Weld Inspection and Testing in Maine

Common Applications of Weld Inspection

Ultrasonic weld inspection and magnetic particle testing is often used for ensuring compliance of welded connections in pressure vessels, bridges, piers, structural framing, anchor bolts, railcars, bobtails and propane tankers such as MC-330 & MC-331 cargo tanks, construction and maintenance equipment, ships, and steel boat hulls.

Useful to metal fabricators, general contractors, heavy truck and railcar repair shops, ship builders, pressure vessel owners and inspectors, as well as municipal facilities.

Weld Inspection and Weld Testing in Maine

Ultrasonic Weld Inspection

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.

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Magnetic Particle Weld Inspection

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.

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