Saturday, 22 July 2017

Multiple Usefulness of Corrosion Monitoring Technique

Corrosion Monitoring is an essential technique for maintaining awareness of the condition, managing the integrity and service life of industrial systems and assets. It is a fantastic way of identifying how corrosive the fluids are within a specific environment. The multiple techniques used in corrosion monitoring can prove highly useful to get frequent, short time interval measurements, thereby allowing the day-to-day control of corrosion prevention/mitigation approaches such as corrosion inhibition.

Numerous real-time corrosion monitoring programs in diverse branches of industry have revealed that the severity of corrosion damage is rarely uniform with time. A wide range of corrosion monitoring techniques are available, here we are highlighting the most popular techniques.

  • Ultrasonic
  • Weight-loss coupons
  • Corrosion coupons
  • Field Signature MethodTM
  • Electrical resistance (ER)
  • Spool pieces
  • Electrochemical noise probes
  • Linear polarization resistance (LPR)
  • Hydrogen penetration
  • Hydrogen electrochemical patch probes
  • Galvanic probes
  • Bioprobes

Why use Corrosion Monitoring?


  • For exact calculation of the remaining life of the equipment that are using in the project.
  • Minimizing the entire maintenance costs of the project.
  • Accurate detection and monitoring of corrosion.
  • It evaluates the efficiency of certain corrosion control methods like optimal application determination and chemical inhibition.
  • It can diagnose a specific corrosion problem and also identify the causes and parameters for controlling it like flow rate, temperature, pressure and more. 
  • Identify potentially hazardous conditions, corrosion rates determination, discovering material non-compliance and locating structural flaws.
  • Conducting inexpensive maintenance exercise and inspection on the items with a high probability of failure.
  • Promote a successful health, safety and environmental (HSE) management program.
  • Smooth transition from a reactive to a proactive safety culture.

Real-time corrosion measurements is a popular NDT inspection technique in Singapore, that has immense effectiveness for preventing and controlling corrosion and the determination of optimal applications.

Thursday, 13 July 2017

Why NDT is an Excellent Career Option in Malaysia

The selection of the right career is imperative for every one of us. Choosing an appropriate career and job involves accurate self-assessment, proper evaluation of your talent and the depth of knowledge you have over a particular subject. Clarity of thought blended with professional objective could prove valuable in reaching your milestone.


There are tremendous job opportunities available in the field of NDT career in Malaysia. In the job market, if you have a Mechanical Engineering degree with certificate in non-destructive testing you will be sure to get fantastic job offers from some of the renowned global companies. The increasing use of advanced non-destructive testing techniques for the inspection of industrial plants and structures has opened up limitless career options in this field. You could opt for different kinds of NDT courses including-

  • Electromagnetic Testing (ET)
  • Acoustic Emission Testing (AE)
  • Thermal/Infrared Testing (TIR)
  • Neutron Radiographic Testing (NRT)
  • Liquid Penetrant Testing (LPT)
  • Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
  • Leak Testing (LT)
  • Vibration Analysis Testing (VA)
  • Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
  • Visual Testing (VT)
  • Radiographic Testing (RT)

The six essential elements of non-destructive testing (NDT) qualification and certification programs are:

  • Education
  • Training
  • Experience
  • Written exams
  • Practical exams
  • Physical exams

Important skills that are required:

  • You need to have the talent in solving problems in quick time.
  • Need to put proper attention to each and every details.
  • Flexible in using different kinds of instruments and tools.
  • Blessed with IT skills with special command over verbal and written communication.

The future of Experts in Non-Destructive Testing


Undoubtedly the demand for qualified, experienced and certified NDT technicians in the market is high and will remain so for a long period of time. With the ever growing expansion of transportation, manufacturing and public works in Malaysia, it is expected that there will be a stark increase in the hiring of professionals for NDT service in Malaysia. A higher salary and benefits package, flexible work hours and swift promotion prospects are some the major key points of selecting NDT technician as a career. The most influential factor behind the prosperous career opportunity in the NDT industry is the growing realization of the utility of this non-destructive testing method and its broader applications.

