NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
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PURPOSE OF NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
n Assurance that the INTEGRITY of material supply.
n Assurance to ourselves and our customers of
COMPLIANCE with DESIGN CODES and STANDARDS
across the product range.
n Different acceptance criteria and extent of testing as a
function of both QUALITY LEVEL and PRODUCT
APPLICATION
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INTRODUCTION
n VOLUMETRIC TECHNIQUES
n ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION
n RADIOGRAPHIC INSPECTION
n SURFACE INSPECTION TECHNIQUES
n MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION
n DYE / LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION
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VOLUMETRIC TECHNIQUES
n Applied to look into the “body” of material under
examination.
n PRIMARY METHODS:
n Radiography or X-Ray
n Ultrasonic Testing
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ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION
n Test method introduces beams of high frequency sound
into the material being inspected.
n Inspection Instruments detect flaws by measuring one or
more of the following:
n A) REFLECTION: of energy from metal-gas / metal-liquid.
Or discontinuities within the metal.
n B) TIME of FLIGHT or TRANSIT:of a sound wave from the
entrant point of sending transducer to the exit point of the
receiving transducer.
n C) ATTENUATION: of the beam by absorption and
scattering within the test piece
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ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION
n BASIC EQUIPMENT
n Signal Generator
n Sending Transducer
n Couplant
n Receiving Transducer
n Amplifier or Demodulator to modify received signals
n Display Device: Oscilloscope / Chart Recorder
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ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION
n ADVANTAGES
n 1) Superior penetrating power which allows detection of flaws deep in the part
n 2) High sensitivity, permitting the detection of extremely small flaws.
n 3) Greater accuracy than other NDE methods in determining the position of internal
flaws, estimating their size and characterising their orientation, shape and nature
n 4) Only one surface need be accessible
n 5) Operation is electronic; which provides almost instantaneous indications of flaws.
n 6) Method is suitable for automation, rapid scanning, in-line production monitoring
and process control. With most systems a permanent record of results can be obtained.
n 7) It is not hazardous to operations or nearby personnel, and has no effect on equipment
and materials in the vicinity.
n 8) Portability.
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ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION
n DISADVANTAGES
n 1) Manual operation requires careful attention by experienced technicians
n 2) Extensive technical knowledge is required for the development of inspection
procedures
n 3) Parts that are rough, irregular in shape, very small or thin, or not
homogeneous are very difficult to inspect
n 4) Discontinuities that are present in a shallow layer below the surface may not
be detectable.
n 5) Couplants are required to provide effective transfer of ultrasonic wave
energy between transducers and parts being inspected.
n 6) Reference standards are required both for calibrating the equipment and
characterising the flaws.
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RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION
n One of the most widely used techniques which produces
an image on a sensitised film or fluorescent screen.
n Uses isotopes as appropriate for application
n Typically Iridium 192, Cobalt 60 and Selenium 75
n Good for crack detection of planer type defects and most
appropriate for weldments.
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RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION
n ADVANTAGES:
n Defects recorded on film to give a permanent record.
n Ability to detect internal defects as required by design codes
for pressure retaining parts.
n Good for qualification of welders.
n DISADVANTAGES
n Not applicable for fillet welds
n Requires skill in choosing angles and types of exposure and
interpretation of findings to applicable design code.
n Requires safety precautions from radiation.
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SURFACE EXAMINATION
n To examine the surface of material to ensure freedom
from surface breaking defects.
n VISUAL: most basic
n MAGNETIC PARTICLE: As applicable to ferrous based
materials.
n DYE/LIQUID PENETRANT: Generally applied to non
ferrous materials.
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MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION
n Magnetic Particle Examination is only applicable to
ferrous materials.
n Part under examination is magnetised.
n Magnetic discontinuities which lie transverse to the
magnetic field cause a leakage field to be formed.
n Presence of defects or discontinuities is detected by the
use of finely divided ferromagnetic particles applied over
the surface
n The magnetically held particles forms an outline of the
defect.
n May also be possible to detect subsurface defects
depending on size and orientation.
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MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION
n ADVANTAGES:
n Equipment is relatively simple, portable or stationary
units.
n Powder may be applied dry or wet.
n May use white background (as black on white for
contrast) or fluorescent particles under ultraviolet light
for increased sensitivity.
n Suitable for most sizes and shapes being examined.
n LIMITATIONS:
n Thin coating or paint adversely affect sensitivity
n Demagnetisation may be required after examination.
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DYE / LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION
n Method primarily applied to non ferrous materials
n Inspection method works by capillary action of dye
penetrant
n Method most suited to castings or wrought products, and
weld overlays and hardfacings.
n LIMITATION:
n Requires a good surface condition. Not suitable for rough
or porous surfaces.
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