The Small Punch test is a miniaturized non-intrusive methodology that allows performing creep tests using very small specimens. It can be used for the residual lifetime assessment of in service components.
In the last years, numerous applications of Small Punch Testing as well as related pre-normative work and Round Robin exercises have led to new insights which motivate a revision of the current Code of Practice for Small Punch Testing (CWA 15627, Dec. 2007) and/or its transfer in an EN norm.
In this paper we present the state-of-art of the small punch technique: its performances, usefulness and critical aspects have been discussed and some examples have been reported. Some measurements carried out during the round-robin exercises have been reported: several testing laboratories are cooperating in a round-robin on a virgin P92 material. The tests are still in progress, so only preliminary data will be shown in this paper.
A series of measurements performed during the pre-normative time will also be shown: a serviced (116,000 hours) ASME A213 T91 tube, installed in a petrochemical plant has been investigated. Small punch tests were performed and the residual life was then estimated by Omega Method. A microstructure characterization has been also reported.
The results obtained encourage new efforts for material testing by SPT; sampling, however, was found as a critical step if the analyzed material may suffer from localized damage.
