Virtual National Training Course on Various NDT Techniques with the

Provision of Specimen for NDT testing by Vietnam

Hanoi, Nov,

Introduction to Visual Testing

2021

CENTER FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION

Add: 140 Nguyen Tuan St. - Thanh Xuan Dist. - Hanoi
Website: www.nde.com.vn
 OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION
BASIC PRINCIPLES

EQUIPMENT

CODES, STANDARDS, SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES

COMMON INSPECTION APPLICATIONS
I. INTRODUCTION
Visual Testing is the most basic and common among various NDT methods
that are employed in industry
- Acoustic Emission Testing (AE) - Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
- Electromagnetic Testing (ET) - Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)

PHẦN 1: ĐẶT VẤN ĐỀ

- Guided Wave Testing (GW)
- Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
- Neutron Radiographic Testing (NR)
- Radiographic Testing (RT)
- Laser Testing Methods (LM) - Thermal/Infrared Testing (IR)
- Leak Testing (LT) - Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
- Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) - Vibration Analysis (VA)
- Microwave Testing - Visual Testing (VT)
I. INTRODUCTION
 Visual Testing, VT, is commonly defined as the examination of a material,
component, or product for conditions of nonconformance using light and the eyes,
alone or in conjunction with various aids

 VT often also involves shaking, listening, feeling, and sometimes even smelling

PHẦN 1: ĐẶT VẤN ĐỀ

the component being examined
I. INTRODUCTION
 VT consists of at least two major processes:

 The first is a search process

I. INTRODUCTION
 VT consists of at least two major processes:

 The second is a process of combining relevant knowledge, sensory input, and

pertinent logical processes to provide an identification that some anomaly or
pattern represents a flaw that poses a risk to the performance of the part
I. INTRODUCTION
 VT is often employed to support other NDT methods

magnetic particle and penetrant examination requires visual observation and

assessment of the detected indication
I. INTRODUCTION
 VT is often employed to support other NDT methods

radiographs require visual inspection for the ultrasonic examination often requires the
interpretation of results visual assessment of the trace on a monitor
I. INTRODUCTION
 Digital detectors and computer technology have made it possible to
automate some VT. This is known as machine vision inspection

Digital Image sensor

I. INTRODUCTION
 It is applicable to a wide variety of material types and product forms

 For many types of components, it is used to determine the quantity, size,

surface finish, shape, colour, function, leakage, and surface discontinuities

 It can be performed by direct or indirect methods during various stages of

manufacturing or after the component has been placed in-service
I. INTRODUCTION
 The quality of an inspection are affected primarily by four factors:

 The quality of the detector (eye or camera)

 The lighting conditions

 The capability to process the visual data

 The level of training and attention to detail

I. INTRODUCTION
 For best results the inspector or machine vision operator must have:

 A basic knowledge of material processing forming, machining and joining

processes

 A general understanding of design features

 Application and service requirements

 Specific instructions on what to look for and specific accept/reject criteria

I. INTRODUCTION
 Advantages

 Readily used on almost all materials

 Simple to perform

 Low in cost, (application dependent)

 Relatively quick

 Results may be permanently recorded

 Can be automated
I. INTRODUCTION
 Limitations

 Direct inspections are limited to surfaces only

 Indirect inspections require greater inspector knowledge and training

 Inspector dependent, knowledge of materials and processing, eye sight

 Standards (workmanship) may be difficult to obtain

II. BASIC PRINCIPLES
 Nature of light

 Visible light is defined as radiant energy (energy transmitted by electromagnetic

waves) capable of exciting the human retina and creating a visual sensation.
 It is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths between
380-730 nm
 At these wavelengths radiant energy makes visible anything from which it is
emitted or reflected in sufficient quantity to activate the receptors of the eye
II. BASIC PRINCIPLES
 Nature of light
II. BASIC PRINCIPLES
 Nature of light
II. BASIC PRINCIPLES
 Nature of light
 Colour
 White light has a band of wavelengths of different colours. This is called the
spectrum of white light
 The longest wavelength is red light, which has a wavelength in air of about 700
nm (nanometres). The shortest wavelength is violet, which has a wavelength in
air of about 450 nm
 In a vacuum (and practically in air), all colours travel at the same velocity. In a
medium such as glass, however the colours travel at different velocity, with red
the fastest and violet the slowest
II. BASIC PRINCIPLES
 Nature of light
 Colour

phenomena is called dispersion

II. BASIC PRINCIPLES
 Nature of light
 Colour
 Tone or Hue
Hue is associated with a range of wavelengths
in the spectrum and is usually what an observer
means when describing a colour e.g. red, blue
or violet
II. BASIC PRINCIPLES
 Nature of light
 Colour
 Brightness or Luminosity
 A hue may also vary in brightness,
according to the intensity of pre-dominant
radiation.

