PHASED ARRAY
ULTRASONIC TESTING (PAUT)
Ultrasonic phased array testing is a powerful NDT technology
and one whose use is growing rapidly, however it can seem
complex to a person who has not worked with it. This self-
guided tutorial is a basic introduction to ultrasonic phased
array testing, both for newcomers and for more experienced
users who want a review of basic principles. It begins with
what phased array testing is and how it works, then outlines
some considerations for selecting probes and instruments,
and ends with links to phased array application notes and a
phased array glossary. In addition to text and illustrations it
includes a series of interactive Flash files as learning tools.
The benefits of phased array technology over conventional UT
come from its ability to use multiple elements to steer, focus
and scan beams with a single transducer assembly. Beam
steering, commonly referred to sectorial scanning, can be used
for mapping components at appropriate angles. This can
greatly simplify the inspection of components with complex
geometry. The small footprint of the transducer and the ability
to sweep the beam without moving the probe also aids
inspection of such components in situations where there is
limited access for mechanical scanning. Sectorial scanning is
also typically used for weld inspection. The ability to test welds
with multiple angles from a single probe greatly increases the
probability of detection of anomalies. Electronic focusing
permits optimizing the beam shape and size at the expected
defect location, as well as further optimizing probability of
detection. The ability to focus at multiple depths also improves
the ability for sizing critical defects for volumetric inspections.
Focusing can significantly improve signal-to-noise ratio in
challenging applications, and electronic scanning across many
groups of elements allows for C-Scan images to be produced
very rapidly.
A-Star Testing & Inspection Pvt. Ltd.
No.5, 1st Cross Street, Arumugam Nagar, Chinna Porur,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - 600 116.
Mob: +91 9840 919166 / +91 7418 557032
Email: admin@[Link] |Website: [Link]
TIME OF FLIGHT
DIFFRACTION (TOFD)
Time of Flight Diffraction or TOFD, is one of the most promising
ultrasonic techniques for the examination of welds on pressure
vessels in lieu of radiography; for pipe weld quality or crack
detection and also weld root erosion. TOFD is a computerized
ultrasonic system able to scan, store, and evaluate indications
in terms of height (through wall thickness), length and position,
with a degree of accuracy and speed never achieved with other
ultrasonic techniques.
Theory
TOFD consists of a separate ultrasonic transmitter & receiver.
The probes are aimed at the same point in the weld volume.
The entire weld is then flooded with ultrasound allowing
inspection of the weld. After emission of a compressional wave
from the transmitter, the first signal to arrive at the receiver is
the lateral wave or OD wave which represnts the outer surface
or OD. In the absence of defects, the second signal to arrive at
the receiver is the L-wave backwall echo which represents the
inner surface or ID. When a flaw is present, a diffracted signal is
generated at the upper tip of a defect and will arrive before the
signal generated at the lower tip of a defect. With a time of flight
of each flight path, ultrasonic velocity and the spatial
relationship of the two probes, the location and height of the
defects can be accurately calculated. Gray scale imaging
techniques are applied to the RF (AC) signal phase and enables
weld integrity to be observed in real time.
A-Star Testing & Inspection Pvt. Ltd.
No.5, 1st Cross Street, Arumugam Nagar, Chinna Porur,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - 600 116.
Mob: +91 9840 919166 / +91 7418 557032
Email: admin@[Link] |Website: [Link]
ALTERNATINGCURRENT
FIELD MEASUREMENT (ACFM)
ACFM is an electromagnetic technique for detecting and sizing
surface breaking defects in metals. ACFM is particularly suited
for inspecting painted and/or welded structures. An ACFM
sensor probe is placed on the surface to be inspected and an
alternating current is induced into the surface. When no
defects are present the alternating current produces a uniform
magnetic field above the surface. Any defect present will
perturb the current forcing it to flow around and underneath
the defect; this causes the magnetic field to become non
uniform and sensors in the ACFM probe measure these field
variations.
Two components of this magnetic field are measured - one
provides information about the depth or aspect ratio of the
defect(s), the other provides information on the positions of
the ends of each defect. The two signals are used together to
confirm the presence of a defect and, together with a sizing
algorithm, measure its length and depth.
A-Star Testing & Inspection Pvt. Ltd.
No.5, 1st Cross Street, Arumugam Nagar, Chinna Porur,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - 600 116.
