In this episode, Evan Lowrance, Corporate NDT Engineer at Webco Industries, and Jonathan Konerza, Tubing Division Manager at Sentinel Integrity Solutions, join co-hosts Heather Allain and Marc Cook for an in-depth look at eddy current testing (ECT) of heat exchanger tubes. Together, they break down how ECT works, the differences between internal and external testing, and how factors like magnetism and material conductivity influence test results. The conversation explores how eddy current testing compares to IRIS testing, what types of defects ECT is best suited to detect, and where its limitations exist. Evan and Jonathan also discuss the importance of reference standards, technician qualification, and tailoring inspection programs to expected degradation mechanisms. The episode wraps with practical insight into evaluating NDE providers and recognizing warning signs that testing may not be delivering reliable results.

In this episode, Danny Mock, managing partner for M10 Process Equipment, Inc., joins co-hosts Heather Allain and Marc Cook to take listeners inside the world of column internals and the fundamentals that drive mass-transfer performance. Danny breaks down what mass-transfer equipment is and how internals efficiency is evaluated, offering practical insight into design considerations that influence reliability and long-term operation. He discusses the importance of selecting materials with appropriate corrosion allowances, how internals are attached and supported, and what engineers should know about bolted fasteners, dissimilar metals, tray flatness, and the risks associated with creep and thermal expansion. The conversation also covers column fires, static charge generation, and the role of random packing in modern column design. Whether you're troubleshooting existing towers or designing new equipment, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the details that matter most inside a process column.

In this episode, Mukesh Ahlavadi, Global Director of the Chemicals Market at NobelClad, joins co-hosts Heather Allain and Marc Cook to explore the world of metal cladding and its critical role in modern engineering applications. Together, they provide an overview of hot roll bonding versus explosion cladding, examining the key drivers behind each process and why industries turn to cladding for enhanced material performance and corrosion resistance. Mukesh walks through essential fabrication considerations, including the use of batten strips, interlayers, and post-cladding operations, while sharing insights into heat treatment, forming clad plate, and lessons learned from a 1990s clad failure. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how explosion cladding was discovered, the mechanics of the process, and how the distinctive wave pattern at the clad interface reflects quality and bonding integrity.

In this episode, Kevin Ganschow, materials & corrosion consultant at Mechanical Materials Engineering, LLC, joins co-hosts Heather Allain and Marc Cook to unpack the intricacies of gasketed joints. The discussion begins with a foundational look at flange assemblies as systems before diving into key factors such as gasket stress, bolt reuse, and lubrication. Kevin highlights best practices for bolted joint assembly and integrity programs, emphasizing the importance of assembler training, flange tagging, and condition assessment. The episode also explores advanced considerations including joint relaxation, hot tightening, hot bolting, and bolt relaxation, offering practical insights for engineers and operators aiming to enhance reliability and safety in their systems.

In this episode, Jennifer Larimore and Avery Boyer, Materials Engineers at Chemours, join co-hosts Heather Allain and Marc Cook to share an inside look at how a materials lab works. Jennifer and Avery walk through the step-by-step process of analyzing samples—from sectioning, cleaning, reviewing documentation and photographing through the final wrap up of documenting and communicating findings to the customer. They discuss analysis methods like nondestructive evaluation, XRF identification, hardness, fracture testing, polishing and metallography to uncover critical material properties. The discussion also explores the importance of turning technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations. Throughout the conversation, the guests highlight how these practices help solve real-world challenges, prevent failures, and ensure long-term reliability.

In this episode, Cathleen Shargay, Advisor of Materials and Welding Engineering at Becht, joins co-hosts Heather Allain and Marc Cook to explore the complexities of materials selection during project execution. The conversation covers a wide range of essential topics, from understanding what materials selection diagrams (MSDs) are and how they interface with process engineering, to evaluating life cycle cost inputs and establishing design life. Cathleen also unpacks how MSDs relate to Integrity Operating Windows (IOWs) and Corrosion Control Documents (CCDs), and how these tools work together to support informed decision-making. The episode dives into strategies for managing excursions, assessing corrosion circuits, and understanding the consequences of material failure. Finally, the discussion looks ahead to how artificial intelligence is beginning to shape materials selection and analysis in the future of engineering.

In this episode, Ana Benz, Chief Engineer at IRISNDT, joins co-hosts Heather Allain and Marc Cook for a deep dive into selecting non-destructive examination (NDE) techniques based on expected damage mechanisms. Ana shares insights on recent advancements in radiography, field-based hardness testing, and imaging of hardness indents to assess effectiveness. The conversation also explores proper surface cleaning for inspections, the use of chemical composition analysis to detect degradation from galvanic corrosion, and the role of Integrity Operating Windows (IOWs). Additional topics include remote monitoring applications and innovations in remote inspection technology.

Corrosion Chronicles is produced by Association Briefings.