and intensity of the
secondary x-rays, the XRF PMI gun provides the composition of the material. ASTM E
1476 provides a well-defined procedure to guarantee reliable and accurate results. XRF
positive material identification is one of the quickest and comprehensive PMI methods.

OES Method of PMI:

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In the OES method of positive material identification, the material is exposed to a spark
from an electrode in argon atmosphere. The spark causes the material to emit light having
a unique coloration based on the material composition. The chemical composition of the
component can be identified by examining that light emitted.

LIBS Method of Positive Material Identification

LIBS or Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy method of PMI uses a high-focused laser


to ablate the sample surface. The electronically excited atoms and ions form a plasma. As
these atoms decay back into their ground states, they emit characteristic wavelengths of
light, or “unique fingerprints”. These “fingerprints” are distinct for each element which is
analyzed by the LIBS analyzer for producing quantitative and qualitative results. This is
the newest technology for positive material identification tests.

All the above three technologies come in a portable format inside a hand-held device
known as a positive material identification gun. All three produce reliable results.
However,

XRF can even be used to analyze hot samples like process components at process or
power plants. XRF can analyze any type of component whether it is conductive or
non-conductive; metallic or non-metallic, granular, or liquid forms.
OES PMI test provides superior performance in measuring nitrogen, carbon, boron,
and phosphorous in steel.
LIBS PMI technology is particularly good for measuring aluminum alloys and make
it a useful method for sorting scrap metal.

Advantages or Benefits of Positive Material Identification or PMI


PMI testing is versatile and can be used on any shape and size. It comes with a number of
advantages as follows:

A light-weight Handheld device for positive material identification testing.


Produce consistent reliable results with a high degree of repeatability.
Quick analyses of components or materials.
On-site PMI technology
Minimal preparation in most cases
Large materials-data library for rapid PMI
A required alternative for missing original materials reports
Highly accurate results for good quality control.
Field testing with laboratory quality.
Reduced risk of company liability.
Fast audit times.

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