NDT Global Services Limited

NDT Global Services specialises in Guided Wave Testing (GWT). Our Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 engineers have extensive experience providing rapid data analysis, operating worldwide in varying environmental climates.

Guided Wave Testing using the Wavemaker Pipe Screening System uses ultrasonic guided waves, sent along the length of pipe, to non-destructively test pipes for defects and other irregularities by detecting changes in the cross sections of the pipe. It is a non-invasive inspection technique permitting for the inspection of a vast range of lines whilst they remain operational. Little preparation of the line is required. The test can range up to 50m in either direction from the test location, up to 100m of line can be inspected in one test. Pipe sizes from 3/4” to 84” can be tested using the GWT method.

API inspection of in-service metallic piping systems can be incorporated into any NDT Global Services inspection projects. Our team of engineers are Rope Access qualified IRATA level 1-3 to fulfill any project requirement.

Phased Array Corrosion Mapping technology is an advanced method of volumetric inspection using ultrasonic testing principles. In addition to multi-directional imaging of inaccessible backwall corrosion (or other wall thickness reductions such as abrasion or erosion), other applications for PAUT include highly detailed weld inspection, crack detection and visualisation of anomalous material inclusions.

Innovative electronic ‘beam steering’ enables the production of a fully active volumetric ultrasonic beam which allows for significantly increased sensitivity along with rapid data collection and detailed defect resolution. The Corrosion Mapping inspection method utilises an array of ultrasonic elements incorporated within an X-Y-axis scanner enabling precisely position-encoded circumferential and axial data collection from an asset.

The high-resolution imaging obtained using PAUT is achieved by utilising an effective 50mm wide ultrasonic beam collecting A-scan data across a matrix resolved to 0.5mm increments in both the X and Y directions. By combining the vast array of ultrasonic data collected from a single pass, 100% coverage of the inspection area is ensured. The high sensitivity of the phased array beam allows for detection of deflected and/or diffracted signals which ultimately allows for in-depth defect characterisation by imaging the true morphology of the damage mechanisms.

The Quantitative Short Rang system is designed to semi-automatically scan predefined sections of straight pipelines for corrosion under pipe supports. At each location along the pipe QSR1 automatically measures the pipe diameter, distance between Transmitter and Receiver, top Path wall thickness, bottom path wall thickness and the bottom path minimal wall thickness. QSR is capable of measuring the size of corrosion to the depths of up to half of the pipe wall thickness.

• Inspects pipes on simple supports for touch point corrosion
• Uses an innovative method for processing multimode signals that are sent around the circumference of the pipe
• Scans along the top of the pipe under its own power
• Uses motorised wheels to navigate the pipe
• Measures quantitatively down to half wall loss and qualitatively for greater wall losses
• Has axial resolution of 30mm
• Adapts to inspect pipes of 8 to 16 inch diameter and ¼ to ½ inch wall thickness
• Inspects through thin coatings and needs no couplant

NDT Global Services API certified inspectors can fully assess and certify all aspects of metallic and FRP systems used throughout the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. Industry areas utilising API inspection code assessments include: offshore production, upstream depots, refining plants, downstream storage, and end user processes.

API 570 In-Service Piping Assessment

An API 570 assessment specifies the in-service inspection and condition-monitoring program as well as repair guidance that is needed to determine and maintain on-going integrity of piping. Ordinarily conducted alongside quantitative inspection using suitable method(s), assessment to the API 570 inspection code is designed as a long-term repeat process (usually operating on a 5 or 10 yearly cycle).

Assessment provides accurate and timely appraisal of the condition of piping, including identification of any areas could compromise continued safe operation, and calculated up-to-date operation parameters based on current data and trends from past inspection. A comprehensive API 570 report is generated by this method of assessment, key components of which include:

• 100% visual inspection review of an asset against API 570 piping design standards
• Analysis of quantitative inspection data to calculate corrosion rate, allowable pressure, and remaining lifespan.
• Similar to the API 570 in-service assessment process, NDT Global Services can also undertake API 653, API 510, and EEMUA 159 inspections for tank storage applications.

Similar to the API 570 in-service assessment process, NDT Global Services can also undertake API 653, API 510, and EEMUA 159 inspections for tank storage applications.

