When it comes to Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) programs for high-temperature piping, one of the most critical factors for long-term success is consistency in ultrasonic thickness testing (UTT) locations. Over time, corrosion rates and remaining life assessments depend on accurate, repeatable measurements taken at the same points year after year. But ensuring this level of consistency isn’t just about having skilled technicians and reliable ultrasonic equipment—it’s also about using high-quality, durable inspection point location (IPL) labels or thickness measurement location (TML) labels that can withstand extreme conditions without degrading.
Why Consistency in UTT Locations Matters
RBI programs rely on trend data to predict degradation and assess the integrity of piping systems. If thickness measurements are not taken at the same exact locations each time, the data becomes unreliable, potentially leading to:
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Overestimating remaining life, which increases the risk of unexpected failures.
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Underestimating remaining life, leading to premature repairs or unnecessary shutdowns.
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Inconsistent corrosion rate calculations, making it difficult to apply accurate risk assessments.
By maintaining UTT locations with high-temperature-resistant labels, inspectors can ensure that data remains precise and comparable across multiple inspection cycles.
The Role of High-Quality UTT Labels in High-Temperature Piping
High-temperature piping presents unique challenges for inspection point labels. Labels that are prone to leaching, melting, peeling, or fading can compromise the integrity of your RBI program by causing measurement errors or making inspection points difficult to locate. That’s why it’s crucial to use labels that are:
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Low-leachable – Preventing contamination or material degradation.
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High-temperature resistant – Withstanding extreme heat year after year.
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Durable against moisture, corrosion, and UV rays – Ensuring long-term readability and adhesion.
Why NDT Seals Labels Are the Best Choice
When it comes to UTT inspection labels, NDT Seals offers some of the most durable and reliable solutions on the market. Unlike standard labels that may deteriorate over time, NDT Seals products are designed specifically for harsh industrial environments, including high-temperature piping in refineries, chemical plants, and power generation facilities.
Some key features that set NDT Seals apart:
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Low-Leachable Materials – Ensures no loss of integrity over time, even in extreme conditions with adhesives that will not damage piping even at high temperatures.
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High-Temperature Resistance – Capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures (up to 300°F) without melting or fading.
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Strong Adhesion & Protection – All labels have a minimum of 1mil of UV matte protection. The matte coating resists degradation from scuffing, chemicals, moisture and wide temperature fluctuations. The adhesive is a high-performance acrylic for strong bonding on textured surfaces.
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Easy Identification – Clear, legible markings for long-term use, ensuring inspectors can quickly locate and measure the correct points.
The Bottom Line
For RBI programs to be effective in high-temperature piping, UTT measurement consistency is key, and the right inspection labels play a crucial role in that consistency. Investing in high-quality, durable labels—like those from NDT Seals—ensures that your inspection data remains accurate, repeatable, and reliable for years to come.
If your facility is still using subpar labels that degrade over time, it might be time to switch to NDT Seals’ superior inspection point labels and protect the integrity of your RBI program.
Did you know that custom design labels (color, size, logos, serializing, specific materials) and metal tags can be quoted.
Want to learn more? Contact NDT Seals today to see how their industry-leading labels can improve your inspection program.