Overview:

Acoustic Emission Testing (AE) offers several notable benefits when applied to FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) storage tanks and vessels. AE testing provides a non-intrusive and non-destructive means of assessing the structural integrity of these components, helping to identify hidden defects, such as delamination or fiber breakage, before they escalate into more significant issues. This proactive approach to maintenance enhances safety and reduces the risk of costly and potentially hazardous failures. It is a highly sensitive method capable of pinpointing minor flaws, making it a valuable tool for ensuring the long-term reliability of FRP storage tanks and vessels.

Scientific Explanation:

Acoustic emission (AE) is the phenomenon of radiation of acoustic (elastic) waves in solids that occurs when a material undergoes irreversible changes in its internal structure, for example as a result of crack formation or plastic deformation due to aging, temperature gradients or external mechanical forces. In particular, AE is occurring during the processes of mechanical loading of materials and structures accompanied by structural changes that generate local sources of elastic waves. This results in small surface displacements of a material produced by elastic or stress waves generated when the accumulated elastic energy in a material or on its surface is released rapidly. The waves generated by sources of AE are of practical interest in the field of structural health monitoring (SHM), quality control, system feedback, process monitoring and others. In SHM applications, AE is typically used to detect, locate and characterize damage. (click here for an example of an AE Exam)

Overview:

Ultrasonic Testing (UT) is particularly useful for inspecting pipes and metal storage tanks, with a primary focus on identifying and assessing corrosion. By sending high-frequency sound waves through the metal, UT can detect and measure the extent of corrosion-related thinning in the material. As these sound waves encounter areas where corrosion has occurred, they bounce back differently, allowing UT to locate and quantify the corrosion damage. This non-invasive and non-destructive approach enables early detection of corrosion issues, helping to prevent structural weakening and leaks, and ultimately prolonging the lifespan of the metal infrastructure. UT is a valuable tool for corrosion assessment in metal piping and storage tanks, ensuring their continued reliability and safety.

Scientific Explanation:

Ultrasonic Testing (UT) is a family of NDT techniques based on the propagation of ultrasonic waves in the object or material tested. In most common UT applications, very short ultrasonic pulse-waves with center frequencies ranging from 0.1-15 MHz, and occasionally up to 50 MHz, are transmitted into materials to detect internal flaws or to characterize materials. A common example is ultrasonic thickness measurement, which tests the thickness of the test object, for example, to monitor pipework corrosion. Ultrasonic testing is often performed on steel and other metals and alloys, though it can also be used on concrete, wood and composites, albeit with less resolution. It is used in many industries including steel and aluminum construction, metallurgy, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive and other transportation sectors.

Overview:

Visual Inspection (VI) is a straightforward and cost-effective way to ensure the safety and reliability of your equipment and structures. By visually identifying surface defects and irregularities, it helps you catch potential issues early, preventing costly repairs and downtime. This versatile method can be applied to a wide range of materials and structures, providing real-time feedback and essential documentation for compliance and peace of mind. Visual Inspections can be either External or Internal (may require a Confined Space Entry if Internal VI).

Scientific Explanation:

Visual inspection is a common method of quality control, data acquisition, and data analysis. It is also considered to be the earliest method of NDT. When used as means of inspecting equipment and structures by utilizing any or all of raw human senses such as vision, hearing, touch and smell and/or any non-specialized inspection equipment.

Overview:

Penetrant Testing (PT), also called Liquid Penetrant Testing or Dye Penetrant Testing, technique for identifying surface-breaking defects in a variety of materials. This method is capable of detecting even tiny defects that might not be visible to the naked eye. Penetrant testing is non-invasive, meaning it does not alter the tested material in any way, making it a practical and safe option for inspecting critical components without causing damage. Moreover, it provides quick results, allowing for immediate feedback and decisions regarding the structural integrity of materials and components.  It is performed as an additional resource for Visual Inspections (VI) if there is a suspicion of leaks or to confirm detection of cracks, porosity, pinholes, and other surface discontinuities. Its simplicity and versatility make it a widely used NDT method in industries like aerospace, manufacturing, and construction.

Scientific Explanation:

Penetrant Testing (PT) is a method where liquid penetrant (for example) is drawn into defects by capillary action due to the difference in surface tension between the penetrant and the developer. This method is highly sensitive for detecting surface-breaking defects but is primarily suited for non-porous materials (metals, plastics, or ceramics). Liquid penetrant is used to detect casting, forging and welding surface defects such as hairline cracks, surface porosity, leaks in new products, and fatigue cracks on in-service components. 