API 579 Fitness-for-Service Evaluation

NDT Global Services’ Fitness for Service (FFS) evaluation is a multi-disciplinary engineering approach used to determine if equipment is fit to continue in operation for a desired future period. The API 579 FFS process evaluates the structural and mechanical integrity of a wide range of components to determine if the equipment contains flaws (visible or hidden), has sustained damage, or has aged so that it cannot be effectively evaluated against the original construction code.

Where in-service degradation is noted within a component, API 579 is the industry-recognised standard practice used to analyse, evaluate, and monitor the equipment for continued safe operation. FFS evaluation is applicable to defects identified at any time during an asset’s lifecycle, from design to decommissioning, with principal focus on pressure vessels, piping, tanks, and associated components. FFS evaluations help asset-owners make cost-effective run-repair-replace decisions, solve complex plant-ageing problems arising throughout the lifecycle of a component, and ultimately safely optimise asset usage whilst avoiding catastrophic failure. With respect to an asset containing a defect, the key elements of NDT Global Services’ API 579 FFS evaluation are:

• Simple ‘traffic light’ result (calculation based) for continued safe use of a component
• Reassurance to prevent failures, minimise risks, and eliminate unnecessary costly repairs
• Rerating requirements and future operating restrictions (if applicable)

API 580 Risk-Based Inspection Assessmen

NDT Global Services’ Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) is a risk-management focussed assessment of a plant or process using the API 580 methodology to evaluate the risks present and produce a credible future inspection strategy to counter those risks most appropriately.

As part of an RBI assessment, NDT Global Services produce asset-specific inspection procedures to effectively fulfil internal requirements and ensure regulatory compliance. In accordance with the continual improvement requirements for the hydrocarbon industry, implementation of an inspection programme based on specific RBI assessment documentation rather than generic guidelines plays a vital role in and managing the long-term safe operation of assets and overall processes. Key components of NDT Global Services’ API 580 RBI assessment include:

• Consultancy on the requirements and benefits of introducing, maintaining, and expanding RBI as part of a management system.
• Documented methodology for managing safety, health, and environmental risks of an asset through inspection and other mitigation measures.
• Generation of a detailed formal inspection and maintenance programme, including the method(s), extent, and timing for inspection of individual components.
• Cost-effective recommendations for prioritising and scheduling inspection and maintenance resources to optimise on-site operations.
• *Optional training for staff on how to implement, operate, and manage an RBI system

Our inspectors are also API 653 and EEMUA159 certified for tank storage inspections.

NDT Global Services offer specialist pipeline and mapping services. The Pipeline Current Mapper (PCM) determines the location and measurement of pipelines and analyses areas of corrosion using electromagnetic detection devices.

Our inspectors are able to locate the pipeline, even in heavily congested areas such as conduits, and then provides the operator with a measurement of depth current strength and signal direction applied by the transmitter to quickly pinpoint corrosion related problems. Real time mapping analysis (PDA or PC) using Radiodetection Survey software to provide faster analysis of mapped information, all information is immediately uploaded and linked with GPS into our database plotting locations and depths of pipelines.

Capabilities

•  Tracing of buried pipelines and utilities
• Non invasive
• Majority of buried pipeline leaks occur due to coating breakdown (External corrosion)
• Accurate detection of weaknesses and holidays in oil and gas pipeline coatings
• Accurate to within 1m of defect
• Many miles can be inspected from one connection
• Cross country or urban areas
• Use of GPR (Ground penetrating Radar)
• Accurate mapping and plotting of GPS co-ordinance
• Establish centerline depth
• Troubleshoot coating defects.

Our techniques are specifically designed to minimise intrusive inspections wherever possible. Unlike other companies our primary inspection method is Guided Wave Testing (GWT). Guided Wave Testing using the Wavemaker Pipe Screening System uses ultrasonic guided waves, sent along the length of pipe, to non-destructively test pipes for defects and other irregularities by detecting changes in the cross sections of the pipe.

