Non-Destructive Testing Services in Chantilly, VA
Chantilly, 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.
Turnaround or Outage Support
Every year in the Energy and Refinery industry have their planned and or unplanned outages. Typically planned for the spring or fall. The plant will shut down typically for a week to 4 weeks for maintenance. These outages require a number of skilled workers to accomplish the planned work. Typically working around the clock to accomplish this work. These tasks can include replacing equipment, valves, pumps, and piping. They may also overhaul the equipment or overlay the piping or shells to help with corrosion. Integrity Testlabs has the staff to support the needs of the mechanical contractors or the owner operators. We can provide RT, UT, MT, PT and QC/QA support.
Traditional Film, Computed Radiography and Digital radiography in Chantilly, 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.
Chantilly, VA Industrial Radiography
Integrity Testlabs performs industrial radiography (RT) every day. We have crews working or available 24/7/365 days a year to perform RT in DE, PA, NJ, NY, and MD. We have the capability to perform x-rays at your jobsite or in house at our Delaware office. We use Ir-192 gamma radiation in Delta 880 projectors. We have SNT-TC-1A qualified level II radiographers to interpret results for weld quality and thinning on pipe walls. Integrity Testlabs also has a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) on staff to make sure all safety requirements are followed and we have a Level III on staff to interpret results, provided training and keep procedures updated or create new ones.
Chantilly Drone Inspection
Using drones is quickly becoming a common inspection method. The biggest attraction is offering a safe way to inspect confined spaces and inspected areas high in the air. With todays advanced cameras they are capable of doing a very good visual inspection. Some drones offer infrared capabilities. This allows the operator to look for hot or cold spots on equipment, structures or solar panels. Smaller drones make for good options to investigate or inspect confined spaces. Larger drones are capable of using or deploying Ultrasonics to perform thickness readings on hard to reach places. To use a drone for commercial purposes the operator must have a FAA license.
