3 Methods to Test Inspect Monel, Inconel, Incoloy & Hastelloy

--A Professional Guide to Testing and Inspecting Nickel-Based Alloys for Industrial Reliability

Learn three proven methods to test Monel, Inconel, Incoloy, and Hastelloy—ensuring material accuracy, corrosion resistance, and compliance with ASTM and NACE standards.

This article uses three engineering methods to help quickly and accurately inspect Monel, Inconel, Incoloy, and Hastelloy, reducing the risk of material errors and service failure.

Method 1: Material Identification (PMI, Positive Material Identification)

XRF handheld spectroscopy: on-site determination of major elements such as Ni/Cr/Mo/Cu.

OES direct reading spectroscopy: more sensitive to C, S, and trace elements, suitable for retesting.

Example: Inconel 625 (UNS N06625) and Incoloy 825 (UNS N08825) can be distinguished by their Ni and Mo content.

Method 2: Geometry and Welding Quality+NDT

Size/ellipticity/appearance: Ensure consistency in forming.

Non destructive testing: ET eddy current (ASTM E426), UT ultrasound (ASTM E213), PT penetration (ASTM E1417), RT radiation (ASME Sec.V); It is recommended to cover the weld seam 100%.

Pressure resistance and airtightness: Conduct water pressure/airtightness tests according to the design pressure and record the pressure holding curve.

Method 3: Corrosion Resistance and Environmental Adaptability

IGC intergranular corrosion: ASTM G28 A/B (corresponding to Ni Cr Fe and Ni Mo systems).

Acidic gas field: materials comply with NACE MR0175/ISO 15156; If necessary, perform SSC/HIC (TM0177/TM0284).

Chloride pitting: Combined with temperature and Cl ⁻, ASTM G48 evaluation may be supplemented if necessary.

MTSCO Nickel Alloy Quality Assurance

MTSCO has established a "raw material production finished product" full process testing system for Monel, Inconel, Incoloy, and Hastelloy alloys: a 20 person QC team uses a portable PMI instrument for initial material inspection upon entry, and the laboratory uses a direct reading spectrometer to accurately verify the composition. UT/PT non-destructive testing is performed 100% during the finished product stage, and third-party mechanical and corrosion resistance testing is supported by SGS and TUV. MTSCO can provide testing reports and quality traceability documents, and has provided compliant nickel based alloy products for petrochemical projects of customers such as Aramco and PETRONAS. At the same time, it can assist customers in developing targeted testing plans to ensure that materials are fully compatible with actual working conditions.