The purpose of PMI is to ensure that the materials used in construction or manufacturing meet the required specifications and are suitable for their intended use. It helps prevent issues such as material mix-ups, incorrect alloy selection, or the use of counterfeit materials.

 

PMI is usually conducted using portable handheld devices called PMI analyzers or metal analyzers. These instruments utilize various techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), optical emission spectroscopy (OES), or laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), to analyze the elemental composition of the material.

 

During the PMI process, the analyzer is placed in contact with the material surface, and a small area is scanned or sampled. The instrument then measures the characteristic energy emitted or absorbed by the elements present in the material, which allows it to determine the composition.

 

The results obtained from PMI can be compared against known material specifications or reference standards to verify if the material is consistent with the required composition. This information is crucial for quality control, material traceability, and ensuring the integrity and safety of structures or equipment.

 

PMI is commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, aerospace, and manufacturing, where material properties and composition are critical for performance and safety.