Industrial equipment often operates under demanding conditions. Pressure vessels, piping, valves and manifold assemblies need careful inspection during manufacturing and, where required, throughout service.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) provides methods for examining materials and welds without cutting apart the component being inspected. Its value depends on selecting a suitable method, using qualified personnel and interpreting results against the correct acceptance criteria.

Different Methods Answer Different Questions

Visual testing helps assess accessible surface conditions and workmanship. Penetrant and magnetic particle testing can help detect certain surface or near-surface discontinuities, depending on the material and method.

Ultrasonic and radiographic testing are used for suitable internal examinations. Advanced ultrasonic techniques, including PAUT and TOFD, may be considered where the component, inspection objective and applicable requirements support their use.

No single method can identify every possible defect.

Plan Inspection Around the Component

An inspection plan should consider material, thickness, geometry, access and the type of discontinuity being investigated. Customer specifications and applicable project requirements also influence the method and examination coverage.

For equipment such as choke and kill manifolds or pressure piping, an agreed inspection plan helps clarify what will be examined, when inspections will occur and how results will be recorded.

Make Reports Useful and Traceable

A useful NDT report connects the findings to an identifiable component or weld. It should record relevant examination details, coverage, results and the acceptance criteria used.

A test result should also be understood within its inspection scope. It does not automatically establish the condition of every part of an assembly.

MWS supports inspection planning, NDT coordination and report reviews, with testing arrangements matched to project requirements and available qualified resources.

Need support with an inspection requirement? Share your component details and project specifications with MWS.