Conventional NDT Techniques

The following explains the theory behind some of the conventional nondestructive testing (NDT) services
provided by Industrial Support Services. Despite the fact that some of these techniques have been
available for a relatively long time, we are constantly striving to keep abreast of all the latest developments
in hardware and equipment in order that our clients may receive the best service possible. Our
commitment to fulfill all our clients' inspection requirements by providing an "all-round" service also means
that additional conventional techniques are being introduced and provided as required.

• Visual Test (VT)

• Radiography (RT)
• Liquid Penetrant Test (PT)
• Magnetic Particle Test (MT)
• Ultrasonic Test (UT)
• Leak Test (LT)
• Thermal Infrared Test
• Microwave Testing
• Acoustic Emission (AE)

Visual Test (VT)

This is the most widely-used NDT technique. Visual testing is used for the detection of surface flaws and
discontinuities in test pieces. The effectiveness of the technique can be enhanced through the aid of such
tools as mirrors, magnifiers, fiberscopes, umbilically tethered cameras, and the like. Quantification of
indications can be augmented through the use of tools such as depth gauges, templates, displacement
gauges, etc.
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Radiography (RT)
A major advantage of the penetrating radiation method of NDT is its
inherent display of results in single or multi-dimensional graphical
images. RT is most sensitive to material changes along the
projection of the beam allowing thin cross-sectional discontinuities
(such as cracks) to be detected if their major surfaces are aligned
parallel to the beam path. RT can be used to detect internal
discontinuities in almost any material that is not too thick. RT is
based on the detection of differences in the transmission or
absorption of penetrating radiation by different parts of the object
being radiographed. Industrial Support Services offers RT
inspection services using both X-ray and gamma-ray sources,
depending on client or specific job requirements.
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Liquid Penetrant Test (PT)

Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) is one of the most common ways to
enhance Visual Testing (VT) through the introduction of highly
visible penetrating liquids. These specially prepared liquids,
characterized by a low viscosity and a high affinity for metallic
surfaces, easily enter surface-connected voids when the part is
being dipped into or sprayed by the liquid penetrant. With the part
exposed to the liquid, a black (UV) light is used to check for regions
where the liquid has penetrated into surface flaws.
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 Magnetic Particle Test (MT)
The first magnetic NDT technique in commercial use, MT is a
relatively simple test method that can be applied to finished articles,
billets, hot rolled bars, castings, and forgings. It can also be used to
check that processing operations such as heat treatment,
machining, and grinding did not uncover or cause discontinuities on
the surface of the part. Magnetic particle testing entails magnetizing
the test article using an external field source, and then applying
magnetic particles (in liquid of dry form). These particles are
naturally attracted to regions on the surface of the test piece where
leakage fields are present. These leakage fields form due to any
surface or sub-surface flaw in the test piece. The technique can be
enhanced by the use of fluorescent powders or suspensions which
often make the surface flaw signals clearer, especially when viewed
under ultra-violet lighting.
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Ultrasonic Test (UT)

UT utilizes mechanical waves (vibrations) that travel well through
many materials, especially metals. The technique has proven to be
extremely useful in finding structure-critical material irregularities.
Sound waves travel at rates that are determined by the material's
physical characteristics of elasticity, density, and homogeneity. UT
is used in the testing of materials such as fine-grained metals
(aluminum), and for the detection of inter-laminar separations and
regions that have been improperly processed or damaged in
layered composite structures. Some advantages of UT include its
high sensitivity to defects that are most critical to structural integrity
(e.g. cracks). It is characterized by its ease of use, portability of the
testing equipment, and applicability to the testing of a wide range of
materials.
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Leak Test (LT)

Covers a wide range of techniques used to detect the leakage of fluids from the test part. In most cases,
fluids are pressurized on one side of the test part, while the opposite surface of the piece is inspected for
fluid leaking through. In general, the leakage can be detected by one of the following methods: listening for
occurrence of leak, observing formation of bubbles, monitoring for changes in pressure or volume of the
fluid, or sensing for the presence of tracer fluids.
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Thermal Infrared Test

This technique is based on the phenomena of thermal radiation emitted by objects, and the differences in
the nature of this radiation based on the temperature of the object. The radiation is detected by special
thermal imaging equipment that can translate the radiation wavelength to a temperature range. This
technique is typically used for the inspection of insulations in homes and manufacturing plants, in addition
to the monitoring of hot-spots in various production/processing facilities.
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Microwave Testing
Is a non-contact NDT technique based on the laws of electromagnetism. The technique relies on the fact
that microwaves are reflected by electrically conducting surfaces/materials, but attenuated by dielectric
(nonconducting) ones. Based on this characteristic, the technique can be used to measure distances to
metallic surfaces, and the thickness of dielectric materials.
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Acoustic Emission (AE)

Is a passive sonic testing technique which relies on the emitted bursts of sonic/acoustic signals detected
from a test sample, and which typically accompany the formation or propagation of cracks and corrosion
under conditions of tensile stress. This technique is dependent on the continual monitoring of the test
sample for emission of acoustic signals. Typically, AE is used for detection of leaks and corrosion on in-
service piping or storage vessels.
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