Get to know the types of Advanced NDT Testing Methods

Importance of Advanced NDT Testing in Material Inspection

To check or inspect the condition of materials without damaging them, there is a method called Advanced Non-Destructive Test, often called Advanced NDT Testing.

With testing like this, damage to a material will be detected quickly and can maintain its condition.

Understanding Advanced NDT Testing

Advanced NDT  is an industry’s comprehensive testing and analysis development technique to evaluate the properties of components, materials, systems, and structures. The method can detect differences in characteristics and defects in materials without causing damage to the original part.

Several methods are combined in this approach to illuminate more precise insights. See more here.

5 Advanced Non-Destructive Test Methods

To know more about this examination technique, here are some types you need to know.

1. Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)

This method uses advanced ultrasonic technology with several transducer elements to generate sound waves at various angles. Subsequently, each element is individually acted upon and timed by a computer to form the phase aspect of the process.

This method allows the inspector to control and focus the ultrasonic energy to produce a more precise and more accurate picture of the damage in a material.

NDT testing can also provide permanent data, will not produce radiation, and can be used for several applications. There are several advantages of this method.

1. In terms of coverage, by directing, scanning, and using the transducer beam, this method can examine large material surfaces quickly and in high resolution.
2. In terms of speed, although the surface area examined is large, the PAUT method can be performed faster than conventional UT.
3. In terms of accuracy, because it emits rays from different angles sequentially, this method can produce a more detailed and accurate picture of the material, increasing the likelihood of anomalies.
4. In terms of repeatability, repeated scans can be done using this method because of its high accuracy and consistency.
5. In terms of flexibility, it can be quite an effective method for checking complex geometries such as bends, nozzles, and elbows. It is also helpful in situations where mechanical scanning access is limited.
6. Regarding safety, using PAUT methods that are semi-automated or motorized can avoid exposing inspection personnel to environments with high potential hazards.

2. Long-Range Ultrasonic Test

This screening method is performed on pipeline installations to detect corrosion, erosion, mechanical damage, and other defects in the pipes being inspected.

Technically, a series of transducers will be installed around the pipe; ultrasonic waves will be transmitted simultaneously along the pipe from both directions. Then, the same transducer will return the signal until the data can be analyzed using a software system.

This method has the advantage of providing 100% coverage in the initial scan, but on the other hand, it requires little access to the surface of the pipe to which the transducer has been attached. Another advantage of this NDT Testing method is that it can inspect inaccessible areas, such as sheathed pipes and clamps.

The working principle of the long-range ultrasonic test is to use sound waves to measure the material’s thickness and the length of time it takes for the sound to return to a constant velocity characteristic.

3. Magnetic Flux Leakage 

This method is often used to detect corrosion and pitting in steel structures. The working principle of this method involves magnetizing iron to a saturation level with a strong magnetic field.

If the inspected material has no flaws, the magnetic flux will remain fixed at a level sufficient to distinguish corrosion in each pipe feature, such as hard points, tension, and stress. This fixed level minimizes the effects of magnetization and remanence velocity.

We will subsequently position a magnetic sensor between the poles to capture the leakage field detected by the Hall-effect sensor. Eddy current sensors integrated into magnetic flux sensors improve differentiation of internal and external defects.

The advantages of one of these NDT Testing methods include:

1. They can indicate defects and are visible right where they are located
2. Can detect flaws in the material surface and subsurface
3. This method does not require equipment calibration
4. Also, it does not require tool cleaning of the test surface

4. Alternating Current Field Measurement (ACFM)

This is an electromagnetic technique used to detect and measure surface cracks in metallic materials. It introduces electric current into the material and measures the surface’s electromagnetic field.

If a defect is detected, it can interfere with the material and information that will be displayed on the software system. You can perform this kind of inspection with the help of a company that specializes in providing inspection services using the NDT Testing method.

But be sure to choose a competent and trusted company. There are several advantages of using this method, including:

1. It can be used for conductive metal materials
2. It can be used on surfaces that are hot, underwater, or in environments exposed to radiation
3. Can provide information about material conditions even to the deepest point
4. Can accurately detect defects up to 25mm deep
5. It can be used for underwater inspection and also for regular inspection
6. Inspection data can be stored and analyzed offline

5. Internal Rotary Inspection System (IRIS)

Another NDT Testing method is the Internal Rotary Inspection System (IRIS), an ultrasonic inspection system used to test undamaged pipes and tubes.

With this method, you can find out if there is corrosion, pitting, and wall loss. It is usually used to inspect tubes in boilers, heat exchangers, water heaters, and air conditioners.

This is a versatile method as it can work with both ferrous and non-ferrous materials. It can also be used for various tube diameters and wall thicknesses.

By using various methods from the Advanced Non-Destructive Test, you can know more about the condition of your material and ensure that you can produce high-quality materials.

It is, therefore, essential to conduct the kind of detailed material testing that a competent inspection agency such as SUCOFINDO can do.

Sucofindo has been licensed, accredited, and recognized nationally and internationally to provide Advanced NDT services in various industrial sectors. To find out more about NDT testing, you can contact SUCOFINDO.