Monday, 3 July 2017

How to Engage the Best NDT Professionals

Technology and application of Non-destructive testing have been modernized a great deal. Each and every day new and advanced techniques are rapidly replacing the existing techniques and making NDT inspection even more accurate and flawless. Nothing can replace the efficiency of a rigorous NDT examinations of various commercial equipment.

Over the last couple of years, the use of advanced NDT technology in Malaysia is getting immensely popular. The demand for qualified NDT technicians has more than tripled in this tiny Asian country. The ever growing demands of NDT technicians makes it imperative for you to know the flawless selection process. Here we are explaining broadly how you can select a qualified NDT technician.

Step1- Keep in mind that all the NDT methods are different and have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is vital for you to select a technician who can make a good decision about the suitable method for a particular application. The knowledge and experience of the technician matter a lot. Before selecting a technician, make sure that he/she has ample amount of work experience along with performing different sectors.

Step2- NDT technician needs to maintain a coordination among several agencies involved in a project. Communication skill is perhaps one of the most vital aspects you must look in the technician. A person with an inferior communication skill would harm the entire project. A technician with excellent communication skills should be given extra preference.

Step3- NDT technician has to be an all-rounder. From detecting right NDT method to maintaining highest reliability in the project, he/she has to be a jack of all trades. All the project related documents should be preserved, maintained and furnished to the stakeholders and the owner.

Step4- The technician has to ensuring personal safety and the safety of all the individuals involved with the project, safe working habits and accident prevention. Interpreting and evaluating results according to standards, applicable codes, procedures or specifications.

The growing construction market will create more NDT career opportunities in Malaysia and the need for efficient technicians on non-destructive testing will also increase. If you have an upcoming project in line, make sure you engage the best NDT professionals.

Tuesday, 20 June 2017

6 Most Effective Equipment for Non-Destructive Testing

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a wide group of analysis techniques used in science and industry to evaluate the properties of a material, component or system without impairing its future usefulness. There are numerous equipment that are used in non-destructing testing. Here is a list of NDT equipment required during non-destructive testing.

Semi Automated & Motorized Scanners- There are variety of Motorized and Manual Scanners available in the market. This highly effective tools comes in Automated UT (AUT), Semi-Automated UT (SAUT), and Encoded Manual UT (EMUT). They provide perfect solutions for advanced NDT inspection. They are very handy and can be operated easily by anyone.

Semi Automated Scanners

Ultrasonic Imaging Camera- Ultrasonic Imaging Camera provides easier to interpret images, higher resolution and lower cost. Ultrasonic Imaging Cameras are used heavily in Singapore for conducting non-destructive testing. Since the user is covering 100% of the area with extremely high resolution, defects do not get missed.

Ultrasonic Imaging Camera offers the following advantages:

  • Affordable cost.
  • Simplified operator training completely free from any complexity.
  • Offers high resolution, C scan and real-time imaging.
  • High standard video output.

Flaw Detector- With a 50nS (Spike) 200V, a full VGA display, a Pulser 0.5dB gain resolution and an optional rubber boot, flaw detectors are suitable for a number of NDT applications such as corrosion testing and weld inspection.

Thickness Gauges- Thickness Gauges are used for efficient and quick measurement of small dimensions, especially the thickness of wire, paper, sheet metal, film, and similar materials. The convenient grip handle, thumb trigger and spring-loaded plunger make the instrument easy to use.

Welded Flaw Specimen- Standard flawed specimens are designed and manufactured to meet the requirements of all known internationally recognized qualification programs. They are available in all sizes and configurations in materials (CS, SS & Duplex SS) Specimens Types UT & PAUT Flaw specimens. The welded specimens used for NDT inspection in Malaysia and other regions for determining T joints that have defects such as porosity, lack of fusion, cracks, inclusions, among others.

Welded Flaw Specimen

Calibration & Validation Blocks- These blocks are used to find out temperature uniformity. They can be used for:

  • Eddy Current Testing
  • Time of Flight Diffraction Testing
  • Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing
  • Conventional UT

Thursday, 8 June 2017

Key Features of NDT Level III Training Programs

NDT training provides the student a focused education that integrates the best of theory and practical application. The training courses focus on teaching the students valuable information on different training courses and techniques.

