THE HSD
MMT’s Hardness, Strength, and Ductility Tester (HSD) is process-driven instrumentation used by field technicians to provide critical pipeline integrity health and performance data that is typically not available from original construction.
PHMSA-Approved Pipe Fitness Verification
MMT’s Hardness, Strength, and Ductility Tester (HSD) is process-driven instrumentation used by field technicians to provide critical pipeline integrity health and performance data that is typically not available from original construction.
The HSD is the only field instrumentation that performs frictional sliding to imprint multiple long shallow grooves on the pipe surface. This enables collection of hundreds of measurements from a single test to sample a greater volume of material and provide reliable averages.
Additionally, the HSD measures the material response at targeted levels of deformation, creating a representative stress-strain condition that is closer to the initial yield and ultimate tensile strength of the material, reducing the extrapolation that is required with indentation-based methods.
Process-Driven. No Downtime.
For an on-site test, it takes 4-6 hours start-to-finish, per pipe. This includes all procedures of the HSD tester, full chemistry sampling and in-situ microscopy of the pipe material. An instant report is available immediately via the MMTConnect™ software.
The HSD Tester is validated against laboratory test results, as shown in the unity plot above. MMT’s technology yields accurate, reliable results for dependable material verification data.
Providers
Frequently Asked Questions
The HSD is the only field instrument that performs frictional sliding to imprint multiple long shallow grooves on the pipe surface, which enables the collection of hundreds of measurements from a single test to sample a greater volume of material and provide reliable averages.
HSD Testing is calibrated to differentiate between High-Frequency, Low-Frequency, and Post-Weld Heat Treated ERW seams. This determination can significantly impact the safe operating conditions of assets by providing material properties above the conservative minimum values.
If there is sufficient area to mount the tester to the sample, the HSD can gather the necessary information. For straight joints, tee joints, and reducers, this requires a segment with at least 3” OD and 12” of unobstructed straight pipe. For most elbows, the OD needs to be 8” or greater.
API has minimum values for both Yield and UTS. It is important to confirm that samples meet API standards across all parameters to ensure safe operation.
The HSD is a weather-resistant instrument that can withstand weather conditions and abnormal considerations that are safe for testing.