 Excessive brightness causes the

unpleasant sensation of glare.

 Glare interferes with the ability of clear

vision, critical observation and judgement
II. BASIC PRINCIPLES
 Nature of light
 Colour
 Saturation

This is a relative or comparative

characteristic and may be
described as a hue’s dilution
with white light
II. BASIC PRINCIPLES
 The Human Eye

 Light enters the eye through

the pupil and an image is
projected on the retina

 Muscles move the eyeball in

the orbits and allow you to
focus the image on the central
retina or fovea
II. BASIC PRINCIPLES
 The Human Eye

 The retina is a mosaic of two basic types of photoreceptors, rods and

cones:
 Rods are sensitive to blue-green light
and are used for vision under dark or
dim conditions.
 Cones operate only in relatively bright
light, but they provide us with our
sharpest images and enable us to see
colors. There are three types of cones:
L-, M-, S-cones
II. BASIC PRINCIPLES
 Visual Acuity

 Cones provide us with our sharpest images because most of the 3 million
cones in each retina are confined to a small region just opposite the lens
called the fovea. The maximum concentration is about 180,000 cones per
square mm

 Our sharpest and most colorful images are produced in the fovea

 Outside of this region our vision is relatively poor but, since we can quickly
redirect our eyes we tend not to be aware of our poor peripheral vision
II. BASIC PRINCIPLES
 Contrast Sensitivity

 Contrast sensitivity is a measure of how faded

or washed out an object can be before it
becomes indistinguishable from a uniform field
 Contrast sensitivity varies with:
 The size or spatial frequency of a feature
 The lighting conditions
 Whether the object is lighteror darker than
the background

However, it should be noted, that larger objects are not always

easier to see than smaller objects as contrast is reduced.
Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity chart
II. BASIC PRINCIPLES
 Vision

 When evaluations are made by an inspector, eye examinations must be done

at regular intervals to assure accuracy and sensitivity. These examinations may
consist of the following:

 Near Vision (Jaeger)

 Far Vision (Snellen)
 Color Differentiation
 Light Directionality

 Perspective

 Optical Illusions
II. BASIC PRINCIPLES
Direct and Remote Visual Inspection
 Many codes refer to direct visual examination as a visual inspection which
requires that access to the area is sufficient to place the eye within 24 inches
(600mm) of the surface to be examined and at an angle of not less than 30º to
that surface
If these requirements cannot
be met, then remote visual
inspection may be used

 Remote visual inspection may be

accomplished with the use of a number of
optical aids such as, mirrors, magnifiers,
and rigid or flexible borescopes
CENTER FOR NONDESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION (NDE)
Add: 140 Nguyen Tuan St. - Thanh Xuan Dist. - Hanoi
Tel: 84 24 35577881 Fax: 84 24 35577882
Website: www.nde.com.vn
III. EQUIPMENT
 VT equipment includes a variety of different tools ranging from basic rulers, tape
measures and spring type calipers to rigid or flexible borescopes and remote
crawlers with cameras

 Many tools have been designed for specific applications such as the various
weld gauges

 Some of the specialized tools such as crawlers have been designed to satisfy
the inspection needs in applications where conventional techniques are not
feasible
III. EQUIPMENT
 Basic Measurements

One of the most common tools used in visual inspection is the rule or scale. Used
to measure linear dimensions, when properly used will measure within 0.015’’ or
1/64’’ and smaller.
 Rules are made in a variety lengths, widths, and
thicknesses
 They are graduated in common fractions, decimal
units, and metric units, or combinations of both
 The specific type of rule is typically chosen
relative to the application
III. EQUIPMENT
 Precision Measurements
 Sliding calipers are a precision refinement of the common rule, which results in
greater accuracy of measurements
 Sliding-type calipers are commonly used to
check dimensional tolerances of machined
components, wear on components, and fit
between components
 They may incorporate either a dial indicator
or digital readout
III. EQUIPMENT
 Precision Measurements
 Micrometers are precise measurement instruments used to make accurate
direct readings in contact measurements
 Micrometers may be either thousandth inch (.001) or ten thousandth inch
(.0001) measurement capable

Designed for outside Designed for inside

III. EQUIPMENT
 Transferring Gauges
 Transfer instruments are used to take measurements which are transferred to
direct measurement devices.

