X-Ray Examination
X-Ray examination at the beginning of a failure analysis project has the great advantage of being not destructive and often enables the internal design and condition of a component such as a valve, thermocouple, or electrical heating coil.
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The images below illustrate the use of X-ray to evaluate the condition of the connection between the cold legs and the heating coil. This radiograph was taken of an as received heater with the coil embedded in magnesium oxide insulation and a stainless steel outer sheath.
Heating Coil
The x-ray shows that the connections between the cold legs and the heating coil are intact, with no evidence of arcing, and that the coil and surrounding sheath are free no evidence of deterioration.
Heating Coil Detail
Additional detail showing heating coil connections intact