Internal Rotary Inspection System (IRIS)

Internal Rotary Inspection System is a high-resolution ultrasonic inspection technique used for accurate measurement of wall thickness and detection of corrosion in heat exchanger tubes. IRIS is considered one of the most precise methods for quantitative wall loss assessment.

This technique is commonly used when accurate sizing and confirmation of corrosion severity are required.

Why IRIS Is Required

While electromagnetic techniques provide effective screening, IRIS offers superior accuracy for quantifying wall thickness and corrosion geometry. It is often used for confirmation of defects identified by eddy current or remote field techniques and for critical decision-making.

Scope of Inspection

IRIS is applicable to:

Ferrous and non-ferrous heat exchanger tubesBoiler and condenser tubesTubes requiring precise wall thickness measurement

Inspection Methodology

IRIS inspection is performed by inserting a probe into a water-filled tube. The probe emits ultrasonic pulses that are reflected from the tube inner and outer surfaces using a rotating mirror mechanism.

The time-of-flight of the ultrasonic signals is used to calculate precise wall thickness measurements around the full circumference of the tube. The resulting data provides a detailed thickness profile, allowing accurate assessment of corrosion, erosion, and metal loss.

Key Benefits

IRIS provides highly accurate wall thickness measurement, reliable corrosion sizing, and detailed quantitative data to support tube integrity evaluation.

Industries and Applications

IRIS is widely used in refineries, power generation facilities, petrochemical plants, fertilizer units, and chemical industries for detailed heat exchanger tube assessment.

Internal Rotary Inspection System offers precise and reliable evaluation of heat exchanger tube wall thickness. Its accuracy makes it a preferred technique for critical integrity decisions and life assessment.