Non Destructive Testing

It is the use of techniques to

inspect or measure without
causing harm to the material
or structure

Methods of NDT
The
rm

Micr
owav
e

Visual
ng
i
t
s
e
Tap T

Acousti
c Micros

X-ray

Acous
tic Em
ission

Ult
r as

on
ic

e
g
a
k
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L
Flux

ogra
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Mag

tic
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Mag

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Me

Lase
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ts
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em

id
Liqu

copy

nt
a
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Replication
Inter
fero

Eddy

metr

Curr

ent

Penetrant Testing

Uses of Penetrant Testing

It is used for Surface Discontinuities

Cracks
Porosity
Seams
Laps

Leak Detection

Visible Type

Preclean & Penetrant Application

Cleaning & Developing

Inspection

Fluorescent Type

Preclean & Penetrant Application

Cleaning & Developing

Inspection

Examples of results

Magnetic Particle Inspection

(MPI)

Magnetic Particle Inspection

A nondestructive test method which
provides for the detection of surface and
near surface discontinuities in
ferromagnetic materials.

Types of defect that can be

detected with MPI

Cracks
Laps
Seams
Voids
Pits
Subsurface holes

Cracks emanating from a hole

Before inspection

After inspection

Available Techniques at MSB

Flexible conductive cable

Yoke magnetization

Prods

Central conductor

Handscan for floor thickness monitoring

Flexible conductive
cable

Yoke magnetization for

inducing longitudinal field

Prods technique

Central conductor for

circular field

Floor Thickness Monitoring

The Handscan

Ideal to detect
corrosion pit on floor
of large tanks

Examples of test results

Fluorescent indication of a
crack in a bearing

Fluorescent indication of
cracks at a fastener hole

Indication of
cracks in a weld

Indication of cracks
in a bolt

Fluorescent indication of
a crack in casting

A crack at a sharp radius

Fluorescent indication of cracks in a drive shaft

Fluorescent indication
of a crack in the
crane hook

Indication of a crack in
a saw blade

Advantages of MPI

Test method process is quick and simple

Highly sensitive to the detection of surface

and slightly subsurface indications

Test method process may often work

through contaminant layers and coating
thickness

Limitations of MPI

Test material must be ferrous

Demagnetisation is often necessary

after inspection

Radiographic Testing (RT)

Radiographic Testing

Film Radiography
The film is placed at the back of
the specimen.

X-ray film

The film darkness

(density) will vary with
the amount of radiation
reaching the film
through the test object.
= less exposure
= more exposure

Top view of developed film

Equipment
The MSB is equipped with two X Ray
Tubes

A maximum of 300KV can be achieved

providing inspection up to about 50mm of
mild steel.

Types of defect that can be

detected with RT

Porosity
Slag inclusions in welds
Tungsten inclusions
Lack of fusion or penetration
Forging laps
Cracks (although not too suitable)

Advantages of RT

Can be used with most materials

Discloses fabrication errors

Reveals structural discontinuities

Provides a permanent visual image

Limitations of RT

High safety considerations

Specimen needs to be accessed on at

least two sides

Difficult on complex geometry

Examples of test results

Porosity

 Incomplete penetration

 Tungsten inclusions

 Cracks

 Slag inclusions

Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

Uses of Ultrasonic Testing

Detection of Flaws in Materials

Thickness Measurement

Ultrasonic Inspection (PulseEcho)

High frequency sound waves are introduced into a
material and they are reflected back from surfaces or
flaws.
Reflected sound energy is displayed versus time, and
inspector can visualize a cross section of the specimen
showing the depth of features that reflect sound.
initial
pulse
back surface
echo
crack
echo

Oscilloscope, or flaw
detector screen

10

plate

crack

Detection of Flaws in Welds

Transmitter Receiver (TR) probes are ideally

suited for the detection of near-to-surface
discontinuities and for thickness measurements
of thin objects.

Other Uses of UT

Types of Defects that can be

detected with UT
Cracks
Misalignment
Porosity
Inclusions
Surface Conditions
Pitting

Advantages of UT
High Sensitivity which permits detection of
minute defects.
High Penetrating Power (6 to 7 metres in
steel)
High accuracy of Flaw positioning and
Sizing
It needs access to only one surface of the
Specimen

Limitations of Ultrasonic Testing

Complex Geometry of the test specimen

causes problems during inspection.

Defect orientation affects detect ability

Techniques
suitable for
Surface Defects

Techniques
suitable for SubSurface Defects

Liquid Penetrant

Radiography

Magnetic Particle

Ultrasonic