DESCRIPTION OF ACFM TECHNIQUE Alternating Current Field Measurement (ACFM) is an electromagnetic technique for detection and sizing of surface

breaking cracks. It works on all metals and, not requiring direct contact, works through coatings. The system was originally developed in the early 1990s by Technical Software Consultants Ltd (TSC) for the sub-sea and topside inspections of offshore structures without the need to remove the item protective coating. Since then it has been successfully applied to onshore process plant. Applications include in-service inspection of welded items and crack detection in vessels. The ACFM probe induces a uniform alternating current in the area under test and detects the resulting current flow near to the surface. This current is undisturbed if the area is defect free. A crack redirects the current around the ends and faces of the crack. The ACFM instrument measures these disturbances in the field and uses mathematical modelling to estimate crack size. Capabilities Detects and sizes cracks for both length and depth. Can inspect any electrically conductive material. Data is recorded electronically for off-line evaluation if necessary. There is a permanent record of indications. "Finger Print" capability for ongoing monitoring. Non-invasive inspection without removing any non-conductive protective coating (up to 10mm thick). Limitations Not recommended for short sections or small items. Locations of weld repairs and localised grinding can cause spurious indications. Crack length needs to be longer than 5-10mm. Multiple defects reduce the ability to estimate defect depth. The equipment is more bulky than for MPI and indications may be more difficult to interpret. MPI may be more sensitive for shallow defects (<0.5mm deep) Preparation Non- adherent protection such as insulation must be removed. The system can operate through non-conductive adherent coatings but there may be a need to remove heavy or loose scale and spatter.