Description
Trace Chromium/Molybdenum/Copper Screening with Portable XRF
Flow-Accelerated Corrosion (FAC) inspection programs require confidence in very low chromium content when evaluating carbon steel piping. The SciAps X-550 delivers strong trace-level performance and fast, on-pipe chemistry results — making it an excellent choice for FAC screening and inspection prioritization.
The X-550 is a next-generation handheld XRF designed for professionals performing FAC work, material verification, and inspection program optimization in fossil, combined-cycle, and nuclear power plants.
Why the SciAps X-550 Is FAC-Ready
FAC susceptibility correlates strongly with low levels of chromium in carbon steel. Even fractional increases in chromium can significantly reduce FAC rate, so reliable trace measurement is a core requirement for inspection planning and risk modeling. The SciAps X-550 is engineered to:
- Provide accurate, repeatable trace chromium measurements
- Support screening decisions without needing slow lab analysis
- Instant results in field conditions
This makes it ideal for FAC programs that depend on defensible material chemistry data to focus inspection effort where it matters.
How the X-550 Supports FAC Inspection Work/Jobs
The X-550 is commonly used for:
- FAC walkdowns and piping condition assessments
- Screening carbon steel piping based on trace Cr levels
- Evaluating elbows, tees, reducers, and other FAC-prone components
- Verifying material upgrades or replacements
- Supporting inspection prioritization and lifecycle planning
While handheld XRF isn’t a standalone thickness measurement tool, it is a critical screening solution that helps inspection teams pre-qualify materials and feed better data into FAC modeling and inspection strategies.
Elements Commonly Evaluated in FAC
Handheld XRF with the X-550 is used to measure:
- Chromium (Cr) – primary FAC susceptibility indicator
- Copper (Cu) – secondary indicator
- Molybdenum (Mo) – secondary indicator
Chromium measurement is the primary focus for FAC screening and risk prioritization.
Field Workflow for FAC with SciAps X-550
-
Select Testing Locations
Concentrate on elbows, bends, high-turbulence zones, and reductions. -
Prep the Surface
Remove oxidation, coatings, oil, and contamination to ensure trace-level accuracy. -
Perform XRF Screening
Use short test times for quick screening and longer exposures for borderline or critical evaluations. -
Log Your Data
Capture chemistry data alongside line ID and location to support inspection prioritization.
Why Inspection Teams Choose SciAps X-550 for FAC
Trace performance: Designed for reliable low-Cr results in carbon steels.
Field durability: Rugged handheld build for inspections in industrial environments.
Easy workflows: Fast setup and intuitive touchscreen interface streamline FAC screening.
Defensible data: Repeatable results that support trending and inspection decisions.
The X-550 shines when FAC programs need more than basic alloy ID — they need high-confidence trace chromium data that can stand up to inspection planning and lifecycle analysis.
Typical FAC Use Cases
- Screening legacy and installed carbon steel lines
- Verifying material upgrades before and after outages
- Prioritizing ultrasonic thickness inspections
- Supporting outage planning and inspection scope decisions
- Reducing unplanned FAC-related failures
What This Analyzer Is (and Isn’t)
The X550 is:
✔ A fast, non-destructive trace chemistry screening tool
✔ Ideal for identifying FAC-susceptible low-Cr steels
✔ A front-end inspection planning resource
The X550 is not:
✖ A replacement for ultrasonic thickness measurement
✖ A corrosion-rate predictor on its own
FAC rate depends on multiple variables — but material composition is foundational, and the SciAps X-550 excels at delivering chemistry data for that foundation.
Included with Purchase
- SciAps X-550 handheld XRF analyzer
- Factory calibration and software
- x2 Rechargeable Li-Ion Batteries
- Battery Charger and AC Power Supply
- Rugged carrying case
- Alloy Geek training and support
- Grinder for sample preparation
- x2 Certified Reference Materials for sample check
X550 Technical Specifications
| Specification | SciAps X-550 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.98 lbs with battery |
| Dimensions | 8.5" × 9.5" × 2.4" |
| X-ray Tube | 5 W tube; 40 kV Rh anode for alloy testing; 50 kV Au anode for other apps |
| Detector | 20 mm² Silicon Drift Detector (140 eV resolution at Mn K-alpha) |
| Analytical Range | 32 elements standard (varies by app) |
| Grade Library | 500+ grades standard; expandable |
| Display | 2.7" color touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB |
| Cameras | Dual cameras for targeting, welds, documentation |
| Power | Hot-swappable Li-ion battery |
| Operating Platform | Android OS |
| Regulatory | CE, RoHS, USFDA, Canada RED Act |
Downloads:
To Request a Quote:
- Request a Quote Online
- Call us at 919-400-1216
- Email us at sales@alloygeek.com