Technical knowledge
Positive material identification: the control that prevents mixed material
How positive material identification works, XRF versus optical emission spectroscopy, what each can and cannot detect, coverage levels to specify, and how to record results for an audit.
Why PMI exists
Material mix-up is one of the most persistent risks in alloy piping because a 316L component looks identical to a 304 or a duplex one. The consequences appear years later as unexplained corrosion. PMI is inexpensive, fast and non destructive, and it is the single most effective control against this class of failure.
Methods and what each detects
| Method | Detects | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Portable XRF | Chromium, nickel, molybdenum, niobium, tungsten, titanium, copper | Cannot reliably measure carbon, nitrogen or boron |
| Portable OES | The above plus carbon and nitrogen | Leaves a small burn mark; needs a clean surface |
| Bench OES or wet analysis | Full chemistry to specification | Destructive sampling; used for verification of disputes |
| Chemical spot tests | Specific elements only | Screening only, not a substitute for instrument PMI |
Coverage: how much is enough
- 100 % coverage for critical alloy changes, for small quantities, and for sour or high consequence service.
- Statistical coverage, commonly around 10 %, for large bulk orders of a single standard grade from a single heat.
- 100 % of welds where filler metal verification is required, which is separate from parent metal PMI.
- Final verification after installation where the owner wants the installed asset confirmed rather than only the delivered components.
Good practice that makes results defensible
- Clean the surface: paint, oxide, coating and contamination distort the reading.
- Confirm the instrument was calibrated and verification standards were checked.
- Record the location, the component, the heat number and the measured chemistry.
- Define the acceptance band, since instrument precision varies by element.
- Reconcile results with the mill certificate rather than treating them as independent.
- Where the project requires independent verification, arranged testing by SGS can provide the documented third party test report.
Questions about this topic
Can XRF confirm a low carbon grade?
No. Portable XRF cannot measure carbon reliably. Use optical emission spectroscopy or verify against the mill certificate where the carbon content is the distinguishing requirement, such as 316L versus 316.
How much PMI coverage should I specify?
100 % for critical services and small quantities, and a defined statistical programme for large bulk orders of one grade from one heat. State the percentage on the order so there is nothing to negotiate later.
Does PMI replace the material certificate?
No. PMI verifies the element mix at a point; the certificate documents the full heat analysis and mechanical properties. Both are needed for a complete audit trail.
Questions about our products
What products does Hangbo Alloy supply?
Four product families, all available in nickel-based alloys, titanium, duplex and special stainless steel: flanges, butt weld pipe fittings, elbows, and seamless tube and pipe. Flanges cover weld neck, long weld neck, slip-on, blind, socket weld, threaded and lap joint patterns. Fittings and elbows cover concentric and eccentric reducers, equal and reducing tees, caps, stub ends, and 45°, 90° and 180° returns in both long and short radius, plus 3D and 5D bends for piggable lines. Seamless tube and pipe is supplied cold drawn or hot finished from 6 mm to 630 mm outside diameter.
Which alloy grades are available for these products?
More than 90 grades are published in our grade library. The most requested are Inconel 625, 718, 600 and X-750, Hastelloy C-276, C-22 and B-2, Monel 400 and K-500, Incoloy 800H, 825 and 925, duplex 2205 and super duplex 2507, 316L, 904L and 254SMO stainless steel, and titanium Grade 2 and Grade 5. Nickel-based grades can also be supplied with VIM plus ESR double melting where cleanliness or fatigue life is critical.
What sizes, wall thicknesses and pressure classes can you supply?
Flanges run from NPS ½ to NPS 24 to ASME B16.5 and from NPS 26 to NPS 60 to ASME B16.47 Series A or B, in pressure classes 150 through 2500. Butt weld fittings and elbows run from NPS ½ to NPS 48 (DN 15 to DN 1200) in wall thickness Schedule 5S through XXS. Seamless tube and pipe covers 6 mm to 630 mm outside diameter, in random lengths of about 5 to 7 metres or fixed lengths up to 12 metres. Non-standard and intermediate sizes are quoted on request.
Which material and dimensional standards do you work to?
Forged flanges to ASTM B564, B381 and A182 with dimensions to ASME B16.5 and ASME B16.47. Butt weld fittings and elbows to ASTM B366 and A403 with dimensions to ASME B16.9 and MSS SP-43. Seamless tube and pipe to ASTM B444, B423, B622, B163, B167, B861, A312, A213 and A790. Marking follows MSS SP-25 and the applicable product standard. If your project is governed by EN, DIN, JIS or a company specification, send the document and we will confirm equivalence before quoting.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
There is no minimum for standard sizes and grades held in stock, and prototypes, spares and small trial batches are accepted. Made-to-order melts and special forgings carry a minimum weight that depends on the alloy and the route, typically from about 500 kg for special grades.
What inspection and certification is issued with the goods?
Every shipment carries an EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate quoting the actual chemical and mechanical results for the specific heat lot, together with dimensional records and heat treatment data where applicable. Testing is carried out in house by optical emission spectrometry, tensile, impact and hardness testing, plus ultrasonic and eddy current examination, with hydrostatic pressure and intergranular corrosion testing to ASTM G28 or A262 Practice E where the specification requires it. Third party inspection by SGS or another recognised agency can be arranged, and their report is issued alongside the shipment.
What are typical lead times?
Standard stock items ship within days. Common production grades such as Inconel 625 or duplex 2205 are typically a few weeks. Special chemistries, larger forgings and items that require third party inspection take longer and are quoted individually against the requirement.
How are the products packed for export?
Flanges and fittings receive a rust preventive coating, are individually wrapped and are packed in plywood cases secured with steel banding. Tube ends are capped and bundles are strapped. Packing lists quote heat numbers so every case can be cross-checked against the mill certificate on arrival. We quote EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF and DAP, and mixed-alloy orders can be consolidated into one shipment with a single documentation package.
How do I request a quotation or a sample?
Send the grade or UNS number, the dimensions including schedule or wall thickness, the governing material and dimensional standards, quantity, any heat treatment or NDT scope and the certificate type you need; a drawing is ideal for special flanges and fittings. Email [email protected] or message us on WhatsApp +86 15618279078 and we normally issue a formal quotation within 24 hours on working days. Samples and previous test reports can be arranged before the first order.
Talk to an engineer
Share your duty conditions and we will shortlist candidate alloys within one working day.