NDT Service Company Dubai, Sharjah | UTG, ECT, ACFM Company UAE
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Non-destructive Testing (NDT), also known as non-destructive examination (NDE), refers to any testing or inspection method that does not permanently damage or destroy the equipment or material being tested. This is opposed to destructive testing, in which the part being tested is rendered inoperable, or destroyed, during the testing process. NDT is an incredibly common and important practice in many industries, including oil & gas, petrochemicals, chemical processing, aerospace, and manufacturing. NDT is frequently used to find discontinuities, flaws, or corrosion in materials. NDT is comprised of a number of different testing methods, most of which rely on either sound or electromagnetic waves to examine materials. AIMMS provides a comprehensive range of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) services, including Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT), Liquid Penetrant Testing / Dye Penetrant Testing, Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Ultrasonic Thickness Gauging (UTG) ,Vacuum Box Leak Testing, Visual Testing. It includes advanced testing like Alternating Current Field Measurement (ACFM), Eddy current Testing and Infrared Thermography. All these methods ensure thorough inspection and evaluation of materials and structures without causing damage, helping to maintain safety, integrity, and performance across various industries.
Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT):
Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT) is a non-destructive testing (NDT) process for detecting surface and shallow subsurface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and some of their alloys. The process puts a magnetic field into the part. The piece can be magnetized by direct or indirect magnetization. Direct magnetization occurs when the electric current is passed through the test object and a magnetic field is formed in the material. Indirect magnetization occurs when no electric current is passed through the test object, but a magnetic field is applied from an outside source. The magnetic lines of force are perpendicular to the direction of the electric current, which may be either alternating current (AC) or some form of direct current (DC) (rectified AC).
Penetrant Testing (LPT):
Penetrant Testing (PT) – also known as dye penetrant testing – is based on the properties of surface wetting and capillary action, which causes a liquid to rise when confined to a small opening. After applying the penetrant and wiping away the excess, the penetrant that rises to the surface can indicate surface-breaking anomalies. AIMMS’s PT services are widely applicable to identify discontinuities in a variety of assets given its ease of use and minimal equipment requirements. Our technicians perform PT on assets in a variety of industries, with a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials, including:
- Metals
- Composites
- Glass
- Ceramics
- Rubber
- Plastics
Ultrasonic Testing (UT):
Ultrasonic Shear wave testing, also known as angle beam inspection, is an ultrasonic testing technique used primarily for weld inspections. Awkward weld geometry and the presence of a weld crown or bead typically require shear wave testing, which entails placing a probe to the side of a weld and generating beams at an angle toward the weld.
Ultrasonic Thickness Gauging (UTG):
Ultrasonic Thickness Gauging (UTG) is a performing non-destructive method analysis of the local thickness of solid material and is based on the time taken by the ultrasound wave to return to the surface. UTG is frequently used to monitor metal thickness or weld quality in industrial settings such as mining. AIMM’s technicians are equipped with portable UTM probes to reach steel plating insides, tanks, decks, and the superstructure. They can read its thickness by simply touching the steel with the measurement head (transducer). Accuracy is generally assured by first removing visible corrosion scale.
Eddy Current Testing (ECT):
Eddy-current testing uses electromagnetic induction to detect flaws in conductive materials. It can detect very small cracks in or near the surface of the material. Parts capable of inducing current are put in contact or near a probe that emits electromagnetic currents through the part. The probe also looks for changes in how the current travels through the part. It picks up the changes and shows the irregular flow. This process can detect slight changes in the piece being inspected. The changes may be due to hardness difference, changes in material, or a void or crack in the part. The material surface needs minimal preparation, and physically complex geometries can be investigated. It is also useful for making electrical conductivity and coating thickness measurements.
Alternating Current Field Measurement (ACFM):
ACFM inspection is an Electro-magnetic inspection technique that introduces an alternating current to detect surface defecting/linear cracks in steel surfaces. AIMMS have quality ACFM inspectors by quality instruments in order to meet the client requirements.
Vacuum Box Leak Testing:
Vacuum box testing or Vacuum Box Bubble Leak Testing is one of the versatile NDT (Non- Destructive Testing) methods used in tank inspection process as recommended by API and other international standards like ASME SEC V ART 10 to establish the condition of tank bottom plate welds or shell to bottom plate welds. Vacuum box equipment is a portable light weight box having a viewing window large enough to view the complete test area and to allow sufficient light to enter the box for proper examination. While a detergent solution is being applied to the test area, the vacuum box and pump produce a high- or low-pressure vacuum. The detergent solution will bubble, if there is any leakage through the test area. Typical inspection includes tank leak identification for both In service storage tanks as well for newly erected storage tank welds, tanks and welds in Vessels, Rigs etc.,
- Portable and Easy to handle
- Fast and Reliable method
- Reduced operator fatigue
- Increased safety
- Immediate results
Infrared Thermography:
IR Thermography leverages the principle that objects emitting infrared radiation will display varying surface temperatures based on their heat absorption and emission characteristics. A thermal image scanner or camera captures this infrared radiation to create thermal images, revealing temperature distributions on the surface of materials. This method helps identify subsurface defects due to differences in thermal properties.
Infrared Thermography Approaches:
- Passive Thermography: Utilizes the natural temperature difference between the test sample and its surroundings. The sample is naturally at a higher temperature compared to the ambient environment.
- Active Thermography: Requires an external thermal stimulus to create contrasts in temperature. This can be implemented in two ways: Single-Sided: The sample is heated from one side, and the thermal image scanner records the heat release. Double-Sided: Heat is applied from one side while the thermal image scanner observes from the opposite side, with both systems activated simultaneously.
Infrared Thermography Applications:
- Electrical Infrared Thermography: Electrical Infrared Thermography is a crucial diagnostic tool for identifying stressed components in electrical installations before they fail or cause potential hazards such as fires.
- Offshore Rigs Thermographic survey and Thermal monitoring of offshore rigs and vessels by class approved NDT Technicians.
- Mechanical Thermography: Mechanical Thermography provides detailed survey reports that assist maintenance teams in scheduling proactive maintenance based on thermal images of equipment. This approach minimizes the need for reactive repairs during production, reducing the risk of costly failures and extending the lifespan of machinery.
- Fluid Systems: Monitors line blockages, pipe or fluid temperatures, and tank levels.
- Building Applications: Building Thermography is employed to identify energy inefficiencies and potential improvements in energy use. By surveying each elevation of a building’s exterior, this method helps pinpoint areas where energy is being wasted, contributing to better energy management and cost savings.
