Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA)

At any point in the life cycle of a structure (e.g. design, fabrication, operation), it may be necessary to investigate whether it is fit to meet the service requirements for which it was intended, or which it will encounter in the future. TWI's Fracture integrity Management Section uses a range of techniques (e.g. BS7910, FITNET, API579-1/ASME FFS-1) to provide this assessment service, which can cover a range of structures (e.g. pipelines, pressure vessels, bridges, tanks) and damage/failure mechanisms (fracture, fatigue, corrosion). Recommendations are then made as to whether the structure can be considered fit for service, or whether repair, downrating or replacement is needed.

Flow diagram showing stages of design/manufacture in Engineering Critical Assessment

To find out more about TWI's engineering critical assessment, contact: frm@twi.co.uk