Element Materials Technology

Radiographic inspection methods

Our industry-leading radiographic testing and inspection capabilities include a range of traditional and more advanced digital methods of radiographic inspection:

Conventional Radiography

Element’s radiographic inspection staff are certified by the ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP), PCN (ISO 9712 compliant), EN 4179, and NAS 410. Our Level II and Level III technicians can perform conventional film radiography, a portable method that is capable of revealing the most microscopic cracks in metallic materials through metallurgical testing.

Close Proximity Radiography (CPR)

In addition to conventional and digital radiography, Element offers Close Proximity Radiography (CPR). The CPR system, also known as “Small Controlled Area Radiography” (SCAR), has been developed as a unique industrial radiography process that does not require evacuations of personnel. Proximity radiography can produce both film and digital imaging. 

Computed Radiography (CR)

Our NDT laboratories also perform Computed Radiography, a method that produces an image in a digital format that can be viewed on any laptop or computer, eliminating the need for chemical processing and costly film storage.

Digital Radiography (DR)

We also have the latest digital radiographic equipment using Digital Detector Arrays (DDA) where images are displayed directly onto a computer screen and can quickly and easily be shared. Understand the difference between Computed Radiography (CR) and Digital Radiography (DR).

Linear accelerator testing (LINAC)

Linear accelerators are used for testing thick and dense materials such as steel. Due to their high performance, they require significantly less time to penetrate the material.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Computed Tomography is the most advanced radiographic testing method that uses an automated detector motion to gather thousands of images at various angles to create a 3D image. The image can be viewed on the screen and further processed with a CAD program or analysis software.

Advantages of radiographic testing:

The advantages of using radiography inspection as your chosen non-destructive testing method.

• Ability to inspect assembled components
• Requires minimum surface preparation
• Detects both subsurface and surface defects
• Provides a permanent film record of testing
• Verifies internal flaws in complex structures
• Conducted by highly trained, certified experts

The Element Advantage

Whether you require on-site field services or in-lab RT laboratory analysis, our global platform of experts and resources delivers the certainty your radiographic inspection projects require. 

Eddy current inspection is an efficient and precise nondestructive test method. This type of inspection is particularly helpful in evaluating heat exchangers and aircraft parts and components.

Eddy Current Inspection

The flow of periodic electrical currents in conductors, or probes, creates varying electromagnetic fields. These probes are placed near the surface of the test material and can detect the effects of processing and shaping operations during production, as well as corrosion damage or cracking for most nonmagnetic metals and alloys.

Eddy current testing is a valuable tool for the nondestructive testing and condition monitoring of a large variety of metallic structures, including heat exchanger tubes, aircraft fuselage, and aircraft structural components.

NDT at Element - Eddy Current

Element operates full-service non-destructive testing laboratories that utilize advanced equipment capable of performing quality inspections. Our experts are ready to assist you with your toughest material challenges. 

Liquid penetrant inspection (LPI), or dye penetrant inspection, is a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective method for detecting surface flaws in welds, castings, and other components that cannot be destroyed. LPI or dye penetrant is a portable surface inspection method, allowing our Engaged Experts to conduct a comprehensive onsite evaluation.

What is Liquid Penetrant Inspection Utilized For?

Liquid penetrant inspection is a valuable tool for evaluating non-ferromagnetic and non-metallic materials. In addition to utilizing dye in checking for defects and cracks, it can also be used to determine other surface characteristics, such as porosity. 

The Dye Penetrant Inspection process

Parts must go through a pre-cleaning process (etch, alkaline, or solvent-cleaning) before the liquid penetrant is applied. After allowing proper dwell time, the excess penetrant is removed from the surface (but not from any possible defects), and the part is dried. Then a developing powder is applied; this developer pulls up the dye that has seeped into cracks or pores, resulting in visible marks or indications that identify surface flaws. Based on the results, an inspector then provides a report with the type, number, and size of defects on a component.

Element’s Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI) qualifications 

Our non-destructive testing (NDT) experts are well-trained in liquid penetrant inspection and hold Level II and III certifications from ASNT, among other qualifications. Element provides Type II non-fluorescent NDT services to all of the various commercial and nuclear codes, as well as Type I fluorescent inspection to aerospace, government, nuclear, and after-market applications.

Magnetic particle inspection (MPI) also known as magnetic particle testing (MPT) is a non destructive test (NDT) method used to check for surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferrous materials. Our magnetic particle testing is performed on-site or in one of our state-of-the-art laboratories. 

Because this method relies on a magnetic field to produce results, it works best on ferrous materials, like nickel, iron, cobalt, and some alloys. Components like billets, bars, castings, forgings, fasteners, weldments and extrusions are also commonly tested using magnetic particle inspection.

Magnetic particle inspection methods

Trust the NDT Experts at Element

Magnetic particle inspection can be performed using a wet or dry method, depending on the application. In both methods, the product is electrically charged to create a magnetic field. Then, ferrous iron particles are applied to the part in a dry or wet suspension. 

If there is a crack or other defect present, the particles will be attracted to the flaw and build up around the leakage to for an “indication.” The indication is then evaluated to determine the characteristics and cause of the defect. Results allow our Engaged Experts to understand the type and severity of any discontinuities on the part’s surface or sub-surface. 

