Non-Destructive Testing Overview
Non-Destructive Testing Overview
Productivity Tip:
‖Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.‖
(Theodore Roosevelt)
A. LESSON PREVIEW/REVIEW
1) Introduction (2 mins)
The quality of a material going into a manufactured product is as important as the reliability of the
production process. Material testing helps us to understand and quantify whether a specific material or treatment
is suitable for a particular application. On the past modules we have discussed about different Destructive Testing
procedures of material testing. In this module we will be discussing about its counterpart; the Non-Destructive
Testing procedures.
B. MAIN LESSON
1) Activity 2: Content Notes (13 mins)
When comparing destructive and non-destructive testing, destructive testing is, in some ways, the most
reliable method. However, non-destructive testing (NDT) retains a significant advantage over destructive testing
because it covers more ground and saves on material costs. With NDT, analysts can avoid damaging assets and
find more flaws in the process. Destructive testing is ultimately more expensive and wasteful, as inspectors must
damage viable materials that could have been used during normal operations. Moreover, destructive-means testing
is also less efficient than NDT in terms of inspection times, involving manual steps that take longer and require
more effort than the streamlined processes NDT can offer.
Destructive testing is a more direct approach, but it cannot provide the same extensive reach that NDT tools
offer. If dealing with destructive testing on large infrastructure, an analyst must destroy aspects of the welds to find
hidden flaws. It can be all too easy to miss indications on larger design forms, and inspectors don’t have the time
to conduct such a thorough manual test.
Furthermore, the inspector would have to compromise key structural points of the infrastructure, which
could degrade the viability of the asset and lead to safety concerns in the future. The companies would also likely
need to invest additional time and resources to replace the parts that underwent destructive testing. This is not the
ideal option when dealing with a sizable infrastructure that costs millions of dollars. Thus, a better option is to
conduct a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) in such circumstances.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a combination of various inspection techniques used individually or
collectively to evaluate the integrity and properties of a material, component or system without causing damage to
it. In other words, the part that requires the use of one or more of those techniques can still be used once the
inspection process is over. NDT is therefore often used for the detection, characterization and sizing of inherent
discontinuities, as well as those associated with damage mechanisms.
Many different NDT methods are available in the industry, each of them having their own advantages and
limitations, but six of them are most frequently used: ultrasonic testing (UT), radiographic testing (RT),
electromagnetic testing (ET), magnetic particle testing (MT), liquid penetrant testing (PT) and visual testing (VT).
Other techniques include acoustic emission testing (AE), guided wave testing (GW), laser testing methods
(LM), acoustic resonance testing (ART), leak testing (LT), magnetic flux leakage (MFL), vibration analysis (VA)
and infrared testing (IR).
Some of the well-known Non-Destructive Testing is as follows:
Ultrasonic Testing
Ultrasonic testing (UT) is a non-destructive test method that utilizes sound waves to detect cracks and
defects in parts and materials. It can also be used to determine a material’s thickness, such as measuring the wall
thickness of a pipe. Because this method has higher power potential than other non-destructive test types, ultrasonic
testing can produce images that are more clearly defined than other methods and indicate characteristics deeper than
surface level.
In ultrasonic testing, an ultrasound transducer connected to a diagnostic machine is passed over the object
being inspected. The transducer is typically separated from the test object by a couplant (such as oil) or by water,
as in immersion testing. However, when ultrasonic testing is conducted with an Electromagnetic Acoustic
Transducer (EMAT) the use of couplant is not required.
Advantages
o High penetrating power, which allows the detection of flaws deep in the part.
o High sensitivity, permitting the detection of extremely small flaws.
o In many cases only one surface needs to be accessible.
o Greater accuracy than other non-destructive methods in determining the depth of internal flaws and the
thickness of parts with parallel surfaces.
o Some capability of estimating the size, orientation, shape and nature of defects.
o Some capability of estimating the structure of alloys of components with different acoustic properties
o Non-hazardous to operations or to nearby personnel and has no effect on equipment and materials in the
vicinity.
o Capable of portable or highly automated operation.
o Results are immediate. Hence on the spot decisions can be made.
