SI Solutions, LLC

Image Description: Fatigue failure originating at the internal corner of a keyway in a steel shaft. Fatigue failures occur under cyclic loading conditions, and cracks most often originate at a local geometric feature at the component surface (such as an edge or corner, a surface scratch or flaw, or a corrosion pit).  Using fractographic features to identify the crack origin site is critical in determining the cause of a fatigue failure. #metallurgy #metallography #failureanalysis #hardnesstesting #samplepreparation #materialscience #materialverification #materialsanalysis #oxideanalysis #fractography #chemicalcomposition #microstructuralanalysis #boilertubes #steamturbines #powerplants #dissimilarmetalwelds #whydothingsbreak #hightemperaturealloys #powerpiping #creepdamage #stresscorrosioncracking #tubefailures

Image Description: Fatigue fracture that originated at pitting damage on the trailing edge of a large steam turbine blade.      Locating and assessing the initiation site of a failure is critical to identifying the root cause. Understanding the cause and the location(s) of interest also helps to ensure that future inspections are effective.  In the case of steam turbine blades, pitting can cause localized damage, and that pitting damage can result in catastrophic blade failure. #Metallurgy #Metallography #FailureAnalysis #HardnessTesting  #SamplePreparation #MaterialScience #MaterialVerification #MaterialsAnalysis #OxideAnalysis #Fractography #ChemicalComposition  #MicrostructuralAnalysis #BoilerTubes #SteamTurbines #PowerPlants  #DissimilarMetalWelds #WhyDoThingsBreak #HighTemperatureAlloys #PowerPiping #CreepDamage #StressCorrosionCracking #TubeFailures 

Ultrasonic cleaning is a non-destructive, low-cost technological method that uses high-frequency waves to remove contaminants from materials. This technique, when used to enhance flow dynamics in piping, offers the benefit of reduced contamination and radiation dose when applied in the nuclear industry. To determine the feasibility of using this technique, Structural Integrity recently performed a study and multi-faceted analysis to determine this technique’s effect on pipe stresses caused by the induced vibrations. This study, discussed in the News & Views article linked below, focuses on forced flexural vibration in pipes, stress linearization, and forced harmonic excitation and response.  Based on the findings, SI proposed a new approach that utilizes linearized stress intensity derived from finite element linear dynamics analysis tools. To learn more about this study, our findings, and recommendations on ultrasonic pipe cleaning, view the full article from Ashkan Nejad, Ph.D., below. https://lnkd.in/egmFDCkA #PoweredByTandT  #UltrasonicPipeCleaning  #UltrasonicCleaning  #SINEWS 

Image Description: Boiler tube failure that was associated with external wastage and associated swelling. When it comes to boiler tubes, understanding the damage mechanism is essential to identifying the root-cause of the failure and minimizing future failures and costly forced outages. Waterwall, economizer, evaporator, reheat, and superheat tubes can be impacted by different mechanisms, and properly identifying the active mechanism is critical for proper asset management. #Metallurgy #Metallography #FailureAnalysis #MaterialScience #MaterialsAnalysis #OxideAnalysis #Fractography #MicrostructuralAnalysis #BoilerTubes #SteamTurbines #PowerPlants #WhyDoThingsBreak #HighTemperatureAlloys #PowerPiping #CreepDamage #StressCorrosionCracking #TubeFailure

SI’s MSC maintains multiple state-of-the-art microscopes in order to provide high-quality documentation of our clients’ samples; these include scanning electron microscopes, metallographic microscopes, stereo microscopes, and a Keyence digital microscope. #SIMSC #MaterialsScienceCenter

Structural Integrity is a world leader in materials testing, condition assessment, and failure analysis. At our state-of-the-art Materials Science Center (MSC) in Austin, Texas, we provide comprehensive metallurgical services focused on accurate, timely characterizations with integrated support, developing valuable insights based on our extensive experience. Our commitment to excellence and deep domain knowledge is integral to our extensive services: -       Characterizing the condition of in-service components -       Identifying damage mechanisms, such as thermal degradation, creep, corrosion, and fatigue -       Evaluating the root cause of failures -       Reporting useful information for the ongoing use of components and materials remaining in operation We offer a wide range of in-house metallurgical testing capabilities: -       Sample preparation, examination, and documentation -       Fractography of broken components -       Hardness testing -       Deposit and corrosion product analyses -       Chemical composition analyses -       Stereo, digital, and scanning electron microscopy Learn more about our services at the website link below or contact us today. https://lnkd.in/e6UqE7xh info@structint.com #SIMSC #MaterialsScienceCenter #MetallurgicalServices #Metallurgy #SINEWS

