Investing in Testing and Analysis: PQI, CGD and Failure Analysis Equipment - Powerlabs

Investing in Testing and Analysis: PQI, CGD and Failure Analysis Equipment

May 4, 2022

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Constellation PowerLabs is always looking ahead when it comes to advancing in the latest technologies as we strive to deliver accuracy in everything we do. Recently, our team invested in a device that will act as an instrumental piece when testing for PQI and Commercial Grade Dedication Testing. Not only has it helped create greater efficiencies in our testing services, but we also use this equipment for failure analysis to make better informed decisions.

Learn more about our latest investment and how it has helped create more efficiencies while supporting various aspects of our testing and analysis services.

Introducing the Fluke ii910 Precision Acoustic Imager

failure analysis test equipment

The Precision Acoustic Imager is an innovative instrument, as it allows us to create more efficiencies in our testing and analysis service areas. This device is able to easily detect and verify leakage as well as partial discharge.

With one click of a button, our engineers are able to capture videos as well as pictures of the component being tested, and easily determine if there is a leak and where it is located. While this can be used on a variety of applications, our engineering team intends to use this primarily in technical services on components such as pneumatic positioners, pneumatic controllers, valves, hose testing and electro pneumatic assemblies.

Previous Testing and Analysis Methods

When our engineering team needs to verify leakage of a component, they would follow several steps to identify a possible leak and specifically, where it was located.

Check out the techniques we use to determining the pressure integrity:

  • Pressure Drop Test / Pressure decay: This process involves applying pressure by inputting air into the component. After air pressure has been applied, the technician or engineer must wait an extended period of time before analyzing to see if any leakage has occurred. This will be identified if the pressure drops. Once the instrument pressure drops, it’s time to determine where the leakage is coming from, though many times it is not obvious.
  • Snoop Test: This test involves applying pressure and placing air into the instrument that is being evaluated or tested. The technician then applies snoop on the outside of the instrument and then examines the device for any signs of “soapy bubbles.” When bubbles are identified, that means that the specific area that is bubbling is experiencing leakage.  While this is a great way to identify leakage, it involves cleanup as well as some inaccuracies. These inaccuracies can occur when testing high-pressure components, as they sometimes will not show any visible bubbles if it has a very small leak.

With the investment of the ii910 Precision Acoustic Imager, Constellation PowerLabs engineers can quickly identity any leakage in a matter of seconds. This new technology has helped improved processes in our labs and allows us to deliver even greater accuracies in our testing and analysis services.

Working with High Performing Failure Analysis Equipment

When it comes to analyzing the failure of a component, it is critical that you are using advance failure analysis equipment to accurately determine the root cause.

Being able to accurately determine the root cause will help produce the right corrective action, so that the failure does not occur again. When instruments come through the lab due to a failure, our engineers will utilize the Precision Acoustic Imager if there is a need to evaluate the pressure integrity. Using advanced failure analysis equipment such as this, our team can rule out any discrepancies and quickly identify a factor into why the unit failed.

Driving Efficiencies in PQI Testing

PQI testing is all about testing critical components and identifying failed parts before they can be entered into inventory or installed. PQI testing involves customized test plans to ensure they meet their full functionality.

In our PQI tests plans, depending on the component category, they may require leakage testing. Not only can our failure analysis equipment identify a failure, but it can also tell the engineer where on the component it failed. They can then use this data to determine if this is a manufacturing defect and notify the manufacturer about any design flaws.

PQI is a preventative maintenance program that test parts to ensure the instrument will reach its maximum potential. With the help of the Precision Acoustic Imager, we are able to more accurately test components, therefore improving equipment reliability.

Meeting the Mark with Commercial Grade Dedication Testing

Not only is this equipment great at identifying failures, but it also helps confirm whether a safety related component meets it’s specific acceptance criteria. For safety related components, they need to be tested to a higher rigor based on the operation location. If a safety related valve needs to function at a certain amount of pressure, it’s important that it’s reliable.

When our engineers perform a leakage test on a safety related component, they can gather the data in seconds to determine if it meets the desired criteria.

Expansive Capabilities Through Our Failure Analysis Equipment

While the Precision Acoustic Imager acts as a great piece towards our collection of failure analysis equipment, our team has found diverse uses for testing and verification. As we continue to adopt in modern technologies, we aim to provide greater accuracies each time.

Delivering Quality

At Constellation PowerLabs, we are a full-service laboratory dedicated to providing quality in all aspects of our business model. From exceptional customer service to delivering reliable products, we are here to support your business and provide a level of quality that is unmatched.

We are accredited lab under A2LA ISO 17025 and provide Appendix B calibrations and testing. We make it a point to invest in our people and equipment, so that we can better serve our customers and deliver greater accuracies.

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