NDT

(NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING)

NDT stands for Non-Destructive Testing. It refers to an array of Critical infrastructure:

inspection methods that allow inspectors to evaluate and collect data Load-bearing metal structures
about a material, system, or component without permanently altering it. Pressure vessels
Piping
NDT означає неруйнівне тестування. Він відноситься до масиву Bridges
методів перевірки, які дозволяють інспекторам оцінювати та
збирати дані про матеріал, систему чи компонент, не змінюючи їх
назавжди.

The main goal of NDT is to ensure that critical infrastructure is properly

maintained in order to avoid catastrophic accidents.

Основною метою НЗТ є забезпечення належного обслуговування

критичної інфраструктури, щоб уникнути катастрофічних аварій.
While NDT methods are typically associated with industrial use
cases, like inspecting weak points in a boiler used at an oil
refinery, uses in medicine are actually some of the most
common.
For example, an expecting mother getting an ultrasound to
check on the health of her baby would be considered an NDT
use case, as would getting an X-ray or MRI to learn more about
an injury.

But it’s important to note that NDT does not necessarily require
the use of special tools, or any tools at all.

For instance, when inspectors in industrial settings review the

outside of a pressure vessel with their naked eye, that would fall
under the NDT designation, since they are collecting data on the
status of the boiler without damaging it. On the other hand,
using a sophisticated tool like an ultrasonic sensor to look for
defects in a certain material or asset would also be called NDT. 
Regardless of the specific use case, the underlying
commonality among all these examples is the collection
of data in a non-intrusive manner
 DESTRUCTIVE VS. NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING

Before we go any further, we should clarify that there are some

methods used to test materials that alter or even damage and destroy the Macro sectioning
materials tested.
The use of these methods is called Destructive Testing.
In Destructive Testing, a piece of the material might be scraped away
for analysis or altered in some way onsite.
 
•Macro sectioning. Macro sectioning tests a small section of a welded
material by polishing and etching it for examination.

•Tensile testing. Also called tension testing, this is a destructive testing Tensile testing
technique that uses controlled tension applied to a sample material to
see how it reacts. Tension could be applied to test certain loads or
conditions, or to test a material’s failure point. 