Disadvantages
o Manual operation requires careful attention by experienced technicians. The transducers alert to both
normal structure of some materials, tolerable anomalies of other specimens (both termed ―noise‖) and to
faults therein severe enough to compromise specimen integrity. These signals must be distinguished by a
skilled technician, possibly requiring follow up with other non-destructive testing methods.
o Extensive technical knowledge is required for the development of inspection procedures.
o Parts that is rough, irregular in shape, very small or thin, or not homogeneous are difficult to inspect.
o Surface must be prepared by cleaning and removing loose scale, paint, etc., although paint that is properly
bonded to a surface need not be removed.
o Couplants are needed to provide effective transfer of ultrasonic wave energy between transducers and parts
being inspected unless a non-contact technique is used. Non-contact techniques include Laser and Electro
Magnetic Acoustic Transducers (EMAT).
There are two methods of receiving the ultrasound waveform: reflection and attenuation. In reflection (or
pulse-echo) mode, the transducer performs both the sending and the receiving of the pulsed waves as the "sound"
is reflected back to the device. Reflected ultrasound comes from an interface, such as the back wall of the object
or from an imperfection within the object. The diagnostic machine displays these results in the form of a signal with
amplitude representing the intensity of the reflection and the distance, representing the arrival time of the reflection.
In attenuation (or through-transmission) mode, a transmitter sends ultrasound through one surface, and a separate
receiver detects the amount that has reached it on another surface after traveling through the medium. Imperfections
or other conditions in the space between the transmitter and receiver reduce the amount of sound transmitted, thus
revealing their presence. Using the couplant increases the efficiency of the process by reducing the losses in the
ultrasonic wave energy due to separation between the surfaces.
Depending upon the test requirements, parts are evaluated using contact or immersion ultrasonic testing.
Ultrasonic inspection relies on electronic transducers that transmit high-frequency sound waves to a material. These
sound waves bounce back images, which reveal key characteristics of a material’s properties. The images created
by ultrasonic testing can indicate cracks, weld grooves and fractures, as well as indicate material thicknessand
moving components.
Immersion ultrasonic testing is a laboratory-based inspection, useful for the detection of smaller defects, from
cracking to porosity. Submersing a component or material allows for better sound travel from the transducer, and
provides accurate reporting of sub-surface irregularities and flaws. IUT supports a broad range of requirements as
it applies to any wall thickness, as well as any material.
Radiographic Testing
Radiographic Testing (RT) is a non-destructive testing (NDT) technique that involves the use of either x-
rays or gamma rays to view the internal structure of a component. In the petrochemical industry, RT is often used
to inspect machinery, such as pressure vessels and valves, to detect for flaws. RT is also used to inspect weld repairs.
Compared to other NDT techniques, radiography has several advantages. It is highly reproducible, can be
used on a variety of materials, and the data gathered can be stored for later analysis. Radiography is an effective
tool that requires very little surface preparation. Moreover, many radiographic systems are portable, which allows
for use in the field and at elevated positions.
In Radiographic Testing the test-part is placed between the radiation source and film (or detector). The
material density and thickness differences of the test-part will attenuate (i.e. reduce) the penetrating radiation
through interaction processes involving scattering and/or absorption. The differences in absorption are then
recorded on film(s) or through an electronic means. In industrial radiography there are several imaging methods
available, techniques to display the final image, i.e. Film Radiography, Real Time Radiography (RTR), Computed
Tomography (CT), Digital Radiography (DR), and Computed Radiography (CR).
There are two different radioactive sources available for industrial use; X-ray and Gamma-ray. These
radiation sources use higher energy level, i.e. shorter wavelength, versions of the electromagnetic waves. Because
of the radioactivity involved in radiography testing, it is of paramount importance to ensure that the Local Rules is
strictly adhered during operation.
There are numerous types of RT techniques including conventional radiography and multiple forms digital
radiographic testing. Each works slightly differently and has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Conventional Radiography
Conventional radiography uses a sensitive film which reacts to the emitted radiation to capture an image of the part
being tested. This image can then be examined for evidence of damage or flaws. The biggest limitation to this
technique is that films can only be used once and they take a long time to process and interpret.
Digital Radiography
Unlike conventional radiography, digital radiography doesn’t require film. Instead, it uses a digital detector to
display radiographic images on a computer screen almost instantaneously. It allows for a much shorter exposure
time so that the images can be interpreted more quickly. Furthermore, the digital images are much higher quality
when compared to conventional radiographic images. With the ability to capture highly quality images, the
technology can be utilized to identify flaws in a material, foreign object in a system, examine weld repairs, and
inspect for corrosion under insulation.
