This week’s Microscope Monday images were taken while evaluating commercially available flame retardant coatings. These polarized images taken using a Keyence microscope show a Class A fire retardant clear coating that has been cured in the following conditions: 1) room temperature, 2) in a 140-degree Fahrenheit oven, and 3) under heat gun exposure.
This type of testing highlights how AEI utilizes our expertise in materials science and engineering and in fire investigation to develop and execute real-world test methods.
This digital microscope image is of environmental stress cracking (ESC) that has occurred in orange Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride (CPVC). ESC failures can occur when a polymer encounters an incompatible gas or liquid chemical. The image shown here is an example of what it may look like when examined under a digital microscope. Contact us at (303) 756-2900 or by emailing info@ AEIengineers.com to learn more about what contributes to ESC and how the experts at AEI can help you handle water loss cases.
A Keyence digital microscope can be used to view, capture, and measure objects. The technology can observe uneven surfaces and 3D objects and provide crystal clear images valuable in conducting failure analysis. The images can prove critical in determining the cause of an accident or event.
The images below were taken using a Keyence digital microscope. They provide a visual demonstration of fatigue failure in an impact-resistant polycarbonate rod. The fracture surface of this material is relevant for products such as filter bodies, flow meter bodies, and ballistic safety panels, to name a few. If you are interested in learning more about how images like this can be used in a myriad of forensic engineering cases, feel free to reach out to one of our materials experts at AEI.
*Post credit to Megan Seebeck.
Jeff Berino, Senior Fire Investigator with AEI Corporation will be presenting to the Colorado Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators on Thursday, April 15, 2021 on the topic of Wildland Fire Investigation Methodology. The training is being provided as fire investigators across Colorado gear up for the impending wildland fire season.
Topics to be covered:
• Wildland Fire Investigation Methodology
• Wildland Fire Behavior
• Fire Patterns and Indicators
• Evidence Collection and Preservation
• Ignition Factors and Sources
Learn more about Jeff Berino and his impressive background on these topics here.
We are thrilled to make a major announcement surrounding the leadership at AEI Corporation! From a carefully coordinated succession plan our Founder, Jay Freeman will transition to a Senior Project Engineer, while John Schumacher, Dennis Shelp, and Zach Jason will share leadership duties at the company, each representing their respective strengths. AEI’s clients can continue to expect the same industry-leading service they’ve come to expect from AEI.
Learn more by clicking here.
Click here to read all of our recent announcements and feel free to reach out to us via phone or email with any questions.
AEI Corporation (Advanced Engineering Investigations) announces, and would like to congratulate, Charles B. (Charlie) Sullivan for being appointed to the National Fire Protection Association’s Committees 17 and 17A (Standards for Dry and Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems). Mr. Sullivan is an expert in the layout/design, installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, repair, and operation of fire suppression systems and their components, and often addresses industry standard of care issues.
Mr. Sullivan is also knowledgeable about fire alarm systems, plumbing systems, backflow prevention devices, and fire extinguishers. He worked in the fire protection industry for 22 years and has spent the last 11 years working in the forensic side of the industry evaluating various issues with fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, plumbing systems, backflow prevention devices, and fire extinguishers. His responsibilities have ranged from installing fire sprinkler systems to managing groups of field service and installation suppression and alarm technicians. His 30 years of troubleshooting gives him unique expertise in failure analysis of fire suppression, fire alarm, and plumbing systems, as well as the related equipment.
John Schumacher Dennis Shelp Zachary Jason, PE, CFI, CFEI
AEI Senior Investigator, Jeffrey A. Berino, BS, AAS, INVF, CCFI, CFEI, is honored to be presenting in November of 2020 to the National CPCU Society on the topic of Wildfire Investigation Techniques.
Mr. Berino has been involved in hundreds of fire and explosion investigations involving subrogation issues, expert testimony, code analysis, technical research, wildfire origin and cause, and evidence collection. He is well known for his many years of experience in wildfire investigations in the US, Canada, and Mexico for government agencies and utility companies. He also has expertise in fire scene incident management.
To view a recorded version of the presentation, click here.
AEI Corporation (Advanced Engineering Investigations) is pleased to announce that Consultant, Charles R. Brown III, has been appointed to both the National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54), and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (NFPA 58) Technical Committees. Appointment to these committees is based on an applicant’s qualifications and experience relative to the subject matter for the development process in which codes and standards will be created and revised.
Topics covered in NFPA 54 and 58 include, but are not limited to, the safe installation of gas-burning equipment in buildings and homes, and safety requirements for propane commercial and residential installations. Mr. Brown’s experience in the design, installation, testing, maintenance, repair, and operation of residential, commercial, and industrial propane systems and their components, as well as the repair of natural gas distributions centers, provides him with the background to contribute to the development of these codes and standards.
AEI Corporation congratulates Mr. Brown on this distinguished accomplishment. We know that with his 20 plus years of experience in the propane industry, and over 11 years in the natural gas industry, he will bring valuable insight to his tenure.
#NFPATechnicalCommittee #NFPA54 #NFPA58
AEI Corporation (Advanced Engineering Investigations) once again proudly recognizes Summit Fire & EMS Chief and AEI Senior Fire Investigator, Jeff Berino. Jeff recently received the Frisco’s Finest Award for his substantial contributions to the town and greater Summit County community. Jeff has served as an emergency responder for 40 years and is, in general, just a tremendously awesome human being. Please join us in congratulating and thanking him.
Summit Fire Chief Jeff Berino receives Frisco’s Finest Award