Mob: +91 9840 919166 / +91 7418 557032
Email: admin@[Link] |Website: [Link]
EDDY CURRENT INSPECTION
(ECT / IRIS / MFL / RFT / NFT)
Eddy current testing is a noncontact method used to
inspect nonferromagnetic tubing. This technique is
suitable for detecting and sizing metal discontinuities
such as corrosion, erosion, wear, pitting, baffle cuts, wall
loss, and cracks in nonferrous materials.
The ultrasonic IRIS option is used to inspect a wide range
of materials including ferrous, nonferrous, and nonmetallic
tubing. This technique detects and sizes wall loss resulting
from corrosion, erosion, wear, pitting, cracking, and baffle
cuts.
Remote field testing (RFT) is being used to successfully
inspect ferromagnetic tubing such as carbon steel or
ferritic stainless steel. This technology offers good
sensitivity when detecting and measuring volumetric
defects resulting from erosion, corrosion, wear, and baffle
cuts. Olympus remote field probes and the MultiScan™ MS
5800 are used to successfully inspect heat exchangers,
feedwater heaters, and boiler tubes, around the world.
The near field testing (NFT) technology is a rapid and
inexpensive solution intended specifically for fin-fan
carbon-steel tubing inspection.
NFT is specifically suited for the detection of internal
Our equipment is capable of corrosion, erosion, or pitting on the inside of carbon
offering these technologies: steel tubing. The NFT probes measure lift-off or “fill
■ Eddy Current (Weld Scan) factor” and convert it to amplitude-based signals (no
■ Eddy Current phase analysis). Because the eddy current penetration
(Tube Inspection) is limited to the inner surface of the tube.
■ Magnetic Flux Leakage
■ Remote Field Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) is a fast inspection
■ IRIS Ultrasound technique, suitable for measuring wall loss and
detecting sharp defects such as pitting, grooving, and
circumferential cracks. MFL is effective for aluminum-
finned carbon steel tubes because the magnetic field is
almost completely unaffected by the pressence of such
fins.
A-Star Testing & Inspection Pvt. Ltd.
No.5, 1st Cross Street, Arumugam Nagar, Chinna Porur,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - 600 116.
Mob: +91 9840 919166 / +91 7418 557032
Email: admin@[Link] |Website: [Link]
REMOTE VISUAL
INSPECTION (RVI)
Our Video-probe is equipped with the latest technology in
borescopes. A long fiber-optic cable illuminates the inspection
area with light generated by a new state-of-the-art lamp in the
Light Box. A miniature camera assembly in the viewing tip of
the probe then converts the optical image into an electronic
image. This image is carried back through the probe cable and
displayed in the LCD color monitor. It allows the inspection of
surfaces inside narrow tubes or difficult-to-reach chambers.
Combining the fully-featured flexi probe controller with high
performance durable cameras with and a full range of rods
and accessories, flexi probe push camera systems are
designed for a wide range of video inspection situations; from
residential and small commercial uses to specialist plant and
municipal applications.
At the heart of each system is the advanced flexi probe
controller, which displays video footage in digital quality full
color VGA on an ultra-bright 8” (200mm) industrial TFT screen.
Digital technology means accessing the advanced features of
the controller is simplicity itself, putting you in complete
control via an intuitive user interface and tough keypad,
operable even when using gloves.
Key Features
■ High quality digital video with digital pan and zoom
■ One-touch recording to durable Compact Flash cards up to
8 GB
■ Quick transfer of video and still pictures via USB and
Bluetooth wireless technology
■ Inspection reports produced on-site with integrated Easy-
Report-Writer
■ Weather Proof, robust and truly portable
A-Star Testing & Inspection Pvt. Ltd.
No.5, 1st Cross Street, Arumugam Nagar, Chinna Porur,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - 600 116.
Mob: +91 9840 919166 / +91 7418 557032
Email: admin@[Link] |Website: [Link]
COMPUTERISED
RADIOGRAPHY (CR)
Computed Radiography (CR) is the production of a digital image
by using a Phosphor Imaging Plate (IIP) in place of a conventional
film.
Key advantages of CR include:
■ IP‟s are re-usable
■ No dark room or chemicals required
■ Exposure and process time reduced
■ Easy workflow and image optimization with D-Tect software
■ Simple to share digital information and archive
The CR technology consists of a 3-step process.
i. The Image (storage) Plate (IP) is exposed with X-ray or
Gamma radiation, which causes the IP Phosphor layer in the
plate to store the X-ray image.
