On-site quality assurance of 2.5 kilometers stainless steel ventilating ducts
FORCE Technology is going to quality assure 2.5 kilometres stainless steel ventilating ducts in the new-built Niels Bohr Bygningen in Copenhagen (Faculty of Science).
The Niels Bohr Bygningen in Copenhagen which is going to accommodate most of the Faculty of Science has been delayed for several reasons. Part of the delay is caused by a former supplier who laid pipes and ventilating ducts of a wrong quality in the whole building which means that 2.5 kilometers of ducts must be changed before the building is completed. Flexibility, metallurgic expert knowledge and on-site Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES analysis) were vital for the completion of the task.
Independent inquiry and documentation of steel quality
Pro Ventilation - a Danish supplier of sustainable solutions within ventilation and indoor climate - got the comprehensive assignment of reorganising the pipes. Due to the scope of the assignment, and the fact that the construction already was delayed, it was crucial that the new pipes meet quality requirements.
Søren Christensen from Pro Ventilation tells: ”To be sure of the quality of the new stainless steel pipes, we need an impartial expert to check and document the quality of the deliveries from our suppliers.”
Replacing all pipes and ventilating ducts is a major task where Pro Ventilation continuously will receive the required working materials from their supplier. Therefore, Pro Ventilation needed an external expert to quality assure every single delivery who also would be able to send a technician out at short notice.
Søren Christensen from Pro Ventilation says: ”The construction is already delayed and therefore it is crucial that FORCE Technology is flexible so the construction work does not stand still because of a supplier.”
Fast and flexible method with on-site OES analysis
Other crucial factors were the supplier’s access to the right control equipment, their ability to assess the analytical results and provide answers relatively fast, allowing the construction work to continue. Pro Ventilation contacted FORCE Technology who were asked to solve the task.
Specialist Ole Petersen from FORCE Technology says: ”Our advanced OES analysis equipment makes it possible to perform on-site analyses, if required by our customers. An on-site analysis is both a faster and more flexible solution for our customers.” Ole Petersen continues: ”When performing a laboratory analysis, a sample of the steel in question is submitted to the laboratory. After 1-2 days, the results are ready, and you will know answers to what the steel contains and whether it meets the requirements agreed with the supplier."
An OES analysis generates a spark in the surface where the equipment is used, leaving a small ”burn” in the surface. The OES method is only applicable for metalline materials and is especially useful in instances where there is a need to know the carbon content and where it does not matter that a small “burn” is left in the surface. This could be e.g. large steel constructions in the building industry or as in this case ventilating ducts and pipes.
Large degree of flexibility and impartial documentation
Using the OES analysis equipment, gives an instant insight into which chemical elements are in the material, providing a fast indication on whether the material is as it should be. The results from the OES analysis is also thoroughly examined by one of FORCE Technology’s metallurgists, making sure that the stainless steel meets the quality requirements set by the developer. Afterwards, a rapport is made after each spot check, ensuring Pro Ventilation an impartial and thorough documentation which they can send to the developer.
