Failure Investigation and Root Cause Analysis

Have you had unexplained failures?

Do you know why?

We have helped our customers to understand the root cause of their problem and thus implement repair or operational changes to avoid further failures.

Our services include:

• visual and engineering evaluation
• metallography, scanning electron microscopy and micro analysis
• consideration of environmental factors and operational conditions
• determination of root cause of failures
• identification of liability in litigation and insurance issues
• determination of materials properties

Our customers have enjoyed benefits including:

• preventing repeat failures
• selecting appropriate materials for the next project
• changing operating conditions

HRL Technology carries out detailed investigations into the failure of plant and components caused by material condition, stress level, corrosive environment, temperature, fluid flow regime, fatigue and vibration. We identify the failure mechanism with a view to determining the root cause and corrective actions. We have studied failures in a wide range of materials and plant in a broad cross section of Australian industry.

We characterise the microstructure and composition of a component using optical and electron microscopy and relate this to specifications and plant life requirements. NATA registered mechanical testing determines the strength, toughness, fatigue and creep properties giving a complete picture of material condition. HRL Technology has techniques and facilities that enable much of this characterisation to be carried out on operating plant, or on samples removed without affecting availability or integrity of strategic plant.

Investigations into aqueous corrosion, stress corrosion and erosion corrosion can be conducted. Specialised facilities for high temperature corrosion and oxidation testing at pressures to 35 MPa in acids and alkali solutions at temperatures to 250°C.

Full corrosion and condition surveys of plant and recommendations for protective coating. Detailed investigations into the root causes of corrosion failure and the development and evaluation of remedial options.