In a well-defined NDT level III training program several specific lessons are provided to the students. Ideal NDT level III training program consists of:

  • Training, Assessment Examinations, and Documentation of Time in Method and Verification of NDT Personnel
  • NDT Level III Expert Advocacy for Issue Resolution or Research of NDT Method Development
  • Preparation of a Written Practice for the Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel
  • Administration of an NDT Program
  • Preparation of NDT Test Procedures and Calibration Standards

Ample scopes are provided for hands-on experience with tools and techniques to the candidates during the entire course. In most of the Level III Consulting training in-depth knowledge has been provided so that students can grab overall knowledge of the subject and can deliver their best on any demanding situation.

NDT Level III Training


The standard courses included in an NDT level III training are as follows:

  • Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
  • Radiographic Testing
  • Radiation Safety (RS)
  • Digital Radiographic Testing (DR)
  • Liquid Penetrant and Magnetic Particle Testing Combined
  • Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
  • Visual Testing (VT) and more.

Courses are designed as an event where participants are informed about the latest methodologies and advanced technologies about non-destructive training. These events often offer some form of course credit or continuing education units to those participants successfully completing the course. NDT personnel are satisfactorily qualified through training to perform their tasks.

Institutions that offer NDT level III training in Singapore and Malaysia, have a fully equipped facility to offer amazing training facilities to the students. Looking at the bright career prospects, NDT level III training could prove really handy.

Thursday, 25 May 2017

Advanced NDT Inspection for Construction of Buildings

Construction of buildings and skyscrapers in Singapore, Malaysia and other Middle East and South Asian nations is one of the most difficult jobs for construction site engineers. They need to check every aspect starting from the ground level to the highest point of the building, ensuring that all the raw materials as well as the finished products used to create a building are of great quality, and the building will not fall down under any circumstances. Therefore, various testing techniques are used by construction site engineers to ensure the strength and durability of the materials used. As these methods of testing do not damage or destroy the core product in any way and also are cost effective, these testing and inspection methods are known as Nondestructive Testing or in short NDT.

advanced NDT inspection

Nowadays, advanced NDT inspection techniques are used by engineers in Singapore, Malaysia and other regions for testing the quality and durability of materials. This is a very safe technique and it also ensures that the materials are not damaged in any way. Nondestructive testing is performed to check the durability of the materials used and also find out whether there are any internal flaws like cracks or leaks present in the material without destroying them while inspecting.

Some of the commonly used NDT techniques for testing buildings and other constructions are:

  • Rebound Hammer Testing
  • Penetration and Pullout Testing
  • Radiographic Testing
  • Ultrasonic Testing
  • Liquid Penetrant Testing
  • Visual Testing
  • Windsor Probe Testing
  • Ground Penetrating Radar

In building and construction field, NDT is used not just when a new building is constructed, but also to test the integrity of materials present in existing constructions too, thereby preventing probable damages of the building as well as saving human lives. Therefore, it is well advised to perform regular inspections of buildings and constructions through nondestructive methods and repair the internal defects when they arise.

Wednesday, 3 May 2017

Advanced Inspection Techniques Used for Non-Destructive Testing

NDT or Non destructive testing is the process of inspecting and testing different components for change in characteristics or problems without destroying the component itself. This is the safest way of testing critical materials. There are various advanced NDT inspection techniques used for testing different materials. These are listed below:

advanced NDT inspection

Inspection of Pipelines


For pipeline and offshore industries where huge pipes of different diameter and thickness are used, it is of utmost importance to do a proper inspection of girth welds and long seam welds through advanced non destructive testing procedures. Application of PAUT and ToFD is required for inspection of flange joints, elbows, etc., present in the piping welds.

Inspection of Pressure Containers


A pressure vessel is a container built to keep gases and liquids at a pressure that is different from outer pressure. Therefore, a proper inspection using non destructive testing methods on the pressure vessel welds is necessary to prevent any accidents and make the pressure vessel leak proof. Advanced techniques are used for testing dish welds and T-Sections as well as nozzle welds.