The Element advantage in MPI testing

By examining the nature, location and extent of an indication, our highly trained and experienced inspectors can determine the origin and cause of both surface and near-surface discontinuities. 

Element operates full-service non-destructive testing (NDT) and magnetic particle inspection laboratories that utilize advanced equipment capable of performing quality inspections for virtually any form of ferrous material, component or assembly.

Even with sophisticated measuring and imaging equipment, visual inspection (or visual testing) is still a useful, relevant tool for a range of applications. Our Engaged Experts are trained to look for defects, inconsistencies, and characteristic patterns in materials, equipment, and structures, helping you ensure quality and uniformity in your products and processes.

Often used in conjunction with our non-destructive testing services, a visual inspection provides you with added confidence that your products are free from defects and discontinuities. We use the industry’s most respected standards and processes to closely and carefully inspect your products, no matter how big or how large the quantity. 

How We Perform Visual Inspection (VT)

Depending on the type of material or equipment being inspected, we look for a range of different characteristics during a visual inspection. While inspection criteria are different for each project, some of the attributes we look for include:

• Cracks
• Corrosion
• Surface flaws
• Banding
• Surface discontinuities
• Material consistency
• Dimensional uniformity

Ultrasonic testing (UT) is a non-destructive test method that utilizes sound waves to detect cracks and defects in parts and materials. It can also be used to determine a material’s thickness, such as measuring the wall thickness of a pipe. 

Because this method has higher power potential than other non-destructive test types, ultrasonic testing can produce images that are more clearly defined than other methods and indicate characteristics deeper than surface level. We offer ultrasonic testing services for a variety of industries, including Aerospace, Oil & Gas, Power Generation, and more. 

Ultrasonic inspection methods 

Depending upon the test requirements, parts are evaluated using contact or immersion ultrasonic testing. Ultrasonic inspection relies on electronic transducers that transmit high-frequency sound waves to a material. These sound waves bounce back images, which reveal key characteristics of a material’s properties. The images created by ultrasonic testing can indicate cracks, weld grooves, and fractures, as well as indicate material thickness and moving components.

Contact Ultrasonic Inspection

Contact ultrasonic testing is often used in situations where radiographic inspection is not possible because it requires access to only one side of the test specimen. Because of the portability of the equipment and the variety of methods available, ultrasonic testing allows for the inspection of parts that are large, irregularly shaped, or unable to be transported.

Immersion Ultrasonic Inspection (IUT)

Immersion ultrasonic testing is a laboratory-based inspection, useful for the detection of smaller defects, from cracking to porosity. Submersing a component or material allows for better sound travel from the transducer, and provides accurate reporting of sub-surface irregularities and flaws. IUT supports a broad range of requirements as it applies to any wall thickness, as well as any material. Element has developed world-leading Immersion Ultrasonic Testing capabilities for the testing of pipeline girth welds used in the Oil and gas industry.

The Element Advantage

Our ultrasonic testing experts provide in-house, onsite, and field inspections and certifications. Whether your inspection requirements are for raw materials or fracture-critical components, we offer the equipment, expertise, and capacity for the task.

Element's weld inspection services ensure your welds meet required quality standards, leading to reduced failure rates and extending the potential operating life of components. Our welding specialists hold internationally recognized qualifications, including the Certification Scheme for Welding Inspection (CSWIP), Personnel Certification in Non-Destructive Testing (PCN), and Certified Welding Inspection (CWI). 

We combine a global team of trained and certified inspectors to provide a complete range of third-party, independent weld procedure and weld engineering services for energy, aerospace & defense, transportation, and construction sectors.

Expertise in weld inspecting

With the Certification Scheme for Welding Inspection (CSWIP) and Personnel Certification in Non-Destructive Testing (PCN), our experts have in-depth knowledge and experience of manufacturing processes in all aspects of welding requirements to support your welding projects and staff. Their credentials include: 

• Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI)
• Certified Welding Engineers (CWEng)
• International Welding Engineers (IWE)

Element's CSWIP inspectors are qualified for 3.1 Welding Inspector and 3.2 Senior Welding Inspector levels with expertise involving ferrous and nonferrous materials. 

Our approach to weld inspection and monitoring 

It is vital to detect any problems with welds before they escalate or soon after they occur so they can be corrected as quickly as possible. Element's weld inspectors evaluate the quality of welds at every step of the fabrication process before, during, and after welding. 

Following the authorization of the Preliminary or Proposed Weld Procedure Specification (WPS) and the sourcing of the material and consumables, our CSWIP and PCN inspectors use calibrated equipment and data logging machines to confirm the joint configuration, set-up, and temperatures and record all essential welding data of the new welding procedure. 

Our CSWIP, PCN, and CWI Services 

• Welding supervision 
• Visual inspections 
• Monitoring and approval of welding procedure specification
• Welding process auditing and improvement services
• Verification of welding equipment, documentation, and reports  
• Welding Procedure Qualification Record (WPQR)
• Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ)
• Destructive testing 
• Non-destructive testing 

Third Party Witnessing

Element has forged strong working relationships with Certifying Authorities specializing in the oil, gas, and marine industries, who recognize our strengths as a test laboratory with welding testing and certification capabilities. If required, Element can organize witnessing on behalf of our customers.