Taylor NDT

WHAT IS ULTRASONIC FLAW DETECTION?

Ultrasonic testing (UT) is a family of non-destructive testing techniques based on the propagation of ultrasonic waves in the object or material tested. In most common UT applications, very short ultrasonic pulse-waves with centre frequencies ranging from 0.1-15 MHz, and occasionally up to 50 MHz, are transmitted into materials to detect internal flaws or to characterize materials.

We can test on site or at our premises where we have handling facilities by overhead cranes to weights of 5 and 10 ton also forklift truck with a capacity of 3 tons. We can also offer transport up to 16 ton; we can collect from and return to site at a competitive rate too.

HOW DOES ULTRASONIC FLAW DETECTION WORK?

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is the process of inspecting, testing, or evaluating materials, components or assemblies for discontinuities, or differences in characteristics without destroying the serviceability of the part or system. In other words, when the inspection or test is completed the part can still be used.

A form of NDT, Ultrasonic Flaw Detection utilises high frequency sound waves through material to reveal flaws. If a flaw is present the high frequency sound waves are reflected from flaws and generate clear echo patterns. Portable digital instruments record and display these echo patterns and our highly skilled technicians interpret the data ensuring the material being tested remains intact.

WHAT MATERIALS CAN ULTRASONIC FLAW DETECTION BE USED ON?

Ultrasonic testing is often performed on steel and other metals and alloys, though it can also be used on concrete, wood and composites, albeit with less resolution. It is used in many industries including steel and aluminium construction, metallurgy, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive and other transportation sectors.

WHAT IS DYE PENETRANT INSPECTION?

Dye penetrant inspection (DPI), also called liquid penetrate inspection (LPI) or penetrant testing (PT), is a widely applied and low-cost inspection method used to locate surface-breaking defects in all non-porous materials (metals, plastics, or ceramics).

HOW DOES DYE PENETRANT INSPECTION WORK?

One of the oldest and simplest methods of Non-Destructive Testing, dating back as far as the 19th century. Dye Penetrant Inspection is used to detect any surface connected discontinuities such as cracks from fatigue, quenching, and grinding, as well as fractures, porosity, incomplete fusion, and flaws in joints.

Based on capillary action, low surface tension fluid penetrates into clean and dry surface-breaking discontinuities. After enough time has passed for the penetrant to mould into any flaw the excess penetrant is removed and a developer is applied. The developer helps to draw penetrant out of the flaw where an invisible indication becomes visible to the inspector. Depending on the type of dye used, inspection is performed under ultraviolet or white light.

The penetrant may be applied to all non-ferrous materials and ferrous materials, although for ferrous components magnetic-particle inspection is often used instead for its subsurface detection capability