What is PMI

Positive material identification (PMI) is an essential non-destructive testing (NDT) method utilized to
verify that supplied materials conform to the proper standards and specifications. Specifically, PMI is
used to confirm that the chemical composition of the metallic parts has the correct percentage of key
elements, this ensures that material properties such as corrosion resistance meets the requirements.

The PMI is utilized for quality control and safety compliance and is an integral part of both production
and asset integrity management across many industries including oil and gas, power generation,
chemical, pharmaceutical, nuclear, aerospace, and metal fabrication.

The material testing can be performed on-site before the parts go into the production process or for final
products. Retroactive PMI is used to test in-service process equipment and piping systems. PMI can be
utilized on a variety of part sizes – from large complex parts to things as small as the weld fill material
or small fasteners.

Handheld X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) is the most common PMI method and the portability of the hand-
held equipment allows to perform PMI on-site at the production plant or factory floor. The handheld
XRF instrument scans the material and provides chemical composition and alloy grade name.

Importance of PMI
One of the most common causes of industrial accidents is failures in mechanical integrity. Examples of
this include rupture of pressurized systems, stress corrosion cracking, flow accelerated corrosion
especially in power/nuclear plant technology, and insufficient strength of welded joins.

Positive material identification can prevent potential product failure in manufacturing. At oil and gas,
power generation and pharmaceutical plants, pre-service and in-service inspection of critical
components and welds with PMI can prevent breakdown and its potentially costly and dangerous
consequences.

PMI testing means that companies can make sure that every single part in their system meets
specifications, critical replacement parts are the right alloy grade and all new materials are exactly what
they should be. This important step can be the key difference between seamless operations and
catastrophic safety failures.

PMI Recommended Practices

PMI is a widely adopted non-destructive testing method and there are several standards and
recommended practices for it. The American Petroleum Institute recommended practice, API RP 578 –
Material Verification Program for New and Existing Alloy Piping Systems, provides the guidelines for a
quality assurance system to verify the alloy components. Another widely used PMI guide is ASTM
E1476 is a Standard Guide for Metals Identification, Grade Verification, and Sorting. Both of these
documents cover the use of the handheld XRF and other applicable techniques.

Positive Material Identification Uses

 Ensure that products and components have been manufactured using the correct alloy
 Find potentially mixed-up alloys
 Ensure material conforms to the correct standard and specification
 Ensure welded components have used the correct filler material
 Failure Analysis PMI – it is vital that the cause is identified and resolved to avoid repeat failures
 Ensure compliance with local government and legal requirements
 Reduce risk of company liability with documented safety standards