 They consist of calipers, dividers, telescoping gages and small hole gages.
III. EQUIPMENT
 Screw Pitch Gage
 The screw pitch gage is a basic visual aid for checking the number of threads
per inch and rough inaccuracies of threads
 The gage consists of a steel case with a number of folding leaves at each end
 Each leaf is number and contains teeth corresponding to a specific thread pitch
III. EQUIPMENT
 Dimensional Conformance gauges
 Welds are commonly inspected for dimensional tolerance
 There are several types of gages used to inspect welding fit up and finished
weldments.
 These gages are intended for general inspection where close tolerances are
not required.
 The gage used is determined by the application.

Palmgren gage
Taper Gauge
Fillet gage set
VWAC gage
Cambridge weld gage/ Welding gauge
III. EQUIPMENT
 Dimensional Conformance gauges

 Palmgren gage
III. EQUIPMENT
 Dimensional Conformance gauges

 Palmgren gage
III. EQUIPMENT
 Dimensional Conformance gauges

 Palmgren gage
III. EQUIPMENT
 Dimensional Conformance gauges
 Taper Gauge
III. EQUIPMENT
 Dimensional Conformance gauges
 Hi-Lo Gauge
III. EQUIPMENT
 Dimensional Conformance gauges
 Hi-Lo Gauge
IV. EQUIPMENT
 Dimensional Conformance gauges
 Hi-Lo Gauge
III. EQUIPMENT
 Dimensional Conformance gauges
 Fillet gage set
III. EQUIPMENT
 Dimensional Conformance gauges
 Fillet gage set
III. EQUIPMENT
 Dimensional Conformance gauges
 VWAC gage
III. EQUIPMENT
 Dimensional Conformance gauges
 Welding gauge

The following measurements are possible in either

inches or millimeters: Angle of Preparation, Excess
Weld Metal, Depth of Undercut, Depth of Pitting,
Weld Throat Size, and more.
III. EQUIPMENT
 Dimensional Conformance gauges
 Welding gauge
 Angle of Preparation
III. EQUIPMENT
 Dimensional Conformance gauges
 Welding gauge
 Outside Misaligment
III. EQUIPMENT
 Dimensional Conformance gauges
 Welding gauge
 Weld Reinforement
III. EQUIPMENT
 Dimensional Conformance gauges
 Welding gauge
 Weld throat, weld leg size
III. EQUIPMENT
 Dimensional Conformance gauges
 Welding gauge
 Depth of Pitting or Undercut
III. EQUIPMENT
 Optical Aids
 Mirrors are valuable aids in VT, they allow the inspection of threaded and bored
holes, inside surfaces of pipes and fittings, as well as many others
III. EQUIPMENT
 Optical Aids

 Advances in technology has allowed video equipment to be

adapted to portable and robotic devices
 Portable video probes allow inspectors to remotely perform
examinations in closed chambers which are inaccessible by
convention inspection means.
III. EQUIPMENT
 Optical Aids

 Borescopes are visual aids used for the inspection of internal surface areas

 They are designed for remote viewing in difficult to reach areas such as jet
engines, cylinders, tanks, and various enclosed chambers.
 Borescopes are available in many different diameters and lengths, and are
classified as rigid or flexible
III. EQUIPMENT
 Optical Aids

 Rigid borescope
III. EQUIPMENT
 Optical Aids

 Rigid borescope
III. EQUIPMENT
 Optical Aids

 Rigid borescope
III. EQUIPMENT
 Optical Aids

 flexible borescope

Videoscopes Fiber Borescopes

III. EQUIPMENT
 Optical Aids

 flexible borescope
 Videoscopes
 The industrial videoscope camera is the ideal tool for inspection and
maintenance, anywhere it is difficult to reach and analyze a particular physical
situation. The industrial videoscope offers users a new perspective of the inside
of machines
 The videoscope is used mainly by industrial quality inspectors, pipefitters,
electricians, engineers, construction inspection, law enforcement and security,
locksmiths, HVAC technicians, and mechanics of all types
III. EQUIPMENT
 Optical Aids

 flexible borescope
 Videoscopes
III. EQUIPMENT
 Optical Aids

 flexible borescope
 Fiberscopes
 Flexible fiberscopes are a type of borescope or visual inspection instrument that
uses a high-quality fiber bundle to transmit a clear visual image of the inspection
area back to the user via a focusable ocular eyepiece.
III. EQUIPMENT
 Optical Aids

 flexible borescope
 Fiberscopes
 As a visual inspection tool, flexible fiberscopes enable users to conduct a
complete and thorough visual examination of small diameter structures such as
those found in tiny components, mechanical chambers, small cavities, castings,
and surgical instrumentations
IV. CODES, STANDARDS, SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
Many phases of design, fabrication, construction, service and maintenance are
governed by documents known as codes, standards and specifications.

