Positive Material Identification (PMI) Services for Alloy Verification & Compliance
Fairtex delivers Positive Material Identification (PMI) services for offshore, refinery, petrochemical, power generation, and industrial facilities using advanced XRF and Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) technologies. The service is designed to verify alloy composition, confirm material traceability, and prevent material mix-ups that can compromise asset integrity and operational safety.
Our PMI services support both laboratory and on-site inspection activities, enabling rapid non-destructive alloy verification directly at the work location. Fairtex deploys portable analyzers and experienced inspection personnel to perform material verification during fabrication, shutdowns, maintenance campaigns, commissioning, and in-service inspection programs.
Typical applications: piping systems, welds, valves, flanges, pressure vessels, bolts, structural steel, cladding materials, refinery process lines, offshore topside systems
What this service covers
XRF Positive Material Identification
Fairtex utilizes portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzers for rapid alloy verification and material sorting. XRF technology provides fast, non-destructive elemental analysis for stainless steels, nickel alloys, duplex materials, and other high-alloy metals directly in the field.
OES Alloy Verification & Carbon Analysis
Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) systems, including SPECTROTEST technology, are deployed where accurate carbon measurement and low-alloy differentiation are required. OES testing is particularly effective for distinguishing low-carbon and high-carbon stainless steels and verifying critical alloy grades.
Refinery & Process Safety Compliance
PMI inspection supports compliance with API RP 578 requirements intended to prevent material mix-ups in refinery and process environments. Verification activities reduce the risk of component failure caused by incorrect alloy installation or undocumented substitutions.
In-Service & Shutdown Material Verification
Fairtex performs PMI testing during plant operation, shutdowns, fabrication activities, and maintenance interventions. Portable lightweight analyzers enable inspection access in elevated pipe racks, offshore installations, and confined operational environments.
Reporting & Traceability Documentation
Inspection data, alloy identification, and verification certificates are generated rapidly using digital reporting systems. This supports QA/QC traceability, procurement verification, and maintenance documentation requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Portable XRF and OES PMI testing for field and laboratory applications
- Verification of stainless steels, alloy materials, and weld compositions
- Supports API RP 578 refinery and process safety compliance
- Fast reporting and digital certification for QA/QC traceability