During the reading process of the plate scanner, a focused
laser beam triggers the release of the stored image data in
the form of visible light.
ii. The emitted light is detected, captured, and converted into
electrical signals which are digitized and finally displayed as
a digital image on the PC monitor.
iii. The internal in-line eraser purges the residual data from the
IIP, which is then ready for the next exposure.
With film radiography the only variable is the film, with CR we
have different IP„s and the ability to adjust up to 4 parameters
within the scanner to optimize the image quality to suit the
required inspection task.
A-Star Testing & Inspection Pvt. Ltd.
No.5, 1st Cross Street, Arumugam Nagar, Chinna Porur,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - 600 116.
Mob: +91 9840 919166 / +91 7418 557032
Email: admin@[Link] |Website: [Link]
PIPELINE CRAWLER
X-RAY
The X-Ray Crawler is similar to conventional radiography
however an x-ray source tube on a crawler device is run inside
the pipe to each weld. Film is wrapped around the welds and
the source tube is excited. The film is then developed in a
mobile dark-room on location. The technique is quick and can
inspect on average 150 welds per day. The advantages of X-
ray crawlers are their speed and the short exposure time. The
film is also crisper and much less grainy when compared to
conventional radiography using Iridium type sources.
The crawler is essentially a battery powered, remotely
controlled mobile radiographic machine designed to produce
single wall, single image (SWSI) radiographs of circumferential
welds in pipelines.
Pipeline crawlers follow the concept of modular construction to
provide safe, efficient, and cost effective field units, easy to
operate and maintain.
Modules are quickly and easily interchanged. All crawlers are
constructed using the highest grade materials to provide good
finish, easy servicing, and extended service life. Electronics
utilize military specification components, thus ensuring
reliability in the harsh environments encountered in service.
Although these crawlers are a product of the latest
microprocessor technology, they are extremely simple to
operate and maintain in the field. Crawler functions may be
preset to suit each particular pipeline, with full remote control
being achieved from the outside of the pipeline by means
of a low powered (usually 20 millicuries Caesium) signaling
isotope.
The crawlers are adjustable throughout their recommended
size range by means of wheel spacers specifically designed for
use with each crawler type.
A-Star Testing & Inspection Pvt. Ltd.
No.5, 1st Cross Street, Arumugam Nagar, Chinna Porur,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - 600 116.
Mob: +91 9840 919166 / +91 7418 557032
Email: admin@[Link] |Website: [Link]
SCAR/GAMMASAFE
(CLOSE PROXIMITY RADIOGRAPHY)
Designed for unparalleled handiness, the Gamma Mat SE
gamma projector offers unique and unrivalled portability not
found in other systems.
This rugged, light-weight and easy-to-use gamma projector uses
Selenium-75 (Se-75) as its radiation source. Se-75 provides
greatly improved image quality over other isotopes commonly
used, a longer half-life and simplified radiation protection due to
its lower gamma energy. Compared to projectors that use higher
energy gamma sources, the Gamma Mat SE loaded with a Se-
75 radiation source can be safely used in smaller controlled
test areas. All of these features result in substantial cost
savings to the user.
Higher Image Quality using Selenium-75
Se-75 provides significantly higher image quality than Ir-192
imaging systems. The gamma ray spectrum of Se-75 ranges
from 66 keV to 401 keV, with two lines of high intensity at 136
keV and 265 keV dominating this spectrum. These radiation
characteristics are between Yb-169 towards the lower energies
and Ir-192 towards the higher energies. The wide gamma
spectrum of Se-75 makes it an ideal choice for gamma
radiography, especially for a steel wall thickness in the range of
5 mm to 30 mm (0.2 in to 1.18 in).
A-Star Testing & Inspection Pvt. Ltd.
No.5, 1st Cross Street, Arumugam Nagar, Chinna Porur,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - 600 116.
Mob: +91 9840 919166 / +91 7418 557032
Email: admin@[Link] |Website: [Link]
MARINE
INSPECTION (UTM)
We are one of the leading UTM / NDT companies with our
registered office in Singapore, providing various ship surveys
like Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement, Hull Inspections and
NDT Inspections.
