Conventional NDT

Inspection

Conventional Non-Destructive Testing

Magnetic Particle Testing

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MT) is a non-destructive testing method that can detect surface and subsurface flaws in ferromagnetic materials.

Magnetic particle inspection is a widely utilized technique across various industries. This method is particularly effective in detecting surface or near-surface flaws such as cracks, laps, seams, and inclusions in ferromagnetic materials like iron and steel. Its key advantage lies in providing an immediate indication of defects and discontinuities.

This method is particularly effective in detecting surface or near-surface flaws such as cracks, laps, seams, and inclusions in ferromagnetic materials like iron and steel.

The process involves inducing a magnetic field in the component being tested. If there’s a surface or near-surface flaw, the magnetic flux becomes distorted, causing leakage around the flaw. Fine magnetic particles, typically ferrous iron filings, are then applied to the surface of the tested item, either dry or suspended in liquid. These particles are attracted to the area of flux leakage, creating a visible indication of the defect. Operators can evaluate this indication to determine its nature, probable cause, and any necessary action.

Our magnetic particle inspection techniques include:

Permanent magnetic
Yoke (AC/HWDC)
Coil/cable wrap technique

Read more Read less

Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)

Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) or Dye Penetrant Inspection (DPI) is widely used to detect surface breaking flaws.

This non-destructive testing technique, also known as liquid penetrant inspection (LPI), is a cost-effective method used to locate surface breaking flaws such as cracks, porosity, laps, seams and other surface discontinuities. Dye penetrant inspection can be applied to both ferrous and non-ferrous materials and all non-porous materials (metals, plastics or ceramics).

Dye Penetrant Inspection is a widely utilized technique across various industries such as petrochemical, structural steel, oil and gas, and power generation to assess the suitability or conformity of items. It is employed for inspecting a range of products, from manufacturing to in-service applications like castings, forgings, and weldments.

The method is also useful for testing on-site as it is portable, techniques such as Solvent Removable colour contrast there is no need for additional resources such as electricity or water. This makes it a highly convenient for inspecting surface discontinuities. The tested item is cleaned first before the penetrant is applied by spraying or brushing. The penetrant is given time to soak into any defects, the penetration time dependent on the chosen penetrant and customer requirement.

Afterwards, the excess penetrant is removed and the component is dried depending on the process used. Then a developer is applied. The developer helps to draw the penetrant out of the flaw and onto the surface to form a visible indication. A visual inspection is then performed by the inspector under ultraviolet or white light, depending on the type of penetrant used (fluorescent or visible colour contrast).

IRSSB’s well qualified personnel hold a minimum of Level II in ISO 9712, PCN, ASNT or CSWIP and are highly experienced in performing dye penetrant inspection.

Read more Read less

Radiography Testing (RT)

Radiographic testing is one of the most widely used techniques of volumetric non-destructive testing and is often used to reveal internal, surface and sub-surface irregularities.

Radiography Testing (RT) is an NDT method that uses X-rays or gamma rays to create images of the internal structures of materials, helping to detect defects like cracks or voids. It is commonly used in industries to inspect welds, castings, and components for quality control purposes. It is a versatile method which can be performed in the laboratory or on-site on parts and components of varying dimensions. The radiographic technique uses X-rays or gamma rays to penetrate the tested component. The radiation is passed through the part and captured on radiographic film.

During RT, a radiographic film or detector is placed on one side of the material being tested, while the X-ray or gamma ray source is placed on the opposite side. The radiation passes through the material, and any areas with variations in thickness or density will produce a different image on the film or detector. This allows technicians to identify and evaluate any flaws or irregularities present in the material.

For inspecting plant infrastructure and pipework for corrosion, erosion, cracks, and weld quality, portable radiographic testing is effective and doesn’t require removing lagging. IRS’s on-site radiography testing includes close-proximity radiography (SCARPRO). Due to its hazardous nature, IRS ensures compliance with all legal requirements and legislative notifications. Radiographic testing using X-rays and gamma rays are hazardous and as such are controlled by stringent legislation. When IRS carries out site radiography you have complete assurance that all legal requirements and legislative notifications are adhered to, including the transportation of isotopes, protective enclosure barriers and warning systems.

IRS’s well qualified personnel hold a minimum of Level II in ISO 9712, PCN, ASNT or CSWIP and are highly experienced in performing Radiography Testing.

Read more Read less

Ultrasonic Testing

Manual ultrasonic testing is a form of non-destructive testing that is typically used to detect volumetric flaws, material integrity and component thickness.

