Tools Used For Carrying Out Common NDT Processes

Do you have any idea as to what kind of tools are used for conducting the most common processes of NDT in Melbourne? If no, then read on to find out.

As most of us know, NDT or nondestructive testing processes are generally utilised for ensuring consistency in quality of various manufactured items. They involve testing of the items for metallurgical or internal or surface flaws without compromising the integrity or suitability of the materials. They can be utilised either for conducting thorough inspection to assure quality control or for conducting individual investigation of samples.

There are certain non destructive testing methods in Melbourne which have more preference among welding inspectors over others — magnetic particle testing, dye penetrant testing, ultrasonics, eddy current testing and radiography. Each of these tests involve usage of a specific set of equipment and tools for performing the necessary tasks.

Let’s take a quick look at the tools used in each of the procedures:

Magnetic Particle Testing

In general, magnetic particle testing requires equipment that comes in two forms. For test components which are parts of some large structure, heavy castings or pipes, a power pack capable of generating high current is deployed. On the other, magnetic inspection of smaller and more manageable pieces necessitates a suitable power pack, along with an indicating ink system which recirculates the liquid and helps in gripping the workpiece for applying the magnetic flux or current flow in a controlled & methodical way.

Dye Penetrant Testing

In order to conduct dye penetrant inspection, a wide range of substances can be applied in various ways, right from simple aerosol spray application to sophisticated automatic dipping in big tanks. More complex techniques require drying equipment, spraying, and tanks.

Ultrasonic Flaw Detection

Nowadays, high-tech ultrasonic flaw detecting equipment are completely in solid state, run on battery generally, and are designed in such a way that they can withstand the conditions prevailing at a work site. The procedure can be fully automatic, which is a popular choice in several foundries.

Eddy Current Testing

Eddy current equipment usually consist of a phase display which assists the operator in identifying the defect conditions. Certain units can even inspect a material at more than two frequencies at the same time. They allow unwanted, specific effects to be cancelled electronically for providing precise defect detection. Almost all automated systems find their use for components having simple geometries.

Radiography

For radiography, different photographic and radiographic accessories are required, such as film markers, radiation monitors, darkroom equipment, processing chemicals, radiographic film and image quality indicators.

So these are the basic tools used in carrying out the most common NDT procedures.