NDT/NDE


Ultrasonic Thickness Measurements

Uses of UT Thickness

  • Spot Piping System Integrity Monitoring
  • Spot Pressure Vessel Integrity Monitoring
  • Erosion/Corrosion Examination
  • Clad dis-bond Inspection
  • Lamination Inspection
  • Hydrogen Damage Evaluation

 

Overview

The AIS UT thickness technicians use basic UT equipment coupled with advanced training to provide thickness monitoring inspection capabilities. UT thickness programs for piping and vessel systems allow the user to monitor the degradation of the internal components of the system. Monitoring is useful in locating areas that are more susceptible to erosion/corrosion. Data points are recorded and reported in a format that the end user is comfortable and familiar with.

 

 

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NDT/NDE


Magnetic Particle & Dye Penetrant Inspection

Uses of MT

  • Detection of Surface, Sub-Surface and Surface Connected Defects
  • Detection of Service Caused Defects, i.e. SCC, Fatigue Cracks
  • Fast Inspection Times
  • Can be Used on Large or Difficult Geometry Parts, i.e. Billets, Forgings, Castings

Uses of PT

  • Detection of Surface and Surface Connected Defects
  • Can be Used on Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Materials, i.e. Plastics, Ceramics
  • Fast Inspection Times Covering Large Areas
  • Used to Detect Casting and Forging Defects, Cracks, and Leaks in New Products, and Fatigue Cracks on In-Service Components

 

 

Overview

While both the MT and PT methods detect surface and surface-breaking defects, MT is recommended for ferrous materials due to the need to establish a magnetic field in the component. MT/PT inspections can be used on almost every component found in chemical plant and refining operations. Both inspections are among the cheapest methods for testing in the NDT community today. Very mild training is needed to qualify these methods, however experience is recommended. Fast, reliable results performed at low costs helps the owner/user and establish degradation and failure mechanisms and plan for mitigation and repair before catastrophic failure can occur.

MT Technology

The presence of a surface or near surface flaw (void) in the material causes distortion in the magnetic flux through it, which in turn causes leakage of the magnetic fields at the flaw. This deformation of the magnetic field is not limited to the immediate locality of the defect but extends for a considerable distance; even through the surface and into the air if the magnetism is intense enough. Thus the size of the distortion is much larger than that of the defect and is made visible at the surface of the part by means of the tiny particles that are attracted to the leakage fields.

PT Technology

Dye Penetrant inspection is based upon capillary action, where low surface tension fluid penetrates into clean and dry surface-breaking discontinuities. Penetrant may be applied to the test component by dipping, spraying, or brushing. After adequate penetration time has been allowed, the excess penetrant is removed, a developer is applied. The developer helps to draw penetrant out of the flaw where a visible indication becomes visible to the inspector. Inspection is performed under ultraviolet or white light, depending upon the type of dye used - fluorescent or nonfluorescent (visible).

Applications

MT/PT inspections can be used on piping and vessel welds, forgings, castings, billets, and plates. It is a useful tool in finding defects during initial equipment production, as well as service induced defects that occur over time.

 

 

 

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PMI: Positive Material Identification

 

 

Introduction

While engineers push the boundaries of material capacities to their limits in the design, traceability of proper material becomes ever more important. In addition to compatibility issues, several other reasons can exist for material specification including design, corrosion resistance, and compliance to codes and standards such as ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

 

Quality procedures and techniques are put in place to document and track materials as they are received and as they move through the production process, but what happened to those raw materials before they arrived at site? Each time raw material changes hands - from the mill to the supply house, from processing plants (e.g., pipe, tube and fittings) to subcontractors - the opportunity for error increases, resulting in questionable material quality.

 

PMI gives the ability to check a component’s material make-up and grade to verify proper material is being implemented for the project.

 

 

Overview

Positive Material Identification (PMI) provides alloy chemistry and grade ID information instantly using a handheld analyzer without having to move, alter, or damage the material. PMI is also used to ensure that the parent material in vessels and pipe material is composed of the correct composition (i.e., 304 or 316L) and once the component is welded that the correct filler material was used. PMI also ensures that the base material of piping and vessels meets the design specification.

 

When repairs are made to existing vessels and piping systems, a PMI test can verify the material composition to ensure that the correct welding procedures and consumables have been selected for use.

 

 

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