Ultrasonic Testing (UT) is a non-destructive testing method that uses high-frequency sound waves to detect internal defects or anomalies in materials. By analyzing the reflected waves, inspectors can assess the size, location, and nature of defects. This method can be performed on all types of materials and its applications include:

Flaw detection such as inclusions, lack of fusions, cracks, porosity and delamination
Corrosion and Erosion monitoring – Remaining Wall thickness Assessments
Assessment of bond integrity

During UT, a transducer is used to send ultrasonic waves into the material being tested. These waves travel through the material, and when they encounter a change in material properties or a flaw, such as a crack or void, they are reflected back to the transducer. By analyzing the time, it takes for the waves to return and the amplitude of the reflected waves, technicians can determine the location, size, and nature of any defects present in the material.

IRSSB uses advanced ultrasonic equipment and we can inspect customers’ components and structures to industry codes, standards or customer specifications, ensuring that your components and structures meet the highest standards for safety and reliability. We offer both laboratory and on-site manual ultrasonic testing. Our experienced ultrasonic inspectors are certified to the highest industry standards including ISO9712, PCN, CSWIP or ASNT level 2 qualified. They offer guidance in selecting the best testing method and regime as well as advice on applicable inspection techniques.

Ultrasonic Testing is commonly used in industries like manufacturing, construction, for inspecting welds, pipes, and other structural components for defects and ensuring their reliability and safety.

Read more Read less

Visual Testing (VT)

Visual testing (VT) inspections are some of the oldest and most basic non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection techniques, but are essential to ensure quality control and safe operations.

Visual Testing can be classified as:

Direct Visual Inspection:

Involves the use of the naked eye to examine surfaces for defects such as cracks, corrosion, misalignment, or surface finish issues.
Often enhanced with magnifying glasses, mirrors, or borescopes to inspect hard-to-reach areas.

Remote Visual Inspection (RVI):

Utilizes equipment like cameras, endoscopes, or robotic systems to inspect areas that are not easily accessible.
These tools often come with lighting systems and zoom capabilities to capture detailed images or videos for analysis.

The benefits of visual NDT include:

Early Detection of Surface Defects: Visual inspection allows inspectors to identify surface irregularities, cracks, corrosion, and other defects at an early stage, preventing potential catastrophic failures.

Cost-Effectiveness: Visual inspection is often a cost-effective NDT method, requiring minimal equipment and training compared to other techniques.

Real-Time Evaluation: Visual inspection provides immediate feedback, allowing inspectors to assess the condition of materials or structures in real-time and make informed decisions promptly.

Versatility: Visual NDT can be applied to a wide range of materials and components, including welds, piping, tanks, structures, and machinery.

Safety: Visual inspection can be conducted from a safe distance or using remote inspection techniques, reducing the risk of exposure to hazardous environments or materials.

Overall, visual testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and quality of materials, components, and structures across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Expert VT technicians at IRSSB possess extensive field experience in delivering detailed visual testing solutions. We provide comprehensive assessments on the quality and condition of assets and equipment, as well as on weldments.

Read more Read less

Holiday Test

Holiday test is one of the non-destructive test methods applied on protective coatings to detect discontinuities such as pinholes and voids.

A holiday test is an inspection method used to detect discontinuities in painted/coated surfaces using specialized tools and equipment. These tools, called holiday detectors, are portable devices that are swept across the coated surface. Holidays tests work on the concept of electrical conductivity. Metal substrates are excellent conductors of electricity, and therefore allow current to flow through them. On the other hand, many coatings are poor conductors of electricity and resist the flow of electricity. Using this principle, holiday tests use instruments to locate flaws in anticorrosive paints and coatings.

During holiday testing, a ground wire and probing electrode are attached to the same power source. The ground wire is clamped to the specimen being tested while the probe is swept across the surface of the metal substrate. If the probe comes into contact with a coating discontinuity, the exposed metal completes the electrical circuit between the electrode and the grounding wire, resulting in a flow of electricity. This electricity shows up on an indicator, alerting the equipment operator of the defect. This test is commonly used for onshore and offshore industries where piping and structures are coated with non-conductor coatings.

Read more Read less

Eddy Current Testing (ECT)

Eddy current testing is used to detect surface and near-surface flaws in conductive materials.

Eddy current testing utilizes electromagnetic induction to identify flaws in conductive materials. The setup involves placing a circular coil on the test surface, through which an alternating current generates a changing magnetic field. This field interacts with the conductive surface, inducing eddy currents. Any disruptions in these currents, caused by changes in resistivity, conductivity, magnetic permeability, or physical discontinuities, are measured against known values in terms of phase and amplitude.