The four most commonly utilized digital radiography techniques in the oil & gas and chemical processing industries
are computed radiography, direct radiography, real-time radiography, and computed tomography.
1) Computed Radiography
Computed radiography (CR) uses a phosphor imaging plate that replaces film in conventional radiography
techniques. This technique is much quicker than film radiography but slower than direct radiography. CR
requires several extra steps compared to direct radiography. First, it indirectly captures the image of a
component on a phosphor plate, and 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 (i.e,
adjusting contrast, brightness, etc. without compromising integrity). It’s important to know how tools, such as
adjusting contrast, affect the image. Care should also be taken to make sure minor defects are not hidden after
enhancements are made.
2) Direct Radiography
Direct Radiography (DR) is also a form of digital radiography and very similar to computed radiography. The
key difference lies in how the image is captured. In DR, a flat panel detector is used to directly capture an image
and display that image on a computer screen. Although this technique is fast and produces higher quality images,
it is more costly than computed radiography.
3) Real-Time Radiography
Real-time radiography (RTR), like its name suggests, is a form of digital radiography that occurs in real time.
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.
The brighter areas on the image are a result of higher levels of radiation that contact the screen. This corresponds
to the thinner or less dense section of the component. Conversely, darker areas are a result of less radiation
interacting with the screen and indicate where the component is thicker.
Aside from being able to make the images available more quickly and analyze them in real time, RTR has
several other advantages. One being that digital images don’t require physical storage space and thus are easier
to store, transfer, and archive than film.
On the other hand, this method has several disadvantages as well. Compared to conventional radiography, RTR
has a lower contrast sensitivity and limited image resolution. Images created via RTR often suffer from uneven
illumination, limited resolution, a lack of sharpness, and noise. These factors have a major impact on image
quality.
4) Computed Tomography
Computed tomography (CT) is a technique that takes hundreds to thousands (depending on the size of the
component) of 2D radiography scans and superimposes them to create a 3D radiographic image.
In an industrial setting, CT can be achieved in two ways. In one method, the component to be inspected remains
stationary while the radiation source and x-ray detector rotate around the component. This technique is more
likely to be utilized for large components. The second method consists of the radiation source and x- ray detector
remaining stationary while the component is rotated 360 degrees. This second technique is more useful when
the component is small or has complex geometry.
Although this technology is timely, expensive, and requires a large amount of data storage, CT provides highly
accurate images, is repeatable and reproducible, and minimizes human error.
Electromagnetic Testing
Electromagnetic testing (ET), as a form of non-destructive testing, is the process of inducing electric
currents or magnetic fields or both inside a test object and observing the electromagnetic response. If the test is set
up properly, a defect inside the test object creates a measurable response.
In its most basic form, the single element ECT probe, a coil of conductive wire is excited with an alternating
electrical current. This wire coil produces an alternating magnetic field around itself in the direction ascertained by
the right-hand rule. The magnetic field oscillates at the same frequency as the current running through the coil.
When the coil approaches a conductive material, currents opposed to the ones in the coil are induced in the material,
which follow circular paths. These circular currents are called eddy currents.
Variations in the electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability of the test object, and the presence of
defects causes a change in the flow pattern, intensity and phase of eddy currents. In turn a corresponding change
in phase and amplitude of the coupled magnetic field that can be detected by measuring the impedance changes in
the coil. This is a tell-tale sign of the presence of defects and the basis of standard ECT (using pancake coil).
Advantages:
o Sensitivity to surface defects
o Can detect through several layers
o Can detect through surface coatings
o Accurate conductivity measurements
o Can be automated
o Little pre-cleaning required
o Portability
Disadvantages:
o Very susceptible to magnetic permeability changes
o Only effective on conductive materials
o Will not detect defects parallel to surface
o Not suitable for large areas and/or complex geometries
o Signal interpretation required
o No permanent record (unless automated)
The term "electromagnetic testing" is often intended to mean simply eddy-current testing (ECT). However,
with an expanding number of electromagnetic and magnetic test methods, "electromagnetic testing" is more often
used to mean the whole class of electromagnetic test methods, of which eddy-current testing is just one. Common
methods under electromagnetic testing are as follows:
1. Eddy-current testing (ECT) is used to detect near-surface cracks and corrosion in metallic objects such as
tubes and aircraft fuselage and structures. ECT is more commonly applied to nonferromagnetic materials,
since in ferromagnetic materials the depth of penetration is relatively small.