Capabilities

• Guided Wave Testing (GWT)
• General and Close Visual Inspection
• Ultrasonic Weld Inspection
• Magnetic Particle Inspection
• Phased Array and Time of Flight Diffraction
• Liquid Penetrant Inspection
• Hardness Testing
• Eddy Current Inspection
• Positive Material Identification
• Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement

Inspection methods include

• Inspection boat
• Rope access IRATA level 1-3 Inspection Engineers
• Drone cameras with recording capabilities

Jetty Inspection

Jetty leg inspection includes:

• Visual inspection
• Non destructive testing- Manual UT and Eddy Current
• Rope access technicians to undertake close range inspection on the underside of the jetty
• Boat/ floating pontoon for further inspection access
• AutoCAD drawings
• Assessment report using ultrasonic matrix surface topography program

Inspection access methods include:

• Inspection boat
• Rope access IRATA level 1-3 Inspection Engineers
• Drone cameras with recording capabilities
• Temporary modular floating pontoon.

Data gathered is analysed using our uniquely designed ultrasonic matrix surface topography program. The data analysis program can be used to analyse both coating thickness and material thickness. Topographical representation of pile face material thickness highlights all areas that fall below the critical minimum level. Degradation of material thickness is shown by a lightening of the grey material. Where the material thickness is below the critical minimum level (as defined by the client) it becomes highlighted in red, with a deepening red representing a thinner material. A full-penetration of the material wall is shown by a solid block of bright red.

Subsea Pipeline Inspection

NDT Global Services work with leading companies who are producing state of the art sub-sea pipeline inspection technologies. Our inspection engines are level 2 trained GWT Inspectors in this area and have extensive knowledge of sub-sea pipeline inspection technologies. Sub-sea inspection rings use the same technology as the surface GWT rings using ultrasonic guided waves. The sub-sea inspection rings are easily adjusted to fit different pipe sizes and are possible for both ROV and Diver Inspection. The advantages of using the SubSea rings include:

• Screening unpiggable sections of line for internal or external corrosion/erosion.
• Screening under weight coat and insulation with minimal cleaning and excavation.
• The on-site analysis allows the ROV to perform follow-up indications.

We offer both ROV deployment and Diver deployment services. Our team has vast experience and has worked all over the world in varying water climates and conditions. ROV Deployment- The inspection equipment is mounted on the ROV. A hydraulic connection is used for opening and closing the ring. The test is carried out from the ROV control room. Diver Deployment- The test is controlled via an umbilical from a topside interface box to the Wavemaker instrument. The rings are installed on a clean section of pipe by 1 or 2 divers using a mechanical clamping mechanism.

Corrosion under supports

Our techniques are specifically designed to minimise intrusive inspections wherever possible. Unlike other companies our primary inspection method is Guided Wave Testing (GWT). Guided Wave Testing using the Wavemaker Pipe Screening System uses ultrasonic guided waves, sent along the length of pipe, to non-destructively test pipes for defects and other irregularities by detecting changes in the cross sections of the pipe.

Capabilities

• Guided Wave Testing (GWT)
• General and Close Visual Inspection
• Ultrasonic Weld Inspection
• Magnetic Particle Inspection
• Phased Array and Time of Flight Diffraction
• Liquid Penetrant Inspection
• Hardness Testing
• Eddy Current Inspection
• Positive Material Identification
• Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement

Inspection methods include

• Inspection boat
• Rope access IRATA level 1-3 Inspection Engineers
• Drone cameras with recording capabilities

Gpims (Permanently installed monitoring system)

The environmentally robust gPIMS® range of sensors has been developed to be easily bonded to the pipe, sealed and then left in place. A cable connects the gPIMS® sensor to a connection box that can be located in a convenient, easy to access location. By performing repeat inspections and comparing the results to previous inspections, operators can monitor for any change in the condition of the pipe. Frequent data collection significantly improves sensitivity and reduces false call rates compared to conventional guided wave testing.

Gpims Monitoring System

• No intrusive corrosion monitoring
• General and Close Visual Inspection
• Permanently installed guided wave monitoring system for repeatable ultrasonic data gathering
• Deployed above ground below ground or subsea
• Cloud based software
• Innovative ultrasonic transducer design
• Hardness Testing
• Eddy Current Inspection
• Positive Material Identification
• Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement

Ultrasonic Flaw Detectors are commonly used in the Forging, Casting, Fabrication, Automotive, Aerospace and Power Industry segments for locating internal flaws and defects.

