This past Friday, representatives from EON Products, Inc. and World Testing, Inc. were on site at Centennial Park to perform more inspections on the condition of the boiler. Specialists used handheld analyzers to measure the amount of carbon within the steel plates of the boiler. The CFR mandates that in order to weld repair any unstayed area of the boiler, the carbon count must be below .25, so these tests are extremely important as we plan ahead to the restoration phase.
For this inspection, World Testing used the SciApps Z-analyzer that uses a LIBS technique. What exactly does that mean? LIBS means “laser induced breakdown spectroscopy” and it yields nearly instant readings on the metal that it’s testing. This is the only analyzer currently on the market that has the ability to measure carbon in alloys. We are pleased to announce that all of the readings showed the carbon amount at less than . 25! The men who maintained the NC&StL’s steam fleet could never have imagined that this could be done with a tool that fits in the palm of a hand!
World Testing, Inc. previously performed ultrasonic tests on various portions of the boiler measuring the thickness of the sheet metal. They are a metals testing laboratory, locally-based in Mt. Juliet, TN, offering Radiographic Examination, Ultrasonic Inspection, Magnetic Particle Examination, Liquid Penetrant, Hardness Testing, Leak Testing, Visual Inspection, Alloy Analysis, Welding Certifications, Welding Procedures and Consultations.
As a subcontractor for construction and engineering firms throughout the United States, World Testing performs destructive and nondestructive testing of structural steel, castings and piping for compliance with codes and customer specifications in fabrication and welding operations.
Their services are performed at shop and field projects of all sizes and types of structural steel, pipelines, compressor stations, pressure pipe, pressure vessels (including steam trains!) and related facilities throughout the United States. We are very appreciative of their help and proud to call them a partner!
