NDE, sometimes called NDT for non-destructive testing, is a highly valuable technique that permits inspection without interfering with a product’s final use. Providing an excellent balance between quality control and cost-effectiveness, NDE helps organizations save money and time in product evaluation, troubleshooting, research, assembly, quality control and maintenance procedures.
ECE Global wants to be your non-destructive testing (NDT) company. Our Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) Group is dedicated to providing comprehensive evaluations, using the latest equipment available. As an NDE or NDT consultancy, this ECE Global group holds certifications for numerous non-destructive analysis methods in ASNT, BINDT and EN requirements.
We offer the following non-destructive testing services:
Dye Penetrant Inspection (DPI)
Dye Penetrant Inspection (DPI), also called Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI) or Penetrant Testing (PT), is a widely applied and low-cost inspection method used to locate surface-breaking defects in non-porous materials (metals, plastics or ceramics). Commonly, DPI is used to detect cracks, surface porosity, lack of penetration in welds, and defects resulting from in-service conditions (e.g., fatigue cracks of components or welds) in castings, forgings and welded surfaces.
DPI is a relatively cost-effective method, considering the amount of training required and the cost of materials used. This method is used in manufacturing as well as in-service inspections. DPI requires that a known defect standard has been defined using standard parameters, so indications can be compared with defined allowable limits.
The basic steps are:
- Clean the part
- Apply the penetrant and let it sit
- Remove excess penetrant
- Apply the developer and allow it to work
- Read the part for indications
- Clean the part
This may sound easy, but every step has several variations: What type of penetrant? What method of excess penetrant removal? What class of solvent for removing excess penetrant? What sensitivity of penetrant? What form of developer? Our experienced technicians and NDE Level III staff will answer these questions for you!
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) detects surface and/or near-surface flaws in ferromagnetic materials. A magnetic field is applied to the object, using a permanent magnet, electromagnet, flexible cables or hand-held prods.
If the material is sound, most of the magnetic flux is concentrated below the material’s surface. However, a flaw interacts with the magnetic field, distorting the flux locally and “leaking” in the area with the flaw. When fine magnetic particles are applied to the surface of the specimen, they are attracted to the area of flux leakage, creating a visible indication of the flaw.
Positive Material Identification (PMI)
Positive Material Identification (PMI) ensures that the correct material is used for the job. PMI analyzes a metallic alloy to establish its composition by “reading” the quantities of its constituent elements by percentage. Because safety and quality are so important today in the construction of machinery and equipment, PMI of alloys has become a necessity rather than a choice and is used throughout the construction process at the physical plant.
ECE Global provides two PMI methods:
- X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)
- Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES)
Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PA UT)
Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PA UT) is an advanced method that uses multiple angles of sound for better resolution in flaw detection. A single transducer containing multiple elements (16 to 128) sends angle beams of sound through the test object. Each element is individually pulsed to send out timed sound waves, in phases. This creates several beam angles, which combine to make an array. This array identifies changes in the material, such as cracks or inclusions, and these indications are shown on a screen.
ECE Global’s advanced PA UT method allows us to:
- Apply the latest technology
- Provide high-tech reporting (digitally and on paper)
- Perform real-time data acquisition/collection
- Accurately locate and size flaws (or indications)
- Determine the direction and type of defects
- Identify reductions of material due to corrosion, erosion or wear
- Map surface profiles
- Verify material thickness
Why Should You Work with ECE Global?
ECE Global brings decades of combined experience and a vast knowledge of testing requirements to clients in the railroad, fabrication, petroleum and chemical industries. Among our offerings are a range of non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection services.