Bastian Non-Destructive Testing Services
Bastian, VA Visual Testing (VT)
Probably the most important inspection technique and one we are gifted with is visual testing with our eyes. This is a very common, low cost, quick and effective way to inspect welding, equipment, and coatings. Visual testing is the most important tool for a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), It’s a certification you can acquire through ASNT or with your company by ASNT TC 1A. Defects commonly found using visual inspection is excessive reinforcement, underfill, undercut, porosity, cold lap. If able to access the inside or root of the weld its possible to see lack of fusion, or incomplete penetration.
ANST Level I and Assistants
Becoming certified or learning about Nondestructive testing can be achieved in two ways. Enrolling in a school that provides a certificate or degree or getting hired on with a company with no knowledge of the industry and learning on the job. Typically 40hrs of radiation safety is the first step/certificate that is needed to get started. Once the Assistant has had some time in the industry the company will provide them with classroom training either in house, computer based or sending them to a course provided by a known 3rd party. When the Assistants meets the required OJT hours and classroom time. They will test with the company they are with by completing a specific, general and practical exams. When this is completed, they are now a Level II technician.
Traditional Film, Computed Radiography and Digital radiography in Bastian, VA
Integrity Testlabs currently utilizes traditional film and computed radiography (CR) film. Traditional film is still loaded under safe lights and developed using a 5-step process in the back our darkrooms. Once dry, the filmed in viewed under a high intensity viewer looking for defects. Traditional film comes in several different sizes and leaves the client with a physical piece of film to view for years to come. Computer Radiography or CR uses plates that are phosphor. When these plates are exposed to radiation, the plates emit a blue light that is interpreted by the film processor and then transmitted into an image and viewed on the computer screen. This process is efficient and plates can be used multiple times, no chemicals are needed to process the film. Digital radiography is newer to the industrial and keeps gaining popularity each year. Limited in film size and mobility. The biggest advantage is shorter x-ray times, less radiation, wire or wireless capabilities, and instant images that are displayed on the computer screen.
Bastian, VA API 650/ API 653
This is a worldwide recognized individual certification achieved through the American Petroleum Institute (API) testing program. Many individuals that hold this certifications are formal inspectors or welders. API 650 is the specification that deals with new construction of oil tanks. API 653 deals with the inspection, maintenance, repairs and alterations of storage tanks. This certification is highly sought after due to the volume of storage tanks located all over the United States holding petroleum products. These tanks require an external inspection every 5 years and an internal inspection every 10 years. Integrity Testlabs has performed many storage tank inspections. Radiographic inspections (RT) on the welding, Wet Fluorescent Magnetic Particle inspection on the floor plates and annular ring weld. Also Providing AUT scans, UT Thickness readings on the shell and UT crawler inspections on the outside of the tank.
API 1169
The API 1169 is a recommended practice that focuses on the basic requirements needed to do inspection on new onshore pipelines in a safe manor. Broken in to four sections. Inspector responsibilities; making sure the project moves forward in a safe and efficient manor. Inspector in responsible for planning, monitoring, evaluating, and root cause analysis. Personal and General Pipeline Safety; Making sure the requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1910 and 29 CFR 1926 are met. Environmental and pollution control; Inspectors must know the local, state, and federal permits for Environmental and Pollution control. Basic understanding of the impacts that pipelines have on of water, land and air. General Pipeline Construction; Observing all phases of construction and understanding the difference between compliance and requirements in term on general pipeline construction.
Bastian, VA Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
If you’re looking for a very mobile, reliable and cost-effective method at finding surface and subsurface discontinuities. MT testing is the way to go on your ferrous material. When the magnetic field is disrupted by a break in the north and south poles the fine iron particles are attracted to the break in the magnetic field. Dry or wet inspections can be very useful with dry being the advantage when parts are to hot to use the wet method. ITL has many certified MT technicians to perform inspections on your welds or parts.
