Welding Inspection

The encoded phased-array ultrasound technique (automatic / robotic or semi-automatic) is generally used as a replacement for radiography.

 

It allows a safer inspection, also minimizing the operational constraints of the radiography perimeters.

 

ASME Sect. I, V, VIII, B31.1 and B31.3, as well as API 650, have well integrated ultrasound as a replacement for radiography. We have also performed the necessary demonstrations with the RBQ for several different welding configurations.

 

In Quebec, we are your trusted partner to support you when quotes require this technique, or if you want to minimize x-ray inspections on your sites.

 

Benefits :

• No security perimeter, more secure, less constraints
• Saving of inspection data, just like x-ray films
• Feasible from a single surface (external or internal)
• Precise positioning of defects, including depth
• Volumetric inspection, not just on the surface

 

To consider :

• Sensitive to irregularities at the contact surface
• Clearance Required 
• Requires application of couplant, or water irrigation
• No permanent rendering showing the quality of the welds (screen images only)

 

Certifications :

• ASNT, SNT-TC-1A, Ultrasound and "phased-array", level 2
• CGSB, Ultrasound, level 2
• API, QUPA
• Certain techniques demonstrated to the RBQ

Coming soon

The manual phased-array ultrasound technique is a refinement of the conventional ultrasound technique.

 

It allows faster and more accurate inspection, while using the same acceptance criteria. Following the integration of this technique in the various standards, the conventional ultrasounds technique for the inspection of welds have almost disappeared with us, our UT technicians master and appreciate more the “phased-array”.

 

ASME standards have well integrated phased-array ultrasound, as well as CSA W59, with appendix X. We have also demonstrated this technique to the RBQ.

 

Benefits :

• Characterization and positioning of defects more precise
• Faster than conventional ultrasound
• Volumetric inspection, not just on the surface
• No radiation, compared to x-ray
• Effective for inspection of "T" joints

 

To consider :

• Requires application of couplant to inspection surfaces
• Sensitive to irregularities at the contact surface
• No permanent rendering showing the quality of the welds (screen images only)

 

Certifications :

• ASNT, SNT-TC-1A, Ultrasound and "phased-array", level 2
• CGSB, Ultrasound, level 2
• API, QUPA
• Certain techniques demonstrated to the RBQ

We use different technologies for 3D scanning and precise sizing of small and large components. By modeling everything in 3D, it is possible to obtain dimensions that are difficult to obtain with conventional methods.

 

During the manufacturing process, 3D can help manage deformations or optimize the assembly of different sections. The 3D model can also be used to maintain traceability of the components as built, or to help the customer prepare for the reception or installation of the component.

 

Benefits :

• Very fast modeling for millimeter precision
• Measurement of dimensions on complex geometries
• Measurement of deformations and optimization of assemblies
• Traceability of the finished product
• Delivery of a 3D model as built to the end customer

 

To consider :

• Scanning time may vary depending on the accuracy required
• The results reflect the part when scanning, handling or other stresses can significantly deform large parts

 

 

We are able to offer welding supervision services. This may include monitoring good welding practices throughout a manufacturing project, as well as the final visual inspection of welds.

 

It is also possible to monitor the quality of tests carried out by another firm offering non-destructive services to the manufacturer.

 

Services :

• Welding monitoring
• Materials control
• Dimensional conformity according to quotes
• Visual inspection of welds
• Monitoring and quality audit of non-destructive testing from another firm

 

Certifications :

• Welding inspectors according to CSA W178.2, Levels 1, 2 or 3
• Non-destructive testing inspectors, Levels 2 or 3 (MT, PT, UT, RT, CF)
• Welding inspection organization according to CSA W178.1

The ultrasonic non-destructive testing method, with conventional devices, allows the entire volume of a weld to be inspected, not just the surface. It is an effective technique, which requires a good mastery of the technician, but which does not record any verifiable data, apart from the inspection report.

 

Benefits :

• Volumetric inspection, not just on the surface
• Relatively easy to perform
• No radiation, compared to x-ray
• Effective for inspection of "T" joints

 

To consider :

• Requires application of couplant to inspection surfaces
• Sensitive to irregularities at the contact surface
• No permanent rendering showing the quality of the welds

 

Certifications :

• CGSB, Ultrasound, level 2
• ASNT, SNT-TC-1A, Ultrasound, level 2

The magnetic particle method is very efficient and simple to perform. It makes it possible to detect defects emerging at the surface in ferromagnetic materials. A magnetic yoke is generally used to create the magnetic field.

 

Different variants :

• Dry powder (yellow or red)
• Black particles on white background (black & white)
• Fluorescent particles (in dark environment)

 

Benefits :

• Fast and effective
• Excellent probability of detection
• Applicable on various geometries

 

To consider :

• Applicable only to ferromagnetic materials
• Detection of surface defects only
• Requires a clean surface (no grease)
• In our workshops, we can perform this method on a magnetic bench, which can be more productive for batches of parts.

 

Certifications :

• CGSB, Magnetic particle, level 2
• ASNT, SNT-TC-1A, Magnetic particle, level 2
• Techniques demonstrated to the RBQ

The liquid penetrant test method is simple to perform, but requires a few successive steps (cleaning, penetrant application, dwell time, cleaning, developer application, indication development, interpretation, cleaning).

 

It allows the detection of surface defects and is more frequently used for non-ferromagnetic materials, such as aluminum or stainless steels.

 

Different variations are available, we can use a visible red dye, or a fluorescent version, which is more sensitive, but which requires a dark environment for interpretation under a UV lamp.

 

Benefits :

• Simple execution
• Excellent probability of detection
• Applicable on a wide variety of geometries
• Applicable to a wide range of materials

 

To consider :

• Requires a very clean surface and no surface coating
• The inspected surface should be fairly smooth, a method difficult to apply on rough surfaces
• More "messy" process, depending on the technique used, rinsing with water may be necessary with the management of discharges
• In our workshops, it is possible to use an immersion technique in basins, which could prove to be more productive in certain cases.

 

Certifications :

• CGSB, PT level 2
• ASNT, SNT-TC-1A, PT level 2
• Techniques demonstrated to the RBQ

We are able to offer some hardness testing on site using different techniques.

 

Different techniques :

• UCI "ultrasonic contact impedance", with an AlphaDUR type device
• Brinell measurements with reference bars, with a Telebrineller type instrument
• Indentation measurements with a Barcol Impressor type instrument (aluminum, composites)

 

Benefits :

• Simple and quick to execute
• Practical on site

 

To consider :

• Telebrineller and Barcol leave marks on the material
• Precision does not reach hardness measurements in the laboratory
• Barcol is applied to aluminum or softer materials