This method is highly adept at detecting small cracks near the material’s surface and requires minimal surface preparation. Its versatility allows it to be applied to painted or coated surfaces, making it invaluable in industries such as marine, offshore/ onshore Structures, crane industry, aerospace, and manufacturing and other general industries where the protective surface coating cannot be removed. It is applicable to both ferrous and non-ferrous materials. It serves various purposes, including flaw detection, conductivity measurement, metal and coating thickness measurement, and sorting materials by grade and hardness.

Eddy current testing equipment is highly portable, reliable and can detect very small cracks. Results are instant, ideal for on-site testing on-site and plant inspections. Flaws can be reported immediately, allowing for quicker decision making. In addition, the portability of equipment means that we can inspect equipment or assets that are difficult to access, and test complex shapes and sizes.

Our inspectors are highly experienced in performing this non-destructive technique and are PCN or ASNT Level 2 in eddy current testing. Eddy current testing equipment is highly portable, reliable and can detect very small cracks. Results are instant, ideal for on-site testing on-site and plant inspections.

Read more Read less

Hardness Testing (HT)

Hardness Testing is used to determine the hardness of a material properties, which is a measure of its resistance to deformation or indentation.

The hardness test is to determine the suitability of a material for a given application, conformance to a specification, standard, or particular treatment to which the material has been subjected (heat treatment, thermal process). There are several techniques for hardness testing, each method involves applying a specific load to a hardened indenter on the material’s surface and measuring the depth or size of the indentation formed. The hardness value is then calculated based on the applied load and the size of the indentation.

Hardness testing is performed on new and in-service components to identify issues. It can reveal susceptibility to cracking from environmental exposure, like hydrogen sulfide, and detect degradation and softening from elevated temperatures, such as fire damage.

IRS’s team is trained in field hardness testing, producing immediate results without damage to your components. The purpose of the hardness test is to determine the suitability of a material for a given application, conformance to a specification, standard, or particular treatment to which the material has been subjected (heat treatment, thermal process). Our team is expertly trained to perform hardness training for every industry sector including off-shore, Pipeline, Oil & gas, Structural, Manufacturing, Power generation, and more. Portable Hardness testing devices used for in-service and filed hardness Testing. Hardness testing is typically performed on new components but can also be used on in-service components to identify any issues. Hardness testing can reveal susceptibility to cracking as a result of exposure to environmental constituents such as hydrogen sulfide. It can also identify degradation and softening as a result of exposure to elevated temperatures (e.g., fire damage).

Read more Read less

Ferrite Testing (FT)

Ferrite testing is a fast, inexpensive, and accurate process that measures the percentage of ferrite in stainless steel–specifically austenitic and duplex stainless steel.

Ferrite is one of the metallurgical phases or components found in the microstructure of both austenitic and duplex stainless steels. Ferrite Testing is used to measure the ferrite content in materials like stainless steel to ensure mechanical and corrosion resistance properties. It is important in industries such as petrochemical and aerospace for quality control and performance evaluation.

In austenitic stainless-steel weld metal, ferrite influences:

Mechanical properties
Weldability (solidification cracking tendencies)
Corrosion resistance

In duplex stainless steels, ferrite influences:

Mechanical properties
Corrosion performance

IRS’s material testing technicians evaluate the ferrite content in your stainless-steel microstructures to ensure proper toughness, corrosion resistance, and crack prevention using the portable Feritscope. It is non-destructive technique. The surface to be tested must be clean and smooth. Ferrite testing is used in a range of industries, including Oil and gas, Chemical, Power generation, Manufacturing and other industries

Read more Read less

Positive Material Identification (PMI)

Positive material identification (PMI) is used to analyses and identify material grade and alloy composition for quality and safety control.

A rapid, non-destructive method, positive material identification is performed on a wide range of components and assets, and provides the chemical compositions of metals and alloys. PMI is used for both material verification and identification. Positive Material Identification (PMI) is a non-destructive testing method that verifies the chemical composition of materials, commonly metals and alloys, using techniques like X-ray fluorescence or optical emission spectroscopy. It ensures that materials meet required specifications and standards, preventing mix-ups and ensuring product quality in various industries.

Positive material identification is performed using:

X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyser: This is the most common method and the portability of the hand-held equipment allows IRS to perform PMI on-site at our customers’ premises. The device scans the metal material and identifies its key elements. However, it cannot detect carbon in carbon steels, and is not suitable for identification of pure carbon steel materials.
Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES): It is an optical method that can be used to detect almost all types of elements, including carbon and light elements in a variety of different materials including stainless steel, nickel, and carbon steel, etc.

PMI can validate the use of the accurate alloy in manufacturing products/components, detect any instances of incorrect material usage, verify material compliance with the appropriate standards and specifications, encompassing both customer and industry requirements.

Read more Read less