Types of Non Destructive Testing
There are three common types of non destructive testing: visual inspection, magnetic particle inspection, and dye penetrant inspection. Franklin Offshore Australia performs all three of these services either on-site or in-house; whichever is most convenient for you.
All inspections are done to the relevant Australian standards, and because our inspectors so good at their job, you can be rest assured that your equipment is inspected properly and you are getting a great deal on the service we they provide you. Make sure that your products are manufactured and operating safely within the Australian standards by getting them properly inspected regularly.
All inspections will be supplied with NATA Endorsed certification upon completion of the inspection.
Let’s look at these three types of non destructive testing a little closer.
Visual Inspection
An inspector must have knowledge of every product that they inspect as well as how it is used. They must also know what is acceptable for the product to pass inspection as per the relevant Australian standard for the item. Our Inspectors are highly trained to be able to inspect every product that comes their way and will be able to tell you, what passes inspection, what can be fixed or if they just need to be replaced altogether. When inspecting items, the product should be in a well lit area and depending on the item a crane may be required to lift the item for inspection underneath. (i.e. Containers & Frames)
The inspector must have a high level of visual acuity and a great deal of patience to ensure the product has been inspected correctly. Once the item passes inspection, a NATA Endorsed certificate will be issued to the client detailing that the item inspected complies with the required Australian standard.
Magnetic Particle Inspection
If the product to be inspected is of a grade of steel that can be easily magnetized, this type of inspection works well. The aim for a Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI for short) is to show cracks and imperfections in welding or machined material that would otherwise not be seen with the naked eye. This works by spraying a magnetic ink over a white lacquer background and then using a magnet which forces the ink to seep into any flaws on the item surface.
A magnetic particle inspection can show small flaws so that they can be documented as potential problems later on, repaired before any further testing is carried out or show if any flaws have been produced from a mechanical test. This type of non destructive testing is quick and simple making it a relatively inexpensive form of inspection.
Usually for a Magnetic Particle inspection to work best, the section of the item being inspected should be stripped back to bare metal as any coating over the inspection area can cause inconsistencies in the test. Magnetic Particle Inspection equipment it is also highly portable making it convenient for you if you need inspections done at your location.
Upon completion of the item passing, the client will be issued with a NATA Endorsed MPI Certificate for the item
Dye Penetrant Inspection
If magnetic particle inspection is not a viable option because the product is not magnetic, (Commonly Stainless Steel & Aluminum items) then dye penetrant inspection may be the best option. This works by spraying a dye onto the intended item and allowing it to soak into the material. Over time the dye will seep into any flaws in the product surface showing the inspector to see any issues that may need to be looked at. This type of testing is also highly portable making it just as convenient has MPI inspection.
Dye Penetrate Inspection (DPI for short) typically takes a bit longer than magnetic particle inspection due to the wait time for the dye to settle. However it is the most common form of non destructive testing for non-magnetic items.
Upon completion of the item passing, the client will be issued with a NATA Endorsed MPI Certificate for the item.
All Franklin Offshore Australia’s MPI & DPI inspectors are highly trained and are AINDT Qualified for MPI & DPI inspections.
