Axiom NDT and Offshore Services

Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

UT is a specialