Interface Technical Inspection

Testing of materials, components or assemblies is a critical aspect in any industry sector, be it for construction, petrochemical, engineering, manufacturing or fabrication. It is through testing that the performance, reliability, durability, etc. of any matter can be ascertained. Non-destructive testing (NDT) is one of the efficient methods of evaluating and inspecting materials, components or assemblies for discontinuities or locating changes in material characteristics without affecting the future usefulness of the matter being tested.

The advantages gained by using the NDT method far outweigh other known testing methods. Its efficient and accurate results have made it one of the most commonly used methods across various industry sectors in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah and other emirates of the UAE.

Defects that can be detected by NDT methods

With the development of numerous Non-Destructive Testing techniques, it has become relatively easier to identify flaws and detect discontinuities in any component. Defects that can be detected by NDT include

• Planar defects such as fatigue cracks, lack of side-wall fusion in welds, hydrogen cracking, stress corrosion cracks, etc.
• Flaws in laminations which include rolling and forging laminations, laminar inclusions and delaminations in composites
• Voids, slag and porosity in welds and voids in castings and forgings
• Wall thinning due to corrosion and erosion
• Areas of corrosion
• Structural deformities such as dents, bulges, etc

Types of Non-Destructive Testing Methods

The selection of a testing method is dependent on the type of matter that is to be tested and its application. There are numerous methods of NDT and the most commonly used ones include

• Vacuum Box Testing
• Visual Testing(VT)
• Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
• Radiographic Testing
• Positive Material Identification
• Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) – Visual / Fluorescent
• Liquid Penetrant Test (LPT) – Visual / Fluorescent
• Holiday Testing
• Magnetic Flux Leakage(MFL)
• Portable Hardness

The Benefits of Non-Destructive Testing

The very nature of Non-Destructive Testing is its biggest advantage. Unlike other testing methods that are destructive in nature, the NDT method can be used to determine the physical properties as well as the chemical composition of materials without causing damage. The main benefits of NDT include

• It helps determine the suitability, structural integrity, strength, ductility, and reliability of test objects effectively.
• Test objects can be measured, evaluated and inspected without causing any damage to the structure, part or component during testing.
• It is a very affordable option compared to other methods of testing
• It can be used to ensure quality right from the raw material stage to the finished product.
• NDT can be carried out at almost any stage in the production or life cycle of components hence is a time-saving and cost-effective method.
• NDT properly implemented and carried out can be used as a preventive measure to help identify and resolve problems without which may prove to be disastrous.
• NDT can be used when components are in use to help identify the status of the component, part or equipment as well as detect factors that might affect the serviceability of the component.

Modern and sophisticated testing and inspection procedures are employed to ascertain whether precision-engineered products are built to the exacting standards to which these are designed and modelled. Advanced inspection methods are also employed to check if engineering installations in industries like oil and gas and construction comply with the specifications to which these are to be built.

Many large corporations have established testing procedures for products and services they procure and employ qualified and skilled personnel – either in-house or outsourced – to carry out the prescribed tests before these products and services are commissioned for use. The inspection service providers are fully equipped with the latest instruments and accessories to carry out the prescribed tests in each field. The test results are compared against the reference standards for acceptable quality and the inspector will approve for further use only the products and services that are fully compliant to the specifications and standards.

Inspection service providers offer a variety of advanced inspection services to customers in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah in sectors like oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, etc. They also give necessary training to technically qualified people who aspire to become inspectors in this field.

Some of the advanced inspection services offered by specialist inspection service providers are listed below:

• Ferrite Test
• Vacuum Box Testing
• Holiday Testing
• Positive Material Identification
• Inspection Services
• Portable Hardness Test

The benefits of advanced inspection

With the rapid advancement of advanced inspection technologies, the benefits derived from these services are innumerable. Some of the main advantages of an advanced inspection include:

• When properly performed by qualified inspectors, it can help solve complex issues in the areas of quality control, life extension of components, serviceability, etc.
• It ensures safe operation of systems and compliance with safety standards
• It is a cost-effective option that can save critical time when properly applied.
• Generation of reports within a short span of time enables clients to make informed decisions and take appropriate remedial measures.