Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT)

Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT) extends to a wide range of methods used to target damage and/or degradation located externally or internally of the component. Our AUT services capture highly detailed inspection data with great accuracy and repeatability.

Phased Array (PAUT)

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) is used to detect and image defects including cracks, voids, and pits caused by corrosion, as well as to measure material and coating thickness, detect changes in material properties, for example, to detect and map adhesive. Common applications include assessing the quality of welds and rivets and inspect joints and interfaces.

Time-of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD)

Like most UT methods, Time-Of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD) works by emitting sound waves into a component and measures the response time of low amplitude waves that are diffracted by the tips of cracks. TOFD is one of the fastest NDT due to it only requiring one scan to find any defect information within the weld. It can locate and measure the size of many different types of defects with incredible precision.

Laser Shearography

Commonly used to inspect large, complex components, Laser Shearography provides surface deformation and strain information in real time. Shearography is considered one of the best NDT methods for inspecting delaminations of relatively thin panels made by composite materials and honeycomb structures due to its simple setup, direct strain measurement, and relative insensitivity to environmental interruptions.

Digital Radiography

Computed Radiography (CR) uses a phosphor imaging plate that replaces film in conventional radiography techniques. First, it indirectly captures the image of a component on a phosphor plate, then converts the image into a digital signal that can be visualized on a computer monitor. Image quality is fair but can be enhanced using appropriate tools and techniques without compromising integrity.

Direct Radiography (DR) a flat panel detector is used to directly capture an image and display that image on a computer screen. This technique is fast and produces high-quality images.

Real-Time Radiography (RTR) works by emitting radiation through an object. These rays then interact with either a special phosphor screen or flat panel detector containing micro-electronic sensors. The interaction between the panel and the radiation creates a digital image that can be viewed and analyzed in real-time.

3D Laser Mapping

3D Laser Mapping provides significant detail and accuracy in a short timeframe. This method of NDT enables detailed 3D surface images of corrosion underneath the asset's surface. Other visualizations include wall loss data, corrosion dimensions, volumetric loss data, and cross-sectional profiling. The advantage of 3D laser mapping is the potential time savings and productivity.

Corrosion Mapping

Corrosion Mapping provides quantitative data on areas where corrosion or erosion has reduced the wall thickness. This technique is also called AUT Corrosion Mapping, C-Scan, or Ultrasonic Corrosion Mapping. Its best known for its ability to quickly identify wall loss and presents a detailed analysis of the location, thickness values, and area.

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is used to determine the elemental composition of materials. LIBS provides easy, fast chemical analysis with reasonable precision, detection limits, and cost. LIBS for measuring light elements in low concentrations, for example, aluminum, silicon, and carbon. The LIBS analyzer enables the user to easily grade H and L-grade stainless steels, low alloys, and carbon steels.

With recent PHMSA safety rules requiring gas pipeline operators to ensure material records are 100% traceable, verifiable, and complete, testing for chemical composition is a critical step where records may be incomplete.

Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES)

Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) is a fast method for identifying the elemental composition of various metals and alloys. OES measures carbon and light elements in a range of different matrixes, including nickel, stainless steel, carbon steel, etc. OES is ideal for applications that require knowing the exact quantitative breakdown of a solid material.

X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)

X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) is one of the most common NDT techniques with fast, reliable results. XRF is capable of measuring light elements in low concentrations, such as Magnesium, Aluminum, Sulfur, Phosphorus, and Silicon. However, XRF is incapable of grading materials such as carbon steel, low-carbon stainless steels, and low-alloy materials because XRF analyzers cannot measure carbon.

Ultrasonic Shear Wave (UTSW)

Ultrasonic Shear Wave (UTSW) is ideal for hard-to-access areas such as boilers, nozzles, and full penetration welds. Flaws can be characterized and height-sized using an A-scan signal. The results help inspectors accurately characterize and size anomalies within weldments and pipe bodies.