2. Remote field testing (RFT) is used for non-destructive testing (NDT) of steel tubes and pipes.
3. Magnetic flux leakage testing (MFL) is also used for non-destructive testing (NDT) of steel tubes and pipes.
At present RFT is more commonly used in small diameter tubes and MFL in larger diameter pipes over
long travel distances.
4. Wire rope testing is MFL applied to steel cables, to detect broken strands of wire.
5. Magnetic particle inspection (MT or MPI) is a form of MFL where small magnetic particles in the form of
a powder or liquid are sprayed on the magnetized steel test object and gather at surface-breaking cracks.
6. Alternating current field measurement (ACFM) is similar to eddy current applied to steel. Its most common
application is to detect and size cracks in welds from the company that developed it.
7. Pulsed eddy current enables the detection of large-volume metal loss in steel objects from a considerable
stand-off, allowing steel pipes to be tested without removing insulation.
Advantages:
o Maximum depth sensitivity is typically quoted as 0.100" (deeper under perfect conditions)
o Alignment between magnetic flux and defect is important
c) solvent removable, the difference being in the method used to remove the excess penetrant.
In each of these three groups the penetrant solution can contain a dye to make the indication visible under
white light, or a fluorescent material which fluoresces under suitable ultraviolet (UV-A) light.
Advantages:
Visual Testing
Visual testing (VT) is arguably the oldest and most widely used NDT method there is. For thousands of
years, craftsmen have used their eyes to determine the quality of the products they made. In essence, this is still the
case with visual inspection. This method involves the visual observation of the surface of a test object to evaluate
the presence of surface discontinuities such as corrosion, misalignment of parts, physical damage and cracks. Visual
testing can be done by looking at the test piece directly, or by using optical instruments such as magnifying glasses,
mirrors, borescopes and computer-assisted viewing systems. VT can be applied to inspect castings, forgings,
machined components and welds and is used in all branches of industry.
Some of the equipment used in Visual Testing is as follows:
o Magnifying glasses
o Fillet weld gauge
o Microscopes
o Computer equipment (remote viewing)
o Illuminated magnifier
o Inspection glass
o Boroscope
o Mirrors
Advantages
o Simple method to perform
o Examination can be performed quickly
o Low-cost method
o Minimal training
o Minimal equipment
Disadvantages
o Inspector training necessary
o Good eyesight required or eyesight corrected to 20/40
o Can miss internal defects
o Report must be recorded by inspector
o Open to human error
Can you name some non-destructive testing that weren’t mention above?
2) Activity 3: Skill-building Activities (with answer key) (18 mins + 2 mins checking)
LET'S DO THIS!!!
Answer the following activities. Write your answers on the space provided.
“For the following activities, check your answers against the Key to
Corrections found at the end of this module. Write your score on your paper.”
A6-1: Determine what the following acronyms involving Non-Destructive Testing stands for. Write your answers
on the space provided.
1) NDT –
2) UT –
3) RT –
4) ET –
5) MT –
6) PT –
7) VT –
8) IR –
9) VA –
10) LM –
A6-2: Determine whether the given material testing is under Destructive or Non-Destructive testing. Write DT for
destructive testing and NDT for non-destructive testing. Write your answer before the number.
1) Infrared Testing
2) Aggressive Environment Testing
3) Corrosion Testing
4) Vibration Analysis
5) Magnetic Flux Leakage
6) Fracture Testing
7) Leak Testing
A6-3: Enumerate what is asked. Write your answer on the space provided.
1-2) Two types of Ultrasonic Testing
C. LESSON WRAP-UP
1) Activity 6: Thinking about Learning (5 mins)
How is your learning experience? Which part of the lessons do you find to be difficult?
FAQs
What Does NDT, NDE and NDI stand for and is there a difference?
NDT stands for Non-Destructive Testing and there is no real difference between NDT, NDE (non-
destructive evaluation) or NDI (non-destructive inspection), the latter two being a choice of preference among
members of different industries. All refer to the same category of quality control test procedures that examines
the integrity (or lack, thereof) of materials, components or systems without causing damage to them.