The End User can be assured the items being tested and under examination are fit for purpose for their intended requirement.

Ultrasonic Thickness Meters are used in both the Petro-chemical industry segment for checking Corrosion or general thinning of Pipework and Storage Tanks. These are normally the Meters that use a Twin Compression Probe.

The other main industry segments would be General Engineering, Aerospace and the automotive segment, where a high accuracy measurement is required. These Meters are most commonly used in areas where a measurement is impossible to attain with access from both sides. So, only one surface needs to be accessible to use these devices.

• USM Go+ Ultrasonic Flaw Detector
• USM 36 Ultrasonic Flaw Detector
• USN 60L Ultrasonic Flaw Detector
• Ultrasonic Thickness meters  DM5E
• Ultrasonic Thickness meters  CL5
• Ultrasonic Thickness meters DMS-Go plus
• Dakota - Ultrasonic Thickness Meters. Full range available.

NDT Global supply an extensive range of Ultrasonic Probes from the main global leaders in this technology.

Single Crystal Compression Probes are mainly used on very large and thicker components. Dependent on material constraints, they can be used up to test ranges of 25 metres.

Twin Compression Probes are usually used on thinner sections from 5mm to 100mm.

Shearwave or Angle Probes are more commonly used for inspection of welds in fabricated parts, but are also used where standard Compression Probes cannot be used (e.g. complex Geometric shapes).

Immersion Probes are generally used in the Aerospace sector for examination of Aero Engine Discs used in jet engines, or on fully automated Inspection Systems.

Suppliers include Waygate Technologies, GB Inspection, Sonatest & Baugh & Weedon

Speciality Probes

Speciality probes are used in applications where the conventional probe is not suitable. These probes are custom built to the customers exacting requirements.

UT Probe Cables

At NDT Global, we manufacture our own "in house" probe cables, in either single or twin format, in every combination of common connectors for all Flaw Detectors and Thickness Meters.

These include BNC, Lemo 00, Lemo 1 Microdot and UHF. Any combination of any connector type can be provided and made for customers, with special lengths available on request. We also stock main manufacturers standard UT Cables.

NDT Global stock all common, normal IIW, Global and European specified calibration and Test Blocks. We also supply all blocks in customers specified special materials on request. Speciality Blocks can be manufactured on request with the submission and provision of a CAD or engineering drawing provided by the end user. Customers can supply their own basic blanks of most materials, common or exotic, to be machined to the exact requirements - we do PMI check on base material to confirm type/grade and show on any certificate supplied. All our Calibration and Test Blocks are provided with normal certicate of conformity, or we can supply a full UKAS certificate on request. We offer re-certification to standard C or C requirements or UKAS on customers' own UT blocks.

• V1
• No 1 – European Standard
• V2
• No 2 – European Standard
• BCB/BCB-N
• A6
• RTB
• MU
• TBR 2 – 125
• LSW
• LSW/M
• CSW
• ASME (Specify Thickness)
• DAC (Specify Thickness)

Magnetic Particle Inspectio (MPI) is most commonly used to detect surface breaking defects and discontinuities in Ferro Magnetic materials. The most common industry segments include the Automotive, Forging, Casting, Fabrication and Power industries. The inks used are either black, fluorescent or in a dry powder format, again dependent on the item being inspected. The method can be either a fully manual technique or automated or semi-automated bench units, dependent on the application and throughput.

NDT Global Services offer a range of products for use in Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI), covering everything from large inspection lines and bench units, hand-held electro-magnets or "Yokes", permanent magnets, MPI consumables and more. We also offer in-house design and build services for customers with more unique requirements.

• Magnaflux MPI – Aerosols/Powder
• Magnets
• Accessories
• Magnetic Particle Testing Equipment

Dye penetrant inspection (DPI for short) is used more commonly on non-magnetic (Non-Ferrous) materials for detection of surface breaking cracks and discontinuities.

The Dye can be either Red or Fluorescent type and used in either a Manual Technique and are in Aerosols for ease of use and easily transportable, or in bulk amounts of static batch type testing in repetitious component inspections, for example in the Aerospace segments. Both Water or Oil based Dyes are available, dependant on the inspection and environmental requirements being issued by the specification or application.

