Know the basics of NDT

What is Non Destructive Testing?

As the name is clearly evolved, any object that is inspected without impacting its future life is NDT. Any object manufactured for its service cannot be tested for its sturdiness by means of destroying. For instance, if a delicate objects needs to be inspected without causing even the slightest damage, that is where NDT comes in..

How is NDT Performed?

There are several techniques and tests that are govenred by the application and test requirement. For instance, radiography is performed on objects that provide a sufficient surface reach on two sides of the object to carry out the tests. Besides meeting the procedural guidelines a safe operation is mandatory . For a newbie NDT can be compared to X-rays taken in hospitals for bone fracture. The skin cannot be ripped open to inspect the broken bones, but instead is inspected from the outside.

What are the governing standards?

There are numerous reference standards that govern the use and procuedres of NDT. Some of these are ASTM, ASME, API, BIS, EN, ISO, IIW, JIS, NACE codes etc.

What are the methods of NDT?

The most popular commerical NDT Methods are GammaRay Radiographu, XRay Radiography, Ultrasonic Tesing, Magnetic Particle Testing, Positive Material Identification PMI, Penetrant Inspection, Ultrasonic Thickness Gauging