For creep-exposed components such as boiler tubes and power plant high energy piping, residual life assessment allows asset owners to plan remedial maintenance to maximise asset availability. Field Metallographic Replication (FMR) is the most common method used to assess the extent of degradation in such components. FMR is a minimally destructive technique (typically <0.5 mm of material is removed) in which the external surface of a pipe/tube is polished and etched in situ before an impression of the surface is taken with a piece of cellulose acetate film. When viewed on a microscope, the acetate replica reproduces the full surface topography of the pipe/tube, allowing an engineer to classify its degree of degradation in accordance with industry guidelines and advise on the safe scheduling of repairs.

Consultants at FACE are experienced in producing FMRs at power stations, refineries, and other process plants. Further, our consultants are established as project managers and works coordinators on residual life assessment projects.