In-Situ Replication Metallography and Replica Testing

Element provides a comprehensive range of in-situ replication metallography and replica testing services to help you determine the strength, quality and remaining lifetime of your materials, avoid disastrous failures, and ensure safe and productive operations. 

What is replication metallography? 

Replication metallography is a non-destructive sampling procedure which records and preserves the topography of a metallographic specimen as a negative relief on a plastic film. The microstructural replica can be examined using a light microscope or Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for subsequent analysis.

The replicas may pick up loose particles or residue from the surface, which may be used for Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis.

In-situ replication metallography and replica test capabilities 

As one of the largest independent providers of non-destructive testing (NDT) services, Element offers unrivaled experience and expertise in in-situ replication metallography to perform and analyze replica tests for obtaining microstructures on-site, for subsequent examination and evaluation in fully accredited laboratory.

With over 20 years of experience in Petrochemical, Refinery, Industrials and Oil and Gas industries, we can perform replica tests on a wide range of metals and alloys such as austenitic stainless steels, nickel and chromium based alloys, carbon steel, low alloy steel, and duplex stainless steel.

From on-site evaluation of a component’s metallurgical and heat treatment condition to conducting a remaining life assessment study and a failure analysis project, our skilled teams of metallurgists can verify the on-site, non-destructive microstructure of any given component. 

In-situ testing, analysis and interpretation 

Element combines a diversity of advanced metallographic equipment and tools with a dedicated team of experienced metallurgists to conduct high quality of all replica examinations and deliver accurate and reliable results that you can trust. 

We follow the guidelines in ASTM 1315, ASTM E3, ASTM E340 and ASTM E407 to identify, prepare and examine in-situ metallographic replicas. 

Our metallurgists are highly skilled in the preparation of the replicas using a number of techniques and can advise you in choosing the appropriate method for your specific project needs.

In-situ replication metallography and replica examination services

• Microstructure evaluation
• Creep damage assessment – mostly on high-pressure and high-temperature equipment such as steamlines, boilers and reactors.
• Thermal degradation of the materials - mostly on stainless steels in high-temperature equipment, where detrimental precipitation and the Degree of Sensitization (DOS) can be assessed. Thermal degradation can also occur during unwanted high-temperature exposure, such as fire damage or hot spots.
• Failure analysis/crack analysis
• Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE) 
• Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) 
• Intergranular Corrosion (IGC) 
• Graphitization 

The Element advantage 

Our Engaged Experts combine tests to get the most complete indication of the examined equipment; for instance, to determine whether a material has been thermally degraded, the replica tests are combined with hardness measurements. If microstructure examination is not sufficient on the surface alone, our metallurgists can take boat samples for examinations on (partial) cross-sections.

For more information about how we perform in-situ replication metallography and replica testing, or to request a quote, contact us today.