What is Eddy Current Testing (ECT) for Tube Inspection & Pulling?

Eddy Current Testing (ECT) is a specialized non‑destructive testing (NDT) methodology that utilizes electromagnetic induction to detect defects, corrosion, wall‑thickness loss and other anomalies in conductive tubing without compromising the tube itself. When applied to tube inspection and pulling scenarios, a probe is inserted into the tube and pulled through its length (or scanned along) while high‑resolution data are captured, providing comprehensive internal surface and near‑surface condition assessment. This service is ideal for shell‑and‑tube heat exchangers, condensers, boilers and other industrial systems where tubing integrity is critical to operational reliability and safety.

What Our Service Includes:

  • Full‑length pulling & scanning access: Our technicians insert and pull ECT probes through tubing bundles to capture continuous condition data along the entire length of each tube.
  • Fast data acquisition with minimal downtime: The process is optimized for speed and accuracy, enabling inspection within maintenance windows and helping to reduce system downtime.
  • Defect detection and sizing: he service identifies surface and near‑surface flaws—such as pitting, erosion, cracking or thinning—and quantifies severity to support decision making.
  • Digital reporting & trend analysis: Inspection results are logged, mapped, and analysed to support life‑cycle management, remaining‑life estimation, and maintenance planning.
  • Versatile material coverage: Conductive materials including copper, stainless steel and titanium alloys are catered for; coatings or thin coverings may be tolerated with proper probe selection and calibration.

Why Choose Alpha Ultrasonics’ ECT Tube Inspection & Pulling?

At Alpha Ultrasonics, we combine decades of NDT experience with state‑of‑the‑art ECT technology to deliver actionable insights into your tubing assets. By providing rapid, accurate evaluations, we empower you to make informed maintenance decisions, avoid unplanned failures, and extend the service life of your systems — all while supporting safety, compliance and operational efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does a typical ECT tube inspection take?

Inspection duration depends on tube diameter, length, bundle size and accessibility, but our team aims to complete the process within scheduled outage windows to minimise operational disruption.

Does the tube need to be removed or cut for inspection?

No — the probe is inserted in situ and pulled through the tube; removal or destruction of the tube is not required unless subsequent repairs are indicated.

Can ECT detect both internal and external defects in the tubing?

Yes — ECT is effective at identifying surface and near‑surface anomalies inside conductive tubing, including thinning, pitting, erosion and cracking; external defects may be inferred depending on wall loss.

What types of materials can be inspected with ECT?

ECT is designed for conductive materials such as copper‑based alloys, stainless steel, titanium and similar metals; ferromagnetic materials may require alternative NDT methods.

Will coatings, scale or debris inside the tube affect the inspection results?

Minimal coatings may be acceptable, but heavy scale, deposits or fouling can interfere with probe travel or signal response, so pre‑cleaning is often beneficial.

How are the inspection results delivered and used for decision‑making?

Results are provided in a comprehensive digital report with defect maps, severity assessments, and trend support, enabling you to prioritise repairs, plan replacements and manage remaining life.

How often should ECT tube inspections be scheduled?

Inspection frequency depends on operational conditions, tubing material, age and service history; many facilities integrate ECT during each major outage or align with their condition‑based monitoring strategy.

Begin Your Inspection Request

Contact us by phone or email to request a quote, check service availability, or book an inspection. We respond promptly and deliver accurate, dependable results.