Metallurgical Viability, Inc.

Investigative Metallurgy uses standard metallurgical techniques and an understanding of chemical and metallurgical processes to identify the root cause of a chemical release that results in an environmental event or personal injury.

Our skills were developed during a long term contract to manage the Failure Analysis Department at Corrosion Testing Laboratories. The principal lead Failure Investigations (FI) of components and systems in the chemical field for clients of CTL. FI for chemical explosions, catastrophic equipment failures, and system and component failures in a wide variety of industries were carried out. For instance, a refrigeration tank failure at a Honeywell from poor work by a vendor (details confidential).

We managed the FI of HVAC chiller systems (conventional and absorption units), heat exchangers/condensers (petrochemical), shafts, structural components, valves, piping, and similar. Identification of failure mechanisms including fatigue, corrosion fatigues, caustic corrosion, dew point corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, etc. We conducted bench-scale evaluations, plant inspections/audits, and phone consultations. We combined traditional metallographic techniques with extensive process insight to diagnose component and system failures.

We also used on knowledge of nickel/ nickel oxide coating on soldered connections for Flehr Hohbach Test Albritton, Inc. (2002) for a patent litigation.

We expedited the resumption of business for a tantalum reclamation process after an explosion for Douglas G. Peterson & Associates and Liberty Mutual Insurance (2002). We facilitated third party tolling agreements, selecting engineering firms, evaluating condition of equipment, and providing general technical support to the Insurer.

We are prepared to use the same investigative skills for equipment/material failures in the chemical, metallurgical, or energy field.

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