Overview:

Barcol Hardness Testing is a method used to assess the hardness of materials, particularly those with low Shore hardness values, such as plastics, composites, and certain types of metals. The Barcol hardness test involves using a handheld instrument called a Barcol Impressor, which is used on an surface material and the hardness is determined by measuring the depth of penetration by the impressor's indenter. This method is quick, non-destructive, and suitable for curved surfaces and confined spaces; it is often utilized in conjunction with Visual Inspections (VI) but can also be an independent test method for material samples, etc. Barcol hardness values provide a quantitative measure of a material's resistance to indentation, helping clients assess the suitability and durability of materials for various applications, including manufacturing and product design.

Scientific Explanation:

Barcol Hardness characterizes the indentation hardness of materials through the depth of penetration via an indenter, which is loaded onto a material sample and compared to the penetration in a reference material. The method is most often used for composite materials such as reinforced thermosetting resins or to determine how much a resin or plastic has cured. The test complements the measurement of glass transition temperature, as an indirect measure of the degree of cure of a composite. It is inexpensive and quick, and provides information on the cure throughout a part.

Overview:

The Pit Gauge is an indispensable tool for customers across a range of industries, particularly in those where the integrity of metal surfaces is paramount. It plays a critical role in the early detection and quantification of corrosion and pitting, ensuring safety and the prolonged performance of equipment and structures. With this tool, plumbers, pipeliners, warehouse personnel, fabricators and even buyers are able to conduct proper measurements to determine the degree of corrosion. Any damage or deviation from normal measurements indicates a corrosion problem and is typically used in conjunction with a Visual Inspection (VI).

Scientific Explanation:

Pit Gauging relies on a relatively simple yet effective scientific principle. Using a specialized instrument known as a pit gauge, which typically includes a probe with a rounded or pointed tip, the depth of pits and corrosion on metal surfaces is measured. The instrument is gently inserted into the pit, and the depth is determined using a scale or digital readout. The principle behind this technique is that the depth of the pit or corrosion cavity affects the measurement in a predictable way, allowing for the quantification of the extent of corrosion. This information guides maintenance decisions and ensures the structural integrity of metal surfaces, making pit gauging an invaluable tool in industries where corrosion is a constant concern.

Overview:

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) is a crucial NDT method for customers in various industries, particularly those reliant on metal components and structures. This technique is primarily used for detecting surface and near-surface flaws, such as cracks and discontinuities, in ferromagnetic materials. Customers benefit from MPI as it provides early defect detection, ensuring the safety and reliability of their equipment and structures. It's especially vital in safety-critical sectors like aerospace, automotive, and construction, where even small flaws can lead to catastrophic failures. MPI's non-invasive nature, cost-effectiveness, and rapid results empower customers to make informed decisions, reduce downtime, and prevent costly repairs.

Scientific Explanation:

Magnetic Particle Inspection leverages the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic materials to detect defects. Here's how it works: First, the component or structure under examination is magnetized using either a direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) magnetizing field. This magnetic field makes any surface or near-surface defects in the material create magnetic poles or disruptions. Iron particles, often in the form of a dry powder or wet suspension, are then applied to the magnetized surface. These particles are attracted to the areas with magnetic disruptions, forming visible indications along the defect sites. By interpreting the patterns and locations of these indications, inspectors can pinpoint the presence and nature of surface and near-surface defects, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the examined components or structures.

Overview:

Remote Ultrasonic Inspection (RUI) or Remote Digital Video Inspection (RDVI) are an invaluable services for customers operating in industries where accessing and inspecting hard-to-reach or hazardous areas is challenging. This NDT method employs robotic crawlers to assess the integrity of materials and structures remotely.  This service, which uses specialized equipment including ultrasonic measurements and video technology, allows an inspector to look at objects and materials from a distance when the areas of inspection are in inaccessible or are in dangerous environments. It offers a safe and cost-effective way to identify defects, such as corrosion or wall thickness variations, without the need for physical contact or manual inspection.  Remote Inspections are a specialty branch of NDT.

Scientific Explanation:

Remote Ultrasonic Inspection (RUI) relies on the principles of ultrasonic testing but eliminates the need for the technician to have direct physical contact with the material being inspected. In RUI, a remote probe or transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that travel through the material. These waves reflect off the internal boundaries, flaws, or defects in the material and return to the transducer.

Remote Digital Video Inspection (RDVI) employs specialized cameras and equipment to visually assess and document areas or components that are challenging to access directly. The science behind RDVI is based on optical imaging and video transmission technologies. Remote cameras, often equipped with lighting systems, are inserted into the area of interest, and the visual feed is transmitted to an external monitor or recording device. This real-time or recorded visual information allows inspectors to examine the condition of equipment, structures, or systems.