Inspection and Monitoring of Corrosion


Non destructive testing is an important aspect when it comes to inspection of critical components like pressure vessels, storage tanks, etc., that are used in heavy industries, plants, and oil & gas industries for any signs of corrosion. A corrosion identifying system identifies any sort of non-conforming alloy components as these are usually susceptible to increased level of corrosion.

Tube Inspection Technique


Assessing the durability of the component is one of the important aspects of tube inspection. Eddy current testing, internal rotation inspection system and magnetic flux leakage are some of the inspection tests used for non ferrous alloy tubes, ferrous tubes in heat exchangers, condensers, and chillers.

Flange Inspection Technique


The flange inspection technique is one of the non destructive testing methods that deals with detection of damage or depreciation of the bore walls in the sealing area of pipes. Flanges can be inspected without the need of dismantling and that helps a lot in reducing cost.

Tuesday, 18 April 2017

Advanced NDT Technology Helping the Aviation Industry to Function Seamlessly

NDT technology is changing the way aviation industry functions on certain aspects. Unexpected downtime costs and maintenance delays cause a lot of trouble within the aviation industry. They spend almost around $8 billion each year and that is made worse by costs and delays. More and more advanced equipment have been introduced into the aviation industry which has posed more challenges to the industry and its technicians. These equipment must be tested with the help of advanced nondestructive methods so that the equipment do not incur any form of damage.

NDT Technology

The process of aircraft engine production or manufacture is quite complicated. It is demanding as well. In fact, all the components are precision crafted to tight tolerances, using high-performance materials and additive manufacturing techniques. These equipment require rapid and accurate inspection results to maintain safe and reliable aircraft operations. The demand is that of new techniques of inspection. The digital drivers behind emerging inspection technologies are changing the NDT industry. These changes are also influencing the aviation organization with the needed assurance that aircraft will experience only necessary and minimal downtime.

The major advancements include:

  • 3D Computer Technology (CT)
  • Visual Inspection Borescopes
  • Connected Mobile and user-interface


All of these appeal greatly to the next generation of industry experts. These transformation have ushered in a new era for NDT and maintenance practices in aviation.

The CT technology is being used for advanced manufacturing. For instance, a turbine blade manufacturer will be able to measure and evaluate the parts of his production in stages. A 3D manufacturer will also be able to check for defects in complex internal structures in real time. CT can now be used as a potent quality control measure and process optimization tool. It will provide accurate results.

In fact, the speed with which CT can be used has also increased now. Therefore, part manipulation, scan time, work-flow and software can now speed up per shift. There can be more scans on an hourly basis. This has drastically shortened the downtime for manufactures and operators.


Advanced Visual Inspection


While CT has enhanced the inspection process for complex aviation parts, other modes of inspection for remote technicians on the flight line have also entered the digital age. The latest boreoscopes are equipped with 3D measurement technologies and wireless connectivity along with collaboration software to capture and connect remote field inspectors to analysis through secure Internet connections.

Mobile and Connected Workforce


With the introduction of NDT technology in Malaysia there is a rise of a mobile and connected workforce within the aviation industry. With the help of advanced technology, the inspectors are collaborating and sharing timely data. Storing documents have become easy along with asking for second opinions regarding various security measures. Inspectors can now communicate with other inspectors anywhere in the world. In fact, advanced technology has brought the entire workforce together and has integrated them for better results.

Thus, advanced NDT methods have changed the way aviation industry functioned even years back. This is a great way to integrate the system along with the workforce who are also finding new things to work on.

Monday, 10 April 2017

NDT Inspection - It’s Definition, Scope and Benefits

Inspection using non-destructive techniques or NDT inspection as it is popularly known, is a term used for examining materials and components in such a manner that allows those materials to be evaluated without changing or destroying their structure or usefulness. NDT is also known as NDE and can be used to find, size and spot flaws or discontinuities within the components or materials. Advanced NDT inspection in Malaysia has become quite widespread and all the industries have accepted it heartily so that they can use the techniques in a good way to evaluate the components.

