Lion Inspection Services

Visual Inspection is one of Lion Inspection Services' most common analytical methods. VT involves observing a component with the naked eye to evaluate the presence of surface discontinuities. VT can be supported with optical instruments such as magnifying glasses, boroscopes, mirrors, and other computer equipment for remote viewing. Visual testing is the first method of testing in an NDT examination if a component can be viewed.  

This service covers the dimensional measurements of tool joint OD, ID, Box Shoulder Width, Tong Space, Measurement of Box Swell, Counterbore Depth, Pin Lead, Bevel Diameter, Box Seal width and Shoulder Flatness.

Lion Inspection Services Inspectors perform magnetic particle inspection to detect surface and subsurface defects in ferromagnetic materials (nickel, iron, cobalt, etc.). A magnetic field is placed onto the test object by direct or indirect magnetization and iron particles are drawn to where the flaw is located. 

Direct magnetization occurs when the electric current is passed through the test object and a magnetic field is formed in the material. Indirect magnetization occurs when no electric current is passed through the test object, but a magnetic field is applied from an outside source. The magnetic lines of force are perpendicular to the direction of the electric current.

The presence of a surface or subsurface discontinuity in the material allows the magnetic flux to leak since air cannot support as much magnetic field per unit volume as metals. Ferrous iron particles are then applied to the part. The particles may be dry or in a wet suspension. If an area of flux leakage is present the particles will be attracted to this area. The particles will build up at the area of leakage and form what is known as an indication. The indication can then be evaluated to determine what it is, what may have caused it, and what action should be taken if needed.

As an industry-applied and economically beneficial system, our inspectors perform liquid penetrant testing to locate surface-breaking defects in non-porous materials. 

The penetrant is applied to the material, although for ferrous components, magnetic-particle inspection is often used instead for its subsurface detection capability. 

Liquid penetrant is applied to detect casting, forging and welding surface defects such as surface porosity, hairline cracks, leaks in new products, and fatigue cracks on components in service.

Conventional Ultrasonic Testing

Conventional UT is one of the most preferred methods of inspection because of its ability to detect, measure, and trend changes in material over time. Finding changes in material properties is straightforward because UT transmits high-frequency sound waves into the material and records the changes. The measurements can be analyzed and trend lines can be created, making it easy to monitor and plan for remediation and preventative maintenance. 

Shear Wave Ultrasonic Testing

Our ultrasonic shear wave inspectors have been trained to meet all industry standards. We utilize digital ultrasonic instruments to detect, size, and map out flaws in various welded components. Shear wave testing, or angle beam inspection, is most useful in weld inspections. A probe consisting of an ultrasonic transducer sends an ultrasonic beam at an angle into the test area. As the probe is moved, it detects flaws in a weld based on the refraction of the ultrasonic beam.

Ultrasonic Wall Thickness Measurements

Ultrasonic Measurement: Ultrasonic wall thickness tests are utilized to determine the minimum and maximum wall thickness at any one area on a tube. A test consists of taking as many circumferential measurements as required to determine the minimum and maximum wall thickness in one area.

Micrometer Measurement: Micrometer measurements are utilized in measuring the wall thickness on the ends of plain end pipe.

Ultrasonic Wall Verification: Ultrasonic wall thickness test to verify that the tube body, in general, satisfies nominal wall thickness requirements.

Inspection Standards

• DS-1 5th Edition
• API-RP7G
• SPEC 7 
• RP 5A5 
• 5CT 
• NS-1
• NS-2 
• ASNT Level II