Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)¶
Ultrasonic inspection solutions for quality assurance and asset integrity management.
Overview¶
Non-destructive testing enables inspection and evaluation of materials and components without causing damage. Ultrasonic testing is one of the most versatile and widely used NDT methods.
NDT Capabilities¶
Flaw Detection¶
Identifying internal defects:
- Cracks - Surface and subsurface crack detection
- Voids - Porosity and gas inclusions
- Inclusions - Foreign material detection
- Delaminations - Composite material separation
- Lack of Fusion - Weld defects
Thickness Measurement¶
Precise material thickness gauging:
- Corrosion Monitoring - Wall thickness assessment
- Manufacturing QC - Production thickness verification
- Asset Management - Structural integrity monitoring
- Multi-Layer - Individual layer thickness measurement
Material Characterization¶
Material property assessment:
- Grain Structure - Microstructure analysis
- Mechanical Properties - Elastic modulus, strength indicators
- Residual Stress - Stress state measurement
- Material Identification - Alloy verification
Inspection Techniques¶
Conventional Ultrasonic Testing¶
Standard inspection methods:
Direct coupling with couplant gel:
- Simple setup and operation
- Portable equipment
- Cost-effective
- Limited to accessible surfaces
Water-coupled inspection:
- Uniform coupling
- Automated scanning
- Complex geometries
- High-resolution imaging
Oblique wave propagation:
- Weld inspection
- Crack detection
- Complex geometries
- Shear wave propagation
Advanced Techniques¶
Modern inspection methods:
Phased Array
Electronic beam steering enables rapid, flexible inspection with detailed imaging capabilities.
- Linear Arrays - B-scan and S-scan imaging
- Electronic Focusing - Optimized beam concentration
- Sectoral Scanning - Multiple angle inspection
- 3D Imaging - Volumetric defect visualization
Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD)
Precise flaw sizing using diffracted signals from defect tips.
- Accurate Sizing - Height measurement
- Through-Wall Monitoring - Full thickness inspection
- Automated Analysis - Computerized interpretation
- Permanent Records - Archived data for comparison
Guided Wave Testing¶
Long-range inspection:
- Pipe Inspection - 100+ meters from single location
- Plate Inspection - Large area coverage
- Access Restricted Areas - Buried or coated structures
- Rapid Screening - Quick assessment of large assets
Industry Applications¶
Manufacturing
Production quality control, in-process inspection, final verification
Aerospace
Composite inspection, critical component analysis, bond testing
Oil & Gas
Pipeline integrity, pressure vessel inspection, storage tank monitoring
Infrastructure
Bridge inspection, structural assessment, concrete evaluation
Inspection Challenges¶
Material Variations¶
Different materials require different approaches:
- Metals - Excellent ultrasonic transmission
- Composites - Anisotropic properties, complex layup
- Welds - Grain structure, geometry challenges
- Coatings - Multiple interfaces, impedance mismatch
Geometry Complexity¶
Adapting to component shapes:
- Curved surfaces
- Internal geometries
- Thin sections
- Transition zones
Access Limitations¶
Inspecting difficult locations:
- High temperature components
- Hazardous environments
- Confined spaces
- Remote locations
Quality Standards¶
We adhere to international NDT standards:
- ASME - Boiler and pressure vessel code
- AWS - Welding inspection standards
- ASTM - Material testing standards
- API - Oil and gas industry standards
- ISO - International quality standards
Inspection System Design¶
Requirements Analysis¶
Understanding inspection needs:
- Component geometry and material
- Defect types and sizes of interest
- Access and environmental constraints
- Inspection frequency and coverage
- Reporting requirements
System Configuration¶
Optimizing for the application:
- Transducer selection (frequency, type, size)
- Inspection technique selection
- Scanning strategy
- Data acquisition parameters
- Analysis and reporting tools
Procedure Development¶
Documented inspection methods:
- Step-by-step procedures
- Equipment specifications
- Calibration requirements
- Acceptance criteria
- Personnel qualification
Automated Inspection¶
Robotic and automated systems for:
- High-volume production
- Repeatable inspection
- Hazardous environments
- Difficult access locations
- Reduced human exposure
Benefits:
- Consistent results
- Complete documentation
- Increased productivity
- Enhanced safety
- Detailed reporting
Training & Certification¶
NDT requires qualified personnel:
- Level I - Basic inspection under supervision
- Level II - Independent inspection and evaluation
- Level III - Advanced interpretation and procedure development
We provide:
- Operator training programs
- Certification preparation
- Continuing education
- Application-specific training
Our NDT Services¶
Consulting¶
- Inspection technique selection
- Procedure development
- Equipment specification
- Performance validation
System Design¶
- Custom transducer development
- Inspection system integration
- Automation solutions
- Data management systems
Support¶
- Troubleshooting assistance
- Performance optimization
- Equipment evaluation
- Technology updates
Get Started¶
Discuss your NDT application requirements:
Reliable ultrasonic inspection solutions for critical applications.