NDT inspection plays a major part in our everyday life though not directly, but it still does. It is necessary to ensure safety and reliability regarding the products that are being used for infrastructural purposes. Normally, the stuff on which NDT techniques are applied include spacecraft (shuttle), aircraft, pipelines, power stations, refineries, oil platforms, building materials, bridges, trains and motor vehicles. Of course, all these materials are used for various essential purposes on a regular basis.

Quality Assurance Management Tool

NDT is a quality assurance management tool. It can provide impressive results when used properly. It needs an understanding of the different methods available, their capacities and limitations. Knowledge of the applicable standards and specifications for performing the tests is relevant for performing the tests. Products, equipment and materials which fail to pass the design requirements or standards will be detected through the tests. The projected life due to undetected flaws might get reduced and require expensive repair or early replacement. Such flaws might also be the cause of hazardous conditions or catastrophic failure along with loss of revenue due to unplanned factory shutdown.

Advanced NDT Inspection

The best part about non-destructive testing is that it can be applied to every stage of production. The materials and welds can be evaluated using NDT and can either be accepted, repaired or rejected. Non-destructive testing techniques can then be used to assess the integrity of the product or structure throughout it’s design tenure.

Application of NDT Techniques

The objective of using NDT include:

  • Provide information on repair criteria.
  • Determine acceptance to a given requirement.
  • Improve product authenticity.
  • Accident prevention and cost reduction.


To be able to derive proper information and obtain valid results, the following is needed:

  • Acoustic Emission
  • Magnetic Particle Inspection
  • Visual Inspection
  • Liquid Penetrant Inspection
  • Radiographic Inspection
  • Ultrasonic Inspection
  • Eddy Current Inspection


Application of all these techniques provide certain advantages to the applicants. Application of these nondestructive testing methods require some degree of technical expertise as well. There are some companies which are arranging for online courses as well as off-line courses for people aspiring to become part of this practice. These courses are concise, industry-driven, and computerized thus making any it easy for the students to enroll in the programs and learn the processes easily. The courses are structured in a way to provide ample opportunities for the students to learn and then perform within the non-destructive testing industry.

Wednesday, 29 March 2017

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing Becoming Reliable across Industries

NDT or nondestructive testing describes a safe way to examine flaws in various products. The conventional ultrasonic transducers normally comprise of either a single active element that receives and sends out high-frequency sound waves or 2 paired elements- one for receiving and the other for generating. Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing in Singapore on the other hand consists of transducers ranging from 16 to 256 tiny individual elements that can be pulsed individually.

The arrangement of these can vary between being a strip (linear array), ring (annular array), circular matrix (circular array) and more complicated shape. With the conventional testing style, Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing or PAUT is devised for direct contact use which is a portion of angle beam assembly with a wedge. It can also be used for immersion with sound doubled through a water path. Transducers generally range within 2MHz to 10MHz. An advanced system will also incorporate a sophisticated automated instrument that drives multi-element testing receiving and digitizing the return of echoes and plotting that echo information in different formats.

PAUT sweeps a sound beam through a wide range of refracted angles which is dissimilar to that of conventional systems. It can also take linear path or dynamically focus at a number of depth ratios that increases the capacity and flexibility in inspection setups.

Usage of PAUT or Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing

NDT training services or nondestructive training services are for students who dream to become efficient technicians. The PAUT can be applied to practically any test where conventional flaw detectors are used. Crack detection and weld inspection are the commonest applications. However, it is practiced in various industries ranging from petrochemical to pipeline construction to aerospace. Sometimes, it is used even in structural metals and general manufacturing. It can also be used to effectively find out wall thickness in corrosion survey applications.

It generally uses multiple elements to steer, focus and scan beams with singular transducer assembly. This test can simplify the testing of components through complicated use of geometries. It also improves ability for sizing critical defects for volumetric inspections. With these advantages, this testing method can be used with great ease.

Friday, 17 March 2017

Time of Flight Diffraction - Most Effective Method of Ultrasonic Testing

Time of Flight Diffraction (ToFD) is a method of ultrasonic testing. It is a sensitive and genuine technique for welds. The method developed from tip diffraction techniques and was first used in 1975 by Silk and Liddington. Post development, it caught on very fast as a dependable method for nondestructive testing. This technique uses ultrasonic waves to arrive at the results. Therefore, it is a part of ultrasonic testing method. It functions properly wherein the tips of the fissure diffract signals back to the other spot on the surface when struck by an ultrasonic wave. The intensity of the concerned tips can be determined from the diffracted energy. Time of Flight Diffraction forms an important part of the NDT Level III training in Malaysia.