As nuclear plants across the country work to complete subsequent license renewal (SLR) activities, SI has been actively supporting many plants with in-depth evaluations and engineering solutions to safely and efficiently extend their operating life. As part of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) review plan for SLR applications, detailed evaluations are recommended for steel and concrete structures, including the biological shield wall (also referred to as “bioshield”), a large concrete and steel structure that’s primary purpose is to shield workers and equipment from high levels of neutron and gamma radiation. SI was contracted by Xcel Energy to perform a detailed evaluation of the bioshield at Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant, the oldest operating BWR plant in the US.  The team assessed embrittlement of the concrete and steel, and addressed NRC requested clarifications considering plant-specific materials, justification of gamma heating parameters and inclusion of weld-related stresses. The SI team completed multiple assessments of the bioshield’s concrete structure and steel liner including a heat transfer analysis to address concerns of thermally induced damage to the bioshield. The results of this first-of-a-kind evaluation were fully accepted by the NRC, demonstrating a path toward performing similar evaluations for other BWR sites pursuing LR/SLR.  Dive into the article below for a detailed look at SI’s approach and innovation used to execute this unique project.  https://lnkd.in/ey3p7Ca3 #PoweredByTandT  #LicenseRenewal  #Bioshield  #SINEWS 

Join Mark Marano, CEO of SI Solutions, as he delivers the Keynote Presentation on the State of The Electric Power Industry at NETA - InterNational Electrical Testing Association's EPIC Conference in Dallas, TX. Mr. Marano’s presentation will be an insightful and interactive session focused on the recent transformation of the electrical power industry and a look into the future. With his experience as Senior Executive at AEP and COO for Westinghouse, Mr. Marano’s diverse experience spans nuclear, conventional, and renewable generation with over 40 years of expertise divided between utilities and service providers. He will share educated reflections on the influence of technology and policy milestones that have contributed to today's energy climate and his passion for empowering the next generation of power leaders. Mr. Marano will also address ongoing developments that have the potential to significantly impact the future, including artificial intelligence, overall electrification, large-scale digitization, alternate fuels such as hydrogen, and more. To learn more, visit the EPIC Conference home page below.    https://lnkd.in/gx3gr28B    #PoweredByTandT  #ElectricalPowerInnovationsConference  #EPIC  #PowerIndustry  #SINews 

Join Mark Marano, CEO of SI Solutions, as he delivers the Keynote Presentation on the State of The Electric Power Industry at NETA - InterNational Electrical Testing Association's EPIC Conference in Dallas, TX. Mr. Marano’s presentation will be an insightful and interactive session focused on the recent transformation of the electrical power industry and a look into the future. With his experience as Senior Executive at AEP and COO for Westinghouse, Mr. Marano’s diverse experience spans nuclear, conventional, and renewable generation with over 40 years of expertise divided between utilities and service providers. He will share educated reflections on the influence of technology and policy milestones that have contributed to today's energy climate and his passion for empowering the next generation of power leaders. Mr. Marano will also address ongoing developments that have the potential to significantly impact the future, including artificial intelligence, overall electrification, large-scale digitization, alternate fuels such as hydrogen, and more. To learn more, visit the EPIC Conference home page below.    https://lnkd.in/gx3gr28B    #PoweredByTandT  #ElectricalPowerInnovationsConference  #EPIC  #PowerIndustry  #SINews 

SI Solutions was founded with a mission to help power the future of critical infrastructure. Today, we are pleased to announce the next step in our evolution: SI has been acquired by MidOcean Partners, a New York-based mid-market private investment firm specializing in building great companies through collaborative partnerships. The transaction includes SI Solutions and all its affiliate companies: Structural Integrity Associates, C2C Technical Services, and SC Solutions. MidOcean provides SI with additional capabilities and experience to further our mutual goals and better serve our industries. Moving forward, we will continue to provide the same unparalleled technical expertise and responsive support you’ve come to expect from SI. Get the full press release with additional details:  https://lnkd.in/eSjSD_Hn