We are professionally equipped to carry out hull thickness
surveys on all kinds of ships such as bulk carriers, general
cargos, containers, tankers, LPG carriers, LNG vessels,
chemical tankers, oil rigs, FPSO vessels and drill ships.
These services include techniques performed by highly trained
professionals, such as rafting and rope access, which are all in
accordance to top quality safety standards and are endorsed
by many classification societies worldwide.
We are able to provide CAP, CAS, Special Survey, Intermediate
Survey or Annual Survey.
A-Star Testing & Inspection Pvt. Ltd.
No.5, 1st Cross Street, Arumugam Nagar, Chinna Porur,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - 600 116.
Mob: +91 9840 919166 / +91 7418 557032
Email: admin@[Link] |Website: [Link]
BOTTOM PIT
INSPECTION
Mapping the extent and
severity of individual pits by
way of systematically checking
pitting corrosion in each bay.
VOYAGE
INSPECTION
Visual examination and U.T.M. gauging of ballast tanks
carried out during ballast voyage by the following ways:
■ Ballast Voyage using Riding Crews
■ Voyage using Rafting
■ Alongside Repair Quays in Ports
A-Star Testing & Inspection Pvt. Ltd.
No.5, 1st Cross Street, Arumugam Nagar, Chinna Porur,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - 600 116.
Mob: +91 9840 919166 / +91 7418 557032
Email: admin@[Link] |Website: [Link]
ROPE ACCESS
SERVICES
The rope access method is a very cost efficient way of
accessing any type of high rise structure or any type of
awkward space.
■ Proper training and safety guidelines are essential to
succesfully carry out a Rope Access job.
■ Our professionals are qualified IRATA Level 1, 2 & 3.
■ Our expert team of qualified Rope Access Technicians
assists us in providing specialized services worldwide to
the offshore oil & marine industries where limited
access may present a serious problem.
Using safe “abseiling” procedures, our Rope Access
Service can carry out various skilled and semi-skilled
operations during ballast voyages on Oil Tanker vessels, or
on stationary Rigs, Platforms and FPSO installations.
This effectively offers the owner a safe cost-effective
option as a convenient proven alternative to erecting
staging or using cumbersome skyjacks etc.
Our rope access services include:
■ Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement
■ Hydro Jetting
■ Painting
■ NDE inspection (MT / PT / UT / ET / ACFM)
A-Star Testing & Inspection Pvt. Ltd.
No.5, 1st Cross Street, Arumugam Nagar, Chinna Porur,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - 600 116.
Mob: +91 9840 919166 / +91 7418 557032
Email: admin@[Link] |Website: [Link]
UNDERWATER
SERVICES
Our diving services include underwater inspection,
underwater cleaning, CCTV underwater video survey,
mooring system installation, underwater video and still
photography, search and recovery, hull cleaning,
aquaculture diving, media diving, pool cleaning and repair,
underwater mapping and light civil engineering.
Underwater inspections are primarily visual observations of
the facility being inspected. Quantitative measurements,
such as underwater voltmeter readings on metal structures
and thickness measurements on mooring chain and steel
piling, are often taken. Before making the observation, it is
usually necessary to clean the structure of marine growth
and fouling. Several techniques are used to accomplish
this cleaning, ranging from hand cleaning with scrapers
and wire brushes
to the use of water blasting jets and hydraulically powered
mechanical abrasive tools.
It can be performed by following methods:
■ Visual Inspection
■ ACFM Inspection
■ Remote Visual Inspection
A-Star Testing & Inspection Pvt. Ltd.
No.5, 1st Cross Street, Arumugam Nagar, Chinna Porur,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - 600 116.
Mob: +91 9840 919166 / +91 7418 557032
Email: admin@[Link] |Website: [Link]
CONVENTIONAL
NDT SERVICES
Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Penetrant Testing (PT)
Thickness measurements and wall mapping Surface breaking discontinuity inspection of
for corrosion, flaw detection of piping, welding, casting, structural members etc.
pressure vessels, structural parts.
Gamma Radiography Testing (RT) Visual and Optical Testing (VT) Remote
Gamma ray inspection piping, pressure camera and video inspection of difficult
vessels, castings with Iridium 192, Cobalt access areas like piping and pressure
60 & Selenium 75. vessel internals.
