Ring Testing of Plastic Pipe
Failure analysis

Exova has many years of experience of conducting failure analysis and related field investigations across a wide range of industry sectors. Failure investigations of polymeric materials have included medical devices, plastic pipes, coatings and adhesives, automotive components, consumer goods, construction materials, composite tanks, rubber gaskets and many others. The Group has professionally qualified polymer scientists who are experienced in report preparation for litigation support, performing routine product verification and failure analysis reports.

Failure analysis of pipeline products is a very important task to prevent future failures and resolve disputes and frequently the analysis begins with fractography. Exova offers a fractography service which is the visual and microscopic study of fractured surfaces and is commonly used. This method of examination on the fractured surface will begin to determine the cause(s) of failure. Following the initial examination, we use state-of-the-art analytical and mechanical procedures to help verify the cause. Recommendations can then be provided for ways to eliminate the possibility of future failures.

Failure analysis and consultancy services

This failure analysis service is offered from our European and Americas regional facilities.

• Collection of background and selection of samples
• Review of safety considerations
• Establishment of record keeping
• Identification and cleaning of samples
• Macroscopic examination and analysis
• Microscopic examination and analysis
• Mechanical testing
• Chemical analysis
• Testing under simulated service conditions
• Analysis of evidence and formulation of conclusions