Non-destructive Testing (NDT) Services

Common Standards for Nondestructive Testing

Association of American Railroads (AAR)

• AAR MSRP “Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices Section C-III Specification for Tank Cars”
• AAR MSRP “Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices Section G Wheels and Axles"

American Welding Society (AWS)

• AWS D1.1 "Structural Welding Code - Steel"
• AWS D1.5 "Bridge Welding Code"
• AWS D1.6 "Structural Welding Code - Stainless Steel"

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section V "Nondestructive Examination"
• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII "Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels"

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

• ASTM E114 "Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Straight-Beam Contact Testing"
• ASTM E797 "Standard Practice for Measuring Thickness by Manual Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Contact Method"
• ASTM E1444 "Standard Practice for Magnetic Particle Testing"
• ASTM E709 "Standard Guide for Magnetic Particle Testing"

Description of NDT Services

Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT)

Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT) is commonly used on in-service components such as steel tanks, pump stations, pressure vessels, boat hulls, and structural framing in bridges and buildings to evaluate material loss where corrosion may affect safety. It is a nondestructive method used to measure material thickness and verify compliance with construction specifications in both existing and newly constructed components. The test uses pulse echo ultrasonic sound waves and requires access from only one side of the part. The testing surface must be smooth and free of loose paint, rust, and dirt to allow efficient transmission of ultrasonic energy. UTT can usually be performed through thin, well-adhered surface coatings such as paint or epoxy liners.
Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT) in Maine
Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT) in New Hampshire

Ultrasonic Straight Beam Testing (UT)

Ultrasonic Straight Beam (Normal Beam) Testing is commonly used on base materials such as bridge pins, bolts, structural framing, and raw products to verify geometric conformance and detect defects that could affect structural integrity. It is a nondestructive method used to identify internal and surface-connected discontinuities such as delaminations, cracks, corrosion, laps, and hot tears. The test uses straight-beam ultrasonic sound waves introduced into the material, requiring access from only one side, though inspection from both sides is often desirable depending on geometry. The testing surface must be smooth, and inspections can usually be performed through thin, well-adhered coatings. Equipment is calibrated using reference blocks of similar material with known reflectors to accurately characterize and size indications.

Ultrasonic Weld Inspection (UT)

Ultrasonic Weld Inspection (Shear Wave Testing) is commonly used on welds in pipes, structural framing, bridges, bridge piles, boilers, ships, railcars, and other safety-critical structures to detect defects that could compromise integrity. It is a nondestructive method used to inspect welds and the surrounding heat-affected zone (HAZ) for flaws such as lack of fusion, incomplete penetration, and cracks. The test uses angled ultrasonic sound waves introduced into the material, with reflections from defects displayed on a flaw detector. The inspection surface must be smooth, and testing is preferably performed before coating application or after coatings are removed. Equipment is calibrated using reference blocks of similar material with known reflectors to accurately characterize and size indications.
Weld Inspection and Weld Testing in Maine
Weld Inspection and Weld Testing in New Hampshire

Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT)

Magnetic particle testing (MPT) is commonly used on welds, bridges, pressure vessels, MC-330 & MC-331 cargo tanks, and other safety-critical components to detect cracks and other defects where they may propagate and cause unsafe conditions. MPT is a nondestructive method used on ferromagnetic materials to find surface and near-surface defects such as cracks, laps, seams, and lack of fusion. The part is magnetized and dry or wet (visible or fluorescent) magnetic particles are applied. Defects create magnetic leakage fields that attract the particles, forming visible indications. The surface must be clean and free of scale, dirt, or paint.
Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) in Maine
Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) in New Hampshire

NDT Level III Services

NDT personnel certification standards such as CP-189, SNT-TC-1A, and those included in the AAR Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices (MSRP) require that an NDT Level III oversee some aspects of an NDT program administered by an employer. These aspects include the development and administration of exams and the development of procedures and techniques to be used by inspectors once certified. The Written practice is the document which outlines the employer's requirements for education, training, examination, and certification of personnel and should be based on the appropriate industry standard. An NDT level III can prepare this document, and the employer's Certifying Authority can accept it as the employers procedure for certification of their NDT personnel. NDT Level III services are an aid to employers for getting a written practice in place, getting NDT personnel trained and certified to do work, and providing procedures and instruction for use in the conduct of NDT.

Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Service Area

We serve all New England states and municipalities:

• NDT in Maine
• NDT in New Hampshire
• NDT in Vermont
• NDT in Massachusetts
• NDT in Connecticut
• NDT in Rhode Island

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