Magnetic particle Testing (MT) X-ray Radiography Testing (RT)
Surface and near surface inspection on X-ray inspection systems are required to
welding joints. provide faster throughput and continuously
demand for larger field of view.
A-Star Testing & Inspection Pvt. Ltd.
No.5, 1st Cross Street, Arumugam Nagar, Chinna Porur,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - 600 116.
Mob: +91 9840 919166 / +91 7418 557032
Email: admin@[Link] |Website: [Link]
PRE/POST WELD HEAT
TREATMENT SERVICES
Advantage post weld heat treatment
Post Weld Heat Treatment Services ( PWHT ) is defined as one of
heat treatments done after welding/machining to improve the
Chemical mechanical properties of weldment / machined
surfaces. In concept, PWHT covers many different potential
treatments. However, in steel fabrication, most common
procedure used is Stress Relieving.
Stress induced by welding:
As a result of welding process used to join metals together. The
base material near the weld metal and the heat-affected zones
transform through various metallurgical phases. Depending upon
the chemistry of the metals in their areas. Hardening occurs in
various degrees, depending mainly upon the carbon content.
This is particularly very true in the heat – affected zone adjacent
to the weld metal deposit. The resultant stresses are highest due
to melting and solidification. Stress, due to welding is of
magnitude roughly equal to the yield strength of the base
material.
HARDNESS TESTING
There are three types of tests used with accuracy by the metals
industry; they are the Brinell hardness test, the Rockwell hardness
test, and the Vickers hardness test. Since the definitions of
metallurgic ultimate strength and hardness are rather similar, it can
generally be assumed that a strong metal is also a hard metal. The
way the three of these hardness tests measure a metal‟s hardness
is to determine the metal‟s resistance to the penetration of a non-
deformable ball or cone. The tests determine the depth which such
a ball or cone will sink into the metal, under a given load, within
a specific period of time.
A-Star Testing & Inspection Pvt. Ltd.
No.5, 1st Cross Street, Arumugam Nagar, Chinna Porur,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - 600 116.
Mob: +91 9840 919166 / +91 7418 557032
Email: admin@[Link] |Website: [Link]
API INSPECTION
SERVICES
The American Petroleum Institute (API) is a well recognized organization for laying
the codes in the refinery & processing industry.
We can perform jobs as per the API codes in:
■ Pressure vessel inspection ■ Fitness for service
■ Pipeline inspection ■ Damage mechanism identification
■ Above ground storage tank ■ Risk based inspection & fitness
Inspection for service pays of very well from
■ Risk based inspection a safety & financial point of view
■ Refractory inspection
We have well trained engineers who are qualified, experienced and certified by
the American Petroleum Institute in different disciplines including:
■ API 510 ■ API 570 ■ API 653
■ API579 ■ API 571 ■ API 580
■ API 936 to tackle any challenging jobs as per API codes .
A-Star Testing & Inspection Pvt. Ltd.
No.5, 1st Cross Street, Arumugam Nagar, Chinna Porur,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - 600 116.
Mob: +91 9840 919166 / +91 7418 557032
Email: admin@[Link] |Website: [Link]
OTHER SERVICES
Positive Material Indentification (PMI) Ferrite Measurement
With the emphasis on reliability, safety The Ferrite Indicator is a simple, rugged,
and accident prevention never being non-destructive inspection instrument
greater, this means that positive material developed for laboratory, shop and field
identification (PMI) in alloys used use. The GO, NO-GO feature permits
throughout the construction process and instant acceptance testing of austenitic
physical plant is no longer a choice, but a stainless weld metals.
necessity.
Holiday Inspection Paint / Coating Thickness Measurement
Portable holiday detectors are designed Dry Film Thickness is a critical
for various pipeline, plant, and other measurement in the coating application
surface applications where the inspection process. It provides vital information as to
surface remains stationary and the the expected life of the substrate, the
detector is moved over the inspection product‟s fitness for purpose, its
surface. High voltage detectors are used appearance and ensures compliance with
for thicker surface coatings, such as those a host of International Standards.
used on pipelines and other industrial
applications. Low voltage, wet sponge
detectors are used for thin film
applications.
A-Star Testing & Inspection Pvt. Ltd.
No.5, 1st Cross Street, Arumugam Nagar, Chinna Porur,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - 600 116.
Mob: +91 9840 919166 / +91 7418 557032
Email: admin@[Link] |Website: [Link]
