For this section of the assignment, I will evaluate the benefits & limitations of using non-destructive
inspection methods of welded components. Firstly, non-destructive testing (NDT) are non-invasive
methods that ensure the reliability of a material, component or structure to measure some
characteristic of an object. Similarly, to destructive testing, NDT is a valuation without doing harm,
stress or destroying the test object; the destruction of the test object usually makes destructive testing
more expensive & it is also unfitting in a few situations.
Furthermore, NDT is extremely vital in safeguarding cost effective operation, safety & reliability of
establishment, with subsequent benefit/s. NDT is used in a variety of industrial areas & is used almost
at any stage of the production or life cycle of diverse components. The mainstream applications are in
power stations, aerospace, automotive, railway & many more. The most used applications if NDT of
welds as it is challenging to weld or mould a solid object that has no risk of breaking when in use; so
testing when manufacturing & during is very important.
NDT is a ‘Quality Assurance’ managing tool that can give notable results when used correctly, it
needs an understanding of the numerous methods available, their abilities & limitations, awareness of
the standards & specifications for carrying out tests.
Equipment, products & materials that fail to achieve their design requirements or expected life due to
unobserved faults may require expensive repair or early replacement. Such imperfections may also be
the cause of unsafe conditions or tragic failure, as well as loss of revenue due to unplanned plant
shutdown. NDT can be applied to each stage of an item's construction; the materials & welds can be
thoroughly examined using NDT & either accepted, rejected or repaired. Likewise, NDT techniques
can then be used to observe the reliability of the item or structure throughout its design life.
The reliability of an NDT method is an important issue, however, a comparison with other methods is
only significant if it’s referring to the same task. Each individual NDT method has its own set of pros
& cons, & are simply more suitable than others for a specific application.
NDT requires a lot of human skill & knowledge for the right assessment & interpretation of test
results; the correct training & certificate of NDT Personnel is required to ensure that the capabilities
of the technique are completely oppressed.
D2 Fahim Mohammed