Portable hardness measurement for weld, HAZ and base material acceptance — Brinell, Vickers and Leeb methods.
Hardness Testing measures a material’s resistance to permanent indentation — providing an indication of strength, ductility and suitability for service. In O&G, hardness limits are specified in welding codes and material standards to prevent hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) and stress corrosion cracking (SCC).
PetroNDT performs portable hardness testing using Leeb (rebound), portable Vickers and Brinell methods — suitable for onsite inspection of welds and base materials.
Prepare test surface to required finish — typically 400 grit or better.
Verify instrument calibration on certified reference block.
Apply hardness tester to test locations — weld, HAZ and base metal.
Convert readings to required scale (HBW, HV, HRC) as per code requirement.
Issue hardness survey report with all readings and accept/reject status versus code limits.
