FERRITE COUNT TESTING

Description

Ferrite testing is a fast, inexpensive, and accurate way to measure delta ferrite content in austenitic and duplex stainless steels. Proper ferrite content provides a balance between ductility, toughness, corrosion resistance and crack prevention.

The test uses a portable ferrite scope machine and this handy equipment provides data by using highly mobile digital technology.

Heat, pressure and caustic environments require materials and welds with very high metallurgical integrity. A correct ferrite measurement can help to avoid both solidification cracking and corrosion in stainless steel welds, pipes, plates, pressure vessels and petrochemical components.

Duplex stainless steel and stainless steel welds have allowable ferrite content value which sometimes becomes more stringent for different application.

When ferrite content is too high, stainless steel can lose ductility, toughness, and corrosion resistance – especially at high temperatures. If ferrite content is too low, stainless steel welds become susceptible to hot cracking or solidification cracks.

Test results can be determined by ferrite number (FN) or by ferrite percentage (%) and reported in accordance with relevant technical specifications (AWS A4.2) and/or customer requirements.