Houston Failure Analysis Laboratory
Whether corrosion is the cause or not, we have extensive failure analysis capabilities to help you determine what happened and how to fix it! Our failure analysis services are customized to suit your needs. That means we do anything from a ‘quick and dirty’ troubleshooting with verbal or email discussion to a full, detailed scientific report suitable for courtroom testimony. Whether you have a full fracture or just a component not performing as expected, we can help you understand and solve the problem!
Cross-Section of Stress Corrosion Cracking 
A Pipe with Stress Corrosion Cracking 
Galvanic corrosion failure – US Corrosion 
Pitting corrosion failure – US Corrosion 
Galvanic corrosion analysis – US Corrosion
How Much Does Failure Analysis Cost?
Failure analysis pricing – Failure analysis pricing varies dramatically depending on the length and breadth of the reporting. For quick analysis with email report, the failure analysis price can range from $500-$2,500. For full reports, the price is generally from $3K-20K+. Ultimately, we aim to help you find the answer, within your budget, and prevent problems from recurring.
Failure Analysis Case Study
In the example below, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy was performed in the SEM on the fracture surface at localized areas to evaluate the chemicals present. Very high levels of chlorine were found, which had led to severe pitting corrosion of this type 304 stainless steel. Ultimately, our recommendations to change to a more corrosion-resistant alloy have prevented any further corrosion failures in this equipment.
We tailor our services to your needs. Sometimes, it is necessary that the analysis be very thorough, with all aspects to be evaluated as reasonably possible. Other times, a limited scope analysis is all the support that is needed. Below is an outline of common types of investigations.
- Email Summary: Informal investigation with findings provided via email. Minimal discussion in report and minimal consulting time budgeted.
- Summary of Findings: Short report that includes findings and some discussion. Some consulting time is included.
- Full Report: Thorough failure analysis report including documentation of laboratory findings and a discussion of the results and failure mechanism, conclusions, and recommendations when possible.