When leakage of a metallic liner is suspected, what is crucial to determine?

Determining the condition of the base metal under the liner is essential when leakage of a metallic liner is suspected because the integrity of the liner is dependent on the underlying support structure. Any corrosion, damage, or degradation of the base metal can compromise the functionality of the liner and lead to leaks. The base metal must be able to provide adequate support to the liner and withstand the operating conditions of the pressure vessel. If the base metal is found to be in poor condition, it may require repair or replacement, as its condition directly impacts the overall safety and reliability of the pressure vessel.

Understanding the base metal condition helps inspectors assess potential issues that could arise, such as stress corrosion cracking or material weakness, which can greatly affect the effectiveness of the liner and the entire pressure vessel system. Hence, this investigation forms a critical part of the overall inspection process in ensuring that the vessel continues to operate safely.