How Does ToFD Operate?

Determining the depth of a crack with the aid of reflected signal is not an accurate technique of nondestructive testing. The measurement is infested with defects because the depth depends on the orientation of the crack to a large extent. Thus, Time of Flight Diffraction uses the time of flight aspect of an ultrasonic pulse to determine the size and location of the reflector. In this mechanism, a pair of ultrasonic probes is positioned on the opposite sides of a weld along with a transmitter and a receiver. When the ultrasonic pulse is sent through the transmitter, the receiver catches it on the other end.

Time of Flight Diffraction

The receiver picks up 2 waves- one that reflects off the far wall and one that travels along the surface in a solid pipe without cracks. However, with the presence of a crack in the pipe, diffraction of the ultrasonic wave is detected from the tip giving out the size of the crack. Utilizing the measured time of flight of the pulse, the degree of cracks can be measured. Trigonometry is used to calculate the measurement of the crack. ToFD or Time of Flight Diffraction in Malaysia is applied to the manufacturing of pipeline welds. This industry utilizes this system optimally.

Is ToFD Dependable?

ToFD is largely dependable except for the fact that it has a “dead zone” created by lateral wave signal just below the inspection surface. The dead zone does not facilitate error detection and is around 5mm in measurement.

Features of Time of Flight Diffraction
  • It features a computerized detection mechanism for automated weld testing.
  • Investigates placed on a buggy traveling along a weld that records data on the move.
  • ToFD measures the dimensions of cracks almost precisely.
  • ToFD has a dead zone and in order to prevent flawed detection, it must be supplemented with the pulse-echo exam.
  • It requires trained ultrasonic professionals to conduct the test.

Thus, ToFD or Time of Flight Diffraction is quite a successful technique but has its defects. The flaws can however, be covered up by supplementation. A majority of industries are depending on Time of Flight Diffraction technique to measure cracks.

Thursday, 9 March 2017

Corrosion Monitoring - Preserving the Critical Components of Industrial Objects

Corrosion Monitoring program is an effective part of NDT testing techniques. It is quite a popular monitoring system which is used to monitor critical components of industrial objects, assets, facilities and plants for signs of corrosion. For dependable operation, it is of immense importance to recognize the location, rate and underlying causes of corrosion. A corrosion identifying system identifies any sort of non-conforming alloy components as these are usually susceptible to increased level of corrosion. These can also provide relatively significant cause for catastrophic failure.

Corrosion Monitoring

This particular type of NDT Inspection technique in Malaysia can offer various benefits when integrated into preventive maintenance and the processes ingrained in safety management programs. Based on the accurate results provided by the program, informed decisions can be made by the management. Decisions not only regarding the remaining life of the manufactured product affected by corrosion but also regarding life extension strategies, prospective material selection and cost-effective techniques as an answer of corrosion issues and problems.

Activities Related to NDT Inspection


  • Identifying all critical components
  • identifying component alloy composition
  • Measuring the location and degree of corrosion
  • Predicting remaining life
  • Identifying failure system
  • Determining fitness for service condition
  • Inspection scheduling
  • Developing recommendations for redressal and rectifying issues
  • Developing Corrosion preventive strategies

Why Should Corrosion be Monitored?


Corrosion is a major issue in various industries, specifically in the petrochemical industry. Corrosion is one of the major serious decay mechanisms influencing the life and quality of equipment and assets of plants and refineries. If corrosion is not controlled, it can cause leaks and component failure inducing reduction in both the performance and reliability of significant equipment. In extreme cases, corrosion can lead to devastating failures that can be really expensive in terms of repair costs, environmental damage and potential harm to humans.

