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Visual inspection is one of the most utilized and proficient methods of non-destructive testing available. All visual inspections are conducted by certified inspectors with vast knowledge and experience in his/her field. Visual Inspections may be performed using the direct or indirect method. Examples of indirect visuals may include bora scope, remote video, etc.

Ultrasonic Flaw Detection is a non-destructive testing procedure in which beams of high-frequency sound waves are used to detect surface and sub-surface flaws. The sound waves travel through the materials, then, are then reflected at metal interfaces capable of revealing discontinuities. With this test, the technician can determine the presence and location of imperfections such as cracks, shrinkage, cavities, bursts, pores, non-fusion, and other defects. This test is used for quality control and materials testing in all major industries. Ultrasonic flaw testing procedures include testing of forgings, castings, rolled plates, weld joints, and steel production. UT technicians also perform inspections on fabricated structures such as pressure vessels, pipelines, drilling rigs, ships, and other steel components. Flaw detection techniques include:

• Straight Beam Testing A longitudinal sound wave is induced into the part at a zero-degree angle for the detection of planar discontinuities (Laminations) parallel to the surface of the material.
• Conventional Shearwave A single sound wave is induced into the part at one angle for the detection of base material or weld discontinuities.
• Phased Array (PAUT) Multiple sound waves are induced into the part at multiple angles for the detection of base material or weld discontinuities. Phased array scans can be recorded and stored electronically for comparison with future scans or third-party interpretation.

Ultrasonic testing can also be used to measure the thickness of metal sections during manufacturing and maintenance inspections. Conventional UT is accurate, fast, and relatively inexpensive. These tests employ a transducer that emits ultrasonic pulses into the material which are then reflected to the transducer from the back wall of the material. Using calibration standards, material thickness can be accurately tested to within thousands of an inch. With the use of phased array equipment, corrosion scans can be performed and recorded electronically. Corrosion scans show a color scale picture of the scanned parts back wall, such as pits and wash-out areas.

Magnetic Particle Testing is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method of locating surface and near-surface defects in ferromagnetic materials. When materials or parts are MT tested, they temporarily become magnetized causing discontinuities to emit a stronger magnetic field called flux leakage. When finely divided ferromagnetic particles are applied to the part, they group at the flux leakage revealing the discontinuity. The technician can determine the length and location of the indications by viewing the particle groupings. Magnetic Particle Testing can be used to detect casting, forging, and welding flaws such as cracks, seams, and surface-breaking lamination.

Brinell Hardness testing ascertains a material resistance to indentation. Hardness is determined by comparing the indention diameter in the test material with the indentation diameter in a known hardness bar after an indenter strikes the material surface. This helps to average out surface and sub-surface inconsistencies. This test is most commonly used on materials that have a structure that is too coarse or that has a surface that is too rough to be tested using another method.

Liquid Penetrant Testing is a non-destructive testing method used to locate surface-breaking discontinuities in non-porous materials such as metals, plastics, and ceramics. The liquid penetrant is drawn into even the most minute surface openings by capillary action. After the allotted amount of time (dwell time), the excess dye is carefully cleaned from the surface to not remove the dye from the imperfections in the material. The developer is then applied to the material surface to draw the penetrant back out making the imperfections visible. This testing method can be used to detect flaws open to the surface in castings, forgings, plates, pipes, and welds such as cracks, seams, lamination, and porosity in both new and in-service components.