NDT Global Services' chemical equipment and NDT accessory choices have grown but the fundamentals and benefits of liquid penetrant inspection have endured the test of time.

Suppliers include Magnaflux, Johnson and Allan and Chemetall.

• Penetrant Process Guide
• Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant Testing
• Penetrant Process Guide
• Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant Testing

Radiography Accessories

NDT Global supply a large range of Radiographic accessories, including the following products:

• A wide range of Afga X-Ray Film processors, from "desktop" to Through Wall Automatic Processors and the Water Panels and associated Darkroom accessories.
• Automatic and manual film processing chemicals in normal and Eco options, and Film Processor and Cleaning Chemicals. Additionally, Afga Stand Alone Film Dryers.
• Afga Quality Assurance products to check the quality of the film processing, development and storage - these include Certified PMS Strips, Thio-Test and Denstep Strips.
• Personal Dosimeters and Monitors - both Digital and Analogue versions, along with Portable Survey Meters and a huge selection of Radiation Warning Signs for both Walls, Compounds and Vehicles, Barrier Tapes and Handling Tongs used in Gamma Radiaography Surveys.
• Dark Room Safe Lights, Timers and LED type Film Viewers and Densitometers.
• A wide range of Plastic Film Cassettes and Lead Screens in all range of sizes.
• Lead Marker Tapes and Lead Numbers/Letters, along with IQIs to meet most radiographic standards.

We also build customised Static or Mobile Dark Rooms to suit the most stringent of the customer's requirements and specifications.

NDT Global Services offer a range of compact and fully portable service camera systems for different applications.

The Wohler VIS 700 HD-Video Inspection System: The Wohler VIS 700 offers precisely what profrssionals have been waiting for. Razor sharp images in HD quality, a focus function for focusing precisely on the object requiring attention and practical control of the pan and tilt camera head by means of a joystick. Ideal conditions for the inspection of waste water pipes, flue gas and ventilation lines as well as NDT applications.

The Wohler VIS 400 Video Inspection System: The VIS 400 Standard Set (p/n 4133) is a full feature inspection system that includes all necessary components to begin inspecting drains, ventilation systems, chimneys and more. The VIS 400 is a 7" color monitor that includes a 4GB SD card for recording video, audio annotations and images.

•  VIS 250
• VIS 350
• VIS 700
• VIS 400
• Accessories

FIND OUT MORE

Our calibration laboratory is accredited by UKAS to BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 with the schedule including the calibration of Metrology calibration blocks and the calibration of ultrasonic flaw detectors. Please click here for the most current schedule or referent the UKAS accreditation page. NDT Global Services offers in house and on site repair and calibration services for a broad range of NDT inspection equipment. We offer standard calibration to national and international standards as follows:

• In House Repair and UKAS Calibration Service
• On Site Repair and Calibration Service

In House Repair & Calibration Service

NDT Global Services provides an affordable, fast, professional way to ensure your test equipment and tools are calibrated to traceable standards. We also offer a competitive repair service

• We can provide a route to repair for equipment in house with our specialist repair workshop. Utilising tools and trained highly competent technicians.
• Our UKAS accredited Calibration laboratory is fully equipped to preform accredited calibration for all types of ultrasonic Flaw detectors and Test blocks to current British standards. We utilise the most up to date equipment and cutting-edge measuring techniques to give you the most accurate results every time.
• We can also provide equipment calibration/conformity procedures for other types of equipment used in the NDT sector.
• We have established manufacturing backup for Waygate Technologies , Sonatest and Olympus NDT equipment.

Equipment we offer

• Calibration Blocks
• Calipers
• Coating Thickness Meter
• Densitometers
• Eddy Current
• Electromagnets
• Gaussmeter & Magmeters
• Hardness Testers
• Lightmeters
• UT Sets
• UT Thickness Gauges
• UV Lamps
• Bleepers (Dosimeters)
• Radiation Monitors

On Site Repair and Calibration Service

NDT Global Services provides an affordable, on-site repair and calibration service, including:

•  MPI Bench
• X-Ray