Advanced NDT
Advanced ultrasonic and electromagnetic methods for fast, encoded weld inspection, accurate flaw sizing and corrosion mapping, often replacing radiography.
About advanced NDT
Advanced NDT uses electronically controlled ultrasonics and electromagnetic methods to inspect welds and components faster, with better sizing and a permanent record of the result.
Phased array ultrasonic testing steers the beam electronically to give fast, encoded weld inspection and corrosion mapping, with detailed cross-sectional images of the area examined. Time of flight diffraction gives accurate through-wall sizing of flaws regardless of their orientation. Eddy current testing detects surface and near-surface flaws in conductive materials and is well suited to tube inspection.
Because the data is encoded, results can be reviewed away from the point of inspection, archived and compared directly against later surveys. This work is carried out by qualified NDT technicians.
Methods and scope
Advanced NDT is applied where fast coverage, accurate sizing or an encoded record is needed, or where radiography would be difficult to arrange.
- Phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) of welds
- Corrosion mapping of pipework, plate and vessels
- Time of flight diffraction (TOFD) for through-wall flaw sizing
- Combined PAUT and TOFD weld inspection
- Eddy current testing (ECT) for surface and near-surface flaws
- Tube inspection on heat exchangers and similar equipment
- Encoded data capture for archive and comparison
- Cross-sectional imaging of the area examined
The benefits of advanced NDT
Encoded and repeatable
Results are recorded as data rather than a one-off reading, so they can be reviewed, archived and compared against the next inspection.
Often replaces radiography
PAUT and TOFD can take the place of radiography on many welds, with better sizing and a permanent record.
No exclusion zones
Ultrasonic methods remove the need for radiation exclusion zones, so other work can continue nearby.
Keeps the plant running
Because there is no radiography to schedule around, inspection often proceeds without a site shutdown.
Reporting and recommendations
Advanced NDT produces encoded data, so the report is backed by a record of what was actually seen rather than a written reading alone. We set out the method, the coverage achieved, the flaws found and their through-wall size, assessed against the relevant acceptance criteria.
The encoded scans are supplied with the report and can be archived, so a later inspection can be compared directly against this one to judge whether a flaw or an area of corrosion is changing.
Reports are written by the technician who carried out the work, so the interpretation and any recommendations reflect first-hand knowledge of the weld or component.
Related inspection services
Considering advanced NDT for your welds or plant?
Talk to our team about PAUT, TOFD and eddy current testing, and where they can replace radiography.