P-Response™ technology is a quality and damage assessment tool for industry.  The technology is used in the cement, lime, alumina, petroleum and minerals industries for identifying suspect areas in refractory and civil concrete structures, non-destructively, as opposed to visual inspection or core drilling. 

Refractory linings are typically composed of layers of refractory concrete varying in thickness and density.  The lining is typically, insulating layer and the dense “hot face” layer.  The concretes are held in place by steel anchors of various shapes.  The vessel linings can also be composed of refractory or acid brick with insulation layers. 

The failure of vessel refractory linings is a serious industry problem both from a maintenance and a safety aspect.  Knowing if the lining is safe before people enter the vessel is required.  Also knowing if the lining is damaged before the plant comes off line allows for better planning and maintenance to be carried out. 

The P-response™ method measures vibration waves in concrete plates or structure.  If the structure is damaged then the measured mobility and frequency at the test point will vary.

Typical applications include:

• Damage assessment to predict the likelihood of significant refractory concrete failure before vessel entry
• Damage assessment to extent of damage and the likelihood of refractory concrete repairs within a set time frame
• Assessment of installed concrete quality
• Damage assessment of civil concrete structures
• Assessment of kiln brick linings (under development)