These are used as guides, practices, regulations or rules

IV. CODES, STANDARDS, SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
A technical standard or code is an established norm or requirement. It is usually
a formal document that establishes uniform engineering or technical criteria,
methods, processes and practices

The use of specification or code becomes mandatory only when referenced by

codes or contractual documents
IV. CODES, STANDARDS, SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
A technical standard or code is an established norm or requirement. It is usually
a formal document that establishes uniform engineering or technical criteria,
methods, processes and practices

The use of specification or code becomes mandatory only when referenced by

codes or contractual documents

A prime example of codes is the American Society of Mechanical Engineer

(ASME) Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (B & PV) which is a set of standards that
assure the safe design, construction and testing of boilers and pressure vessels
IV. CODES, STANDARDS, SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES

Standards are documents that govern and guide the various inspections
activities occurring during production and in-service. Standards also describe the
technical requirements for a material, process, product, system or service.

They indicate as appropriate, the procedures, methods, equipment or tests to

determine that the requirements have been met

Standards are helpful in the repetitive production of ‘good quality’ products

IV. CODES, STANDARDS, SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
The following organizations publish standards applicable to visual testing:
- Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
- American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- American Society for Non-destructive Testing (ASNT)
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
- American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- American Welding Society (AWS)
- Department of Defence (DOD)
- Ship Structure Committee (SSC)
- Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
- American Petroleum Institute (API)
- French Association of Standardization (AFNOR)
- British Standards Institute (BSI)
- The European Committee for Standardization (CEN)
- German Institute for Standardization (DIN)
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
- Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC)
IV. CODES, STANDARDS, SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES

Standards widely used in visual testing:

 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel (B & PV) code: Section III, V, XI, B31.1
 American Petroleum Institute (API) standard for welding pipelines and related
facilities: API 1104
 American Welding Society (AWS) structural welding code: AWS D1.1
 American Society for Non-destructive Testing (ASNT): SNT-TC-1A
 ISO or EN standards related to visual testing: EN 13927, EN 1330, EN 13018,
EN 970, EN 12454, ISO 17637, ISO 3057, ISO 3058, ISO 5817,…
V. COMMON APPLICATIONS
Applications of VT ranges from looking a product over for obvious defect to
performing detailed inspections. Some of the common applications include:

 Detection of surface anomalies

Scratches Lack of plating Areas void of paint

V. COMMON APPLICATIONS
 Detection of surface anomalies

Welding defect Distortion Surface corrosion

Leak Support Failures

Dimensional conformance
V. COMMON APPLICATIONS
 Flaw Detection
VT of manufactured materials and components is a cost effective means of
identifying flaws
V. COMMON APPLICATIONS
 Flaw Detection
 Welding Discontinuities

 Weld quality requirements are commonly determined through VT

 Many standards have established acceptance criteria for welds

V. COMMON APPLICATIONS
 Flaw Detection
 Welding Imperfections
V. COMMON APPLICATIONS
 Flaw Detection
 Welding Imperfections

⦿ All or most standard techniques

will detect this imperfection under all
or most conditions.
⊛ One or more standard technique(s)
will detect this imperfection under
certain conditions.

⦾ Special techniques, conditions,

and/or personnel qualifications are
required to detect this imperfection.

ASME BPV Code, Sec. V, Article 1

V. COMMON APPLICATIONS
 Dimensional Conformance
VT is commonly employed for general dimensional conformance, assembly fit,
alignment between components and determine weld size and tolerances
according to standards and engineering specifications

Common applications include determining:

 Weld size and tolerance
 Component dimensions
 Material alignment and allowable distortion
V. COMMON APPLICATIONS
 Flaw Detection
 Product form Imperfections

ASME BPV Code, Sec. V, Article 1

V. COMMON APPLICATIONS
 Flaw Detection
 Product form Imperfections

Lamination shrinkage Hot tears

V. COMMON APPLICATIONS
 Flaw Detection
 In-service inspections of existing
components and structures is
commonly accomplished visually
V. COMMON APPLICATIONS
 Flaw Detection
 In-service inspections of existing components and structures is
commonly accomplished visually
V. COMMON APPLICATIONS
 Flaw Detection
 Normal inspection practices for highway bridges rely almost entirely on
visual inspection to evaluate the condition of the bridges
V. COMMON APPLICATIONS
 Flaw Detection
 Over 80 percent of all aircraft inspections are performed visually
 THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!

QUESTION? & ANSWER

08 April
2020