NDT Inspection

Non-destructive testing (NDT) refers to techniques and methods designed to assess the integrity, quality and performance of materials, components or structures without inflicting damage or altering their functionality. NDT can be found across industries including manufacturing, construction, aerospace, automotive, oil & gas as well as power generation – where reliability and safety of assets are of vital importance.

Non-destructive testing’s primary objective is to detect and assess defects that threaten the structural integrity or functionality of objects without damaging them, using various testing techniques that enable non-destructive evaluation such as internal/surface defects identification, measurement of material properties analysis, evaluation of structural components without having to resort to destructive testing methods such as cutting, drilling or disassembly.

There are various nondestructive testing techniques, each appropriate for testing different materials or applications:

• Ultrasonic Testing (UT): Employing high-frequency sound waves to detect internal flaws, measure material thickness and assess structural integrity is a powerful means of testing components.
• Radiographic Testing (RT): Utilizing X-rays or gamma rays, radiographic testing uses images produced from these radiation beams to penetrate materials and detect defects or inconsistencies within them.
• Magnetic Particle Testing (MT): Relies on magnetic fields and fine magnetic particles to detect surface or near-surface defects in ferromagnetic materials.
• Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT): Liquid penetrant testing involves applying a liquid dye or fluorescent penetrant that seeps into cracks or defects on surfaces and becomes visible under ideal lighting conditions.
• Eddy Current Testing (ECT): Utilizing electromagnetic induction, Eddy Current Testing is used to detect surface and near-surface defects, measure conductivity and sort materials based on their electrical properties.
• Visual Testing (VT): Visual testing is the simplest and most widely utilized approach, employing direct visual examination to detect surface defects, corrosion or other visible irregularities.

Advanced nondestructive testing techniques such as infrared thermography, acoustic emission testing and phased array ultrasonic provide additional capabilities tailored specifically for applications and materials.