Traditional Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Traditional NDT Inspection Services
MISTRAS delivers traditional non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions in the field and in our in-house labs. Traditional NDT inspection methods are cost-effective methods of defect identification, including corrosion, leaking, cracking, fatigue, and many other damages in critical equipment. Our trained technicians will select the right inspection method for your individual needs. Read more about the NDT inspection methods we employ below.
Hardness Testing (HT)
MISTRAS tests a material’s hardness by applying force to the material and measuring the indentation it causes. Hardness testing gives an indication of how a material responds to stress and how it will wear over time. This type of testing is useful for castings, forgings, and other metal materials.
Hardness Testing Applications
- Stress testing
- Quality control and assurance
- Material composition determination
Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
MISTRAS’ Penetrant Testing (PT) solutions find surface-breaking discontinuities on relatively smooth, nonporous surfaces. Utilized in the field and in the lab, PT rapidly and cost-effectively inspects large areas and parts with complex geometries. The technique is based on the properties of capillary action and surface wetting, which cause liquids to rise when confined to a small opening. MISTRAS uses Solvent Removable, Water-Wash Removable, and Wet Fluorescent PT to find defects in rolled products, castings, forgings, and welds.
Liquid Penetrant Testing Applications
- Rolled product cracks, seams, and laminations
- Casting hot tears, cold shuts, porosity, blow holes, and shrinkage
- Forging cracks, laps, and external bursts
- Weld cracks, porosity, undercut, overlap, and lack of fusion or penetration
Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
MISTRAS utilizes Dry Powder and Wet Fluorescent Magnetic Particle testing (MT) for finding surface/near-surface defects in ferromagnetic material. Our certified technicians apply this versatile NDT inspection method in the field and in our labs.
Magnetic Particle Testing Applications
- Metal cracking
- Weld verification
- Pipeline stress corrosion cracking
Radiographic Testing (RT)
RT is performed using either X-Ray or Gamma ray sources. It is sensitive to corrosion, changes in thickness, voids, cracks, and material density changes. Able to detect both surface and sub-surface defects and with minimum surface preparation required, RT inspections allow technicians to accurately locate, size, and identify defects. It is an effective NDT inspection solution for a wide range of assets, including piping, pipelines, pressure vessels, storage tanks, and more. MISTRAS utilizes RT in the field and in our in-house RT bunkers (with Co60 RT capability).
Radiography Applications
- Pipe wall corrosion and delamination
- Weld inspection
- Concrete porosity measurements
- Corrosion mapping
- Wall thickness measurements
Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
UT is useful for the detection and location of discontinuities, material composition analysis, and wall thickness measurements. UT detects surface and subsurface defects, and has high levels of accuracy in estimating discontinuity size and shape. This NDT inspection method produces instant results, which can be displaced in A-, B-, and C-Scan formats.
Ultrasonic Testing Applications
- Flaw detection (cracks, inclusions, porosity, delamination etc.)
- Erosion/Corrosion thickness gauging
- Assessment of bond integrity
- Estimation of grain size in metals
- Estimation of void content in composites and plastics
Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT)
A specific application of Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT) is used to inspect for erosion and corrosion in piping, storage tanks, pressure vessels, and more. Easily deployed and able to take measurements through coatings and linings, UTT is a quick and cost-effective NDT method to determine metal thickness and weld quality.
Ultrasonic Thickness Testing Applications
- Corrosion/erosion measurements
- Wall thickness measurements
Visual Testing (VT)
Visual inspection (VT) is the basis for all NDT inspection programs. MISTRAS technicians use their experience and trained eyes to look at equipment to inspect for flaws. It can be used for internal and external surface inspections, often as a preliminary inspection method to pre-qualify assets for additional NDT. MISTRAS also utilizes borescope inspections, which use a camera attached to a rod to inspect areas inaccessible to the naked eye.
Visual Testing Applications
- Weld inspection
- Tube Inspection
- Storage Tank Inspection
- Piping Inspection
- Pressure Vessel inspection
- Coating Inspection
