Non-Destructive testing services are provided by Inspection Services Queensland at Hitec Welding’s workshop facility allowing for quick turnaround of testing services.
Inspection Services Queensland work jointly with HITEC Welding to provide an efficient, economical and quick turnaround of NATA accredited Non-Destructive testing services for the mining, petrochemical, gas, power generation and aeronautical industries.
Inspection Services Queensland is one of the top NDT companies in Queensland for its comprehensive range of testing methods and other services. Non-Destructive testing services that are provided at our workshop facility include the following:
- Hydrostatic and pneumatic pressure testing (provided by HITEC)
- Weld visual inspection
- Radiographic examination (gamma ray and x-ray)
- Ultrasonic flaw and thickness testing
- Dye Penetrant testing
- Magnetic Particle testing
- Positive material identification (PMI)
What is Non-Destructive Testing?
Nondestructive testing (NDT) is an inspection method used to evaluate the condition of welding, materials, structures and components without causing damage to the test object. It is an essential tool for ensuring the quality and reliability of critical infrastructure in industries such as mining, petrochemical, gas, power generation and aeronautical.
NDT is performed using a variety of techniques including weld visual inspection, ultrasonic testing and dye penetrant testing. It is a safe method of testing which does not require expensive shutdowns or production stoppages. NDT methods can be used to inspect materials that are difficult or impossible to test with destructive testing methods.
NDT testing services are the most effective way to detect flaws or defects before they become serious safety hazards. The component itself is left intact by the testing process which allows for it to be repaired rather than replaced. NDT is also more accurate than destructive testing as the tests can be repeated if necessary.
Non Destructive Testing Methods
Hydrostatic and pneumatic pressure testing is commonly used to test the structural integrity of pipelines, pressure vessels and other components in the mining, petrochemical and coal seam gas industries. Also known as hydrotesting or leak testing (LT), the process involves filling the component with water or another fluid and subjecting it to increased internal pressure. If the component can withstand the pressure without any leaks then it passes the test. Hydrotesting inspection methods allow engineers to identify flaws and repair them.
Hydrostatic and pneumatic pressure testing is conducted by HITEC Welding.
Visual testing is a process that uses the human eye to identify defects such as corrosion, misalignment or cracks. Visual flaw detection can be aided by the use of optical instruments including magnifying glasses and computer-assisted systems. Visual testing is the simplest method for non destructive evaluation and widely used across all industries. It is a critical part of quality control in the metal fabrication and welding process and helps to ensure that products are safe and reliable.
Radiographic testing, also known as gamma ray or x-ray testing, is a process that uses radiation to inspect components for hidden defects. By passing a penetrating radiation source through an object and recording the resulting image on film or digital media, technicians can see inside the solid material and identify any flaws or areas that need further inspection. Radiography is a safe and reliable NDT method that can provide valuable information that is hard to detect with the naked eye.
Ultrasonic testing is a process that uses high-frequency sound waves to detect defects in a material’s surface or interior. The sound waves are generated by an ultrasonic transducer, which transmits them into the object being tested. When the waves hit an abnormality, they are reflected back and detected by the transducer. This information is used to create an image of the fault, which can then be used to measure its size and depth. The NDT ultrasonic testing procedure can help engineers identify problems with products or manufacturing processes and make necessary fixes.
Ultrasonic testing is commonly used in the mining and oil and gas industries to inspect the internal structure of metal parts and welds. It is a valuable tool for any industry that relies on precision manufacturing. This type of testing can also be used to measure the thickness of plates and shells. Ultrasonic inspection is especially useful for detecting discontinuities in thin sheets of metal or composites. Unlike other NDT techniques, such as radiography and magnetic particle testing, ultrasonic testing does not use radiation and is therefore safe to use on any type of material.
Dye penetrant testing, also known as liquid penetrant testing, is used to detect surface and subsurface defects in non-ferrous materials such as aluminium, brass, copper, and nickel. This NDT method works by applying a visible or fluorescent dye which seeps into any cracks or porosity in the material. Once the dye has had time to soak in, the part is wiped clean and the presence of any dye penetration is visually inspected. Liquid penetrant tests make it easy to locate and assess the severity of any surface-breaking flaws including cracks, seams, pits and holes.
Magnetic particle testing is a type of electromagnetic testing used to detect flaws in ferromagnetic materials. The test is performed by sprinkling magnetic particles over the surface of the material then exposing it to a magnetic field. If there are any defects in the material, the small particles will become attracted to the area and create a visible mark which can be viewed under a microscope. Magnetic particle testing is a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to identify cracks, breaks, and other types of damage without having to dismantle the metal component.
Positive material identification (PMI) is a testing method used to verify the elemental composition of metals and alloys. It involves an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), which directs an intense beam of primary radiation at the sample material. The energy emitted by the excited atoms in the sample is then analysed by the spectrometer to identify what elements are present. This type of non destructive inspection does not require any special preparation of the sample material and results are generally available within minutes. PMI testing is important as it helps ensure that the materials being used are safe and meet regulatory requirements.