Methods for Monitoring Corrosion


There are a couple of mechanisms monitoring corrosion. It actually utilizes a large number measurement techniques the NDT techniques are the most cost-effective and widely applied testing techniques. The methods include:
  • Ultrasonic Testing
  • Radiographic Testing
  • Guided Wave Testing
  • Electromagnetic Testing

The selection of apt method as well as the detection and monitoring of corrosion needs knowledgeable and experienced personnel. Some techniques can be used online while others are used offline to provide the measurement. The measurements are highly sensitive as well.

Monday, 6 March 2017

LT of NDT Technology - A Conventional, Versatile and Cost-Effective Testing Mode

NDT or nondestructive testing is safe and also cost-effective. Due to these reasons they are being used by different industries in a rapid manner. Particularly, manufacturing industries are actually taking it up on themselves to use NDT technology in Malaysia and other countries. These can be divided into traditional and non-traditional ones and both these are still very much in vogue. There are several techniques used for detecting flaws in metallic components. One such method is the Liquid Penetrant testing or LT. This method is employed to detect flaws like cracks on the surface of any kind of non-porous material like plastics, ceramics and metals.

More about Liquid Testing

Liquid Penetrant Testing is also referred to as Dye Penetrant Testing or Penetrant Inspection method. This particular method is used in the industrial sector by people who are experienced and qualified to conduct such tests. This is particularly very effective in detecting cracks in pipelines of course made from various metals and machine components. Detecting and rectifying those cracks can help in avoiding accidents and preventing failures. Different kinds of defects can be detected using this process and it includes fatigue cracks, hairline cracks and porosity. Some more industries being served with Dye Penetrant testing include aerospace, petrochemical, engineering and automotive companies.

Liquid Penetrant Testing

Although it is a widely used nondestructive testing technique, it is still considered to be the least technologically sound testing method compared to others like ultrasonic testing and radiography. There are reasons to believe this. It is definitely a cost-effective, versatile and easy to perform test which requires relatively less trained technicians to be completed. The process of work for LT is quite simple but a little lengthy.

The Process of Liquid Penetrant Testing

The process of LT continues in the following manner:
  • The material to be tested needs to be cleaned using a spray cleaner that is easily wiped off with a cloth. Wire brushing and grinding might be required.
  • A Dye Penetrant is applied to the surface with the help of aerosol spray.
  • The liquid is left on the surface for sometime so that the liquid penetrates into the cracks and fissures making them visible to the technicians.
  • After this process is done and the cracks are visible, you have to remove the liquid with a cloth.
  • The developer then acts to draw out the excess liquid that may have seeped into a crack making it highly visible and providing an indication of the defects on the surface of the object.

LT of NDT Technology in Malaysia depends on only visual inspection thus making it a little weaker method than others. The color indication is important and hence many technicians prefer using fluorescent dye. This is a conventional technique. However, its versatility is a big point why it is so popular. This is quite easy to manipulate through the cracks and thus is a viable nondestructive technique to be used. It still continues to be the preferred technique of many.

Tuesday, 28 February 2017

Stainless Steel Inspection with the Help of NDT Techniques- A Case in Point

NDT or nondestructive testing techniques are followed while examining the integrity of stainless steel pipelines. This is critical to assessment of the pipelines. A refinery operator was used for inspecting stainless steel pipelines which was critical to the plant operation. The pipelines had experienced unreasonable temperature cycling due to malfunction of valve within the piping loop. This could be a case study and also a case in point for the examination. This is important individually as well as being a reference point for future cases.

Stainless Steel Inspection Singapore

Backdrop

Managing the integrity of assets for plant operators is a difficult task. They have to keep in mind several aspects combining optimum asset performance with operational excellence. They have to remember to reduce costs and also maintain highest safety standard along with environmental standards. To determine the proper approach in achieving this, pipelines owners and operators must integrate and evaluate critical data gathered from different sources like pipeline route, inspections, operations, modifications, repairs, facilities and materials.
Stainless Steel Inspection Singapore is done by applying detailed knowledge of the degradation process of materials and also structural integrity. Generally an inspection is done in various steps. The steps include:
  • Planning and selection of apt techniques
  • Inspection action
  • Evaluation of the inspection conclusion
The first step is important to identify the proper techniques. To begin with, the inspection of thermal cycling is done; operational data regarding the piping loop was evaluated from which the inspectors had detected quite a few damage potentials which may have compromised the integrity of the pipeline and its performance. This was particularly for temperature fluctuations. This fluctuation might have been caused from reduction in robustness and external pitting. It could also have been caused from cracking which resulted from fatigue or external stress.