•3 point bend testing. 3 point bend testing examines the soundness and
flexibility (or ductility) of a material by taking a sample of it, called a
coupon, and bending it in three points to a specified angle.
3 point bend testing
WHY USE NDT?
Here are the top reasons NDT is used by so many companies
throughout the world:
•Savings. The most obvious answer to this question is that NDT
is more appealing than destructive testing because it allows the
material or object being examined to survive the examination
unharmed, thus saving money and resources.
•Safety. NDT is also appealing because almost all NDT
techniques (except radiographic testing) are harmless to people.
•Efficiency. NDT methods allow for the thorough and relatively
quick evaluation of assets, which can be crucial for ensuring
continued safety and performance on a job site.
•Accuracy. NDT methods have been proven accurate and
predictable, both qualities you want when it comes to
maintenance procedures meant to ensure the safety of personnel
and the longevity of equipment.
Nondestructive testing is the life blood of a
well-run facility. NDT techniques and
repeatable results depend on highly trained
technicians with experience and integrity.
Industrial NDT methods and interpretation of
results are performed by certified
professionals. Not only does the technician
need to be certified in a specific NDT method,
but they also need to know how to operate the
equipment being used to gather data.
Understanding equipment capabilities and
limitations is the difference between making
an accept or reject determination
The 8 Most Common NDT Methods 
There are several techniques used in NDT for the collection of
various types of data, each requiring its own kind of tools,
training, and preparation. 
Some of these techniques might allow for a complete
volumetric inspection of an object, while others only allow for a
surface inspection. In a similar way, some NDT methods will
have varying degrees of success depending on the type of
material they’re used on, and some techniques—such as
Magnetic Particle NDT, for example—will only work on
specific materials (i.e., those that can be magnetized).
Here are the eight most commonly used NDT techniques:
1. Visual NDT (VT)
2. Ultrasonic NDT (UT)
3. Radiography NDT (RT)
4. Eddy Current NDT (ET)
5. Magnetic Particle NDT (MT)
6. Acoustic Emission NDT (AE) 
7. Liquid Penetrant NDT (PT)
8. Leak Testing (LT)
1. VISUAL TESTING (VT)
Definition: Visual Non-Destructive Testing is the act of
collecting visual data on the status of a material. Visual Testing
is the most basic way to examine a material or object without
altering it in any way. 
How to conduct Visual Testing
Visual Testing can be done with the naked eye, by inspectors
visually reviewing a material or asset. For indoor Visual
Testing, inspectors use flashlights to add depth to the object
being examined. Visual Testing can also be done with an RVI
(Remote Visual Inspection) tool, like an inspection camera. To
get the camera in place, NDT inspectors may use a robot or
drone, or may simply hang it from a rope.
2. ULTRASONIC TESTING (UT)
Definition: Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing is the process of
 transmitting high-frequency sound waves into a material in
order to identify changes in the material’s properties. 
How to conduct Ultrasonic Testing
In general, Ultrasonic Testing uses sound waves to detect
defects or imperfections on the surface of a material created.
One of the most common Ultrasonic Testing methods is the
pulse echo. With this technique, inspectors introduce sounds
into a material and measure the echos (or sound reflections)
produced by imperfections on the surface of the material as they
are returned to a receiver.
Here are some other types of Ultrasonic Testing:
•Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)
•Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT)
•Time-Of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD)
3. RADIOGRAPHY TESTING (RT)
Definition: Radiography Non-Destructive Testing is the act of
using gamma- or X-radiation on materials to identify
imperfections. 
How to conduct Radiography NDT Testing
Radiography Testing directs radiation from a radioactive isotope
or an X-ray generator through the material being tested and onto
a film or some other kind of detector. The readings from the
detector create a shadowgraph, which reveals the underlying
aspects of the inspected material. 
Radiography Testing can uncover aspects of a material that can
be hard to detect with the naked eye, such as alterations to its
density.
4. EDDY CURRENT (ELECTROMAGNETIC) TESTING
(ET)
Definition: Eddy Current Non-Destructive Testing is a type of
electromagnetic testing that uses measurements of the strength
of electrical currents (also called eddy currents) in a magnetic
field surrounding a material in order to make determinations
about the material, which may include the locations of defects.
How to conduct Eddy Current Testing
To conduct Eddy Current Testing, inspectors examine the flow
of eddy currents in the magnetic field surrounding a conductive
material to identify interruptions caused by defects or
imperfections in the material.
5. MAGNETIC PARTICLE TESTING (MT)
Definition: Magnetic Particle Non-Destructive Testing is the act
of identifying imperfections in a material by examining
disruptions in the flow of the magnetic field within the material.
How to conduct Magnetic Particle Testing
To use Magnetic Particle Testing, inspectors first induce a
magnetic field in a material that is highly susceptible to
magnetization. After inducing the magnetic field, the surface of
the material is then covered with iron particles, which reveal
disruptions in the flow of the magnetic field. These disruptions
create visual indicators for the locations of imperfections within
the material.
6. ACOUSTIC EMISSION TESTING (AE) 
Definition: Acoustic Emission Non-Destructive Testing is the
act of using acoustic emissions to identify possible defects and
imperfections in a material.
How to conduct Acoustic Emission Testing
Inspectors conducting Acoustic Emission Tests are examining
materials for bursts of acoustic energy, also called acoustic
emissions, which are caused by defects in the material.
Intensity, location, and arrival time can be examined to reveal
information about possible defects within the material.
7. LIQUID PENETRANT TESTING (PT)
Definition: Liquid Penetrant Non-Destructive Testing refers to
the process of using a liquid to coat a material and then looking
for breaks in the liquid to identify imperfections in the material.
How to conduct Penetrant Testing
Inspectors conducting a Penetrant Test will first coat the
material being tested with a solution that contains a visible or
fluorescent dye. Inspectors then remove any extra solution from
the material’s surface while leaving the solution in defects that
“break” the material’s surface. After this, inspectors use a
developer to draw the solution out of the defects, then use
ultraviolet light to reveal imperfections (for fluorescent dyes).
For regular dyes, the color shows in the contrast between the
penetrant and the developer.
8. LEAK TESTING (LT)
Definition: Leak Non-Destructive Testing refers to the process
of studying leaks in a vessel or structure in order to identify
defects in it.
How to conduct Leak Testing
Inspectors can detect leaks within a vessel using measurements
taken with a pressure gauge, soap-bubble tests, or electronic
listening devices, among others.
Where Is Non-Destructive Testing Used?
Depending on how broadly you define NDT you could say that
it’s used in almost every industry in the world, since visual
inspections (whether formalized or casual) take place in almost
every workplace in some form or other.
That being said, there are specific industries that require NDT
and have formalized processes for its use, as codified by those
organizations we listed above like API and ASME.

These industries include:

•Oil & Gas
•Power Generation
•Chemicals
•Mining
•Aerospace
•Automotive
•Maritime
•Mining