The Inspection Activities

The inspection activities included:
  • Established a schedule for NDT techniques based on flaw morphology and prior experience.
  • Devise appropriate calibration pieces assisting NDT techniques to be used
  • Use the techniques on a trial basis to finalize them
  • Devise written NDT procedures
After the approval of these methods, mobilizing the essential tools was done to carry out NDT in presence of qualified inspector. Post the conduction of testing, reports are published on the results.
ECA was also done to determine the tolerable flaw size and compared against the detected cracks. ECA is founded on fracture mechanics principles to determine how much risk will be posed by the flaw size. ECA constitutes 3 important elements:
  • Size of component and flaw
  • Geometry
  • material properties
All these things are kept in mind while testing the stainless steel pipeline. NDT is followed by the industries nowadays because it is less harmful and also extremely cost-effective. In fact, pipelines are often evaluated based on this technique because the results are accurate. Stainless steel can be evaluated using both the traditional as well as modern techniques. Depending on the company, they use the techniques.

Monday, 20 February 2017

Advanced NDT Inspection Techniques Providing Reliable and Accurate Data

NDT or Nondestructive Testing also known as Nondestructive inspection, is a group of techniques employed in science and technology industry to assess the properties of a component, material or system without causing any harm. It is considered to be a highly valuable method for testing as it does not change the particles of the material being inspected permanently thus, saving both money and time in evaluating products, troubleshooting and researching on them. There are different methods of advanced NDT inspection in Singapore and Malaysia that can be grouped under conventional and advanced. Under the conventional NDT methods ultrasonic, magnetic-particle, liquid penetrant, radiographic, eddy-current testing are included, while in advanced NDT other methods are included which are as follows:


  • Computerized Radiography
  • Rapid Gear Scan 
  • Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)
  • Time of Flight Diffraction (ToFD)
  • Automated and Remote Ultrasonic Testing
  • Magnetic Flux Leakage
  • IRIS (Internal Rotational Inspection System)Testing
  • Alternative Current Field Measurement (ACFM)
  • Guided Wave Ultrasonics
  • Acoustic Pulse Reflectometry


Training and Certifications for Advanced NDT


People who wish to become a part of this testing industry can undergo training to receive certificates making them eligible to work in this particular domain. Training on conventional as well as advanced techniques are provided by various organizations which double up as academic institutes for aspiring professionals. Training is provided by BINDT accredited company and they are usually of high quality. The companies providing training are also authorized qualifying bodies for such work.


The training facilities are geared towards providing training on enhanced skills and knowledge of the candidates. It increases his/her experience and confidence as well. Experts in the field provide training to the students which is effective in producing efficient professionals later on. The training courses are not just geared towards passing the examination but also towards making the candidate a successful professional. One of the commonest courses in this field is the ASNT or PCN.

Benefits of Advanced Nondestructive Training


The biggest benefit of providing an advanced nondestructive training is that the inspected data is more accurate and reliable. Also, it comes with an improved PoD which makes the data available to repeat and record time and again. Methods like Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing or PAUT offers more intuitive displays and improved ways of data presentation. It also generates better inspection reports of higher value for clients. For instance, a color-coded C-scan is a brilliant way of representing inspection data. Different colors can be used for displaying different aspects like wall thickness using these advanced methods like PAUT. Some clients will find it easy to interpret the simple ECA C-Scan in comparison to a more complicated and conventional eddy current display.

Advanced nondestructive techniques are better for utilization in specific inspections as they provide greater control over equipment configuration. Optimizing the use of equipment is also easier with this technique. Advanced NDT techniques can help store large amounts of data as well.

The advanced NDT techniques with all these advantages and certified courses have become a strong craze among the aspiring professionals. These are more effective, reliable and hence used more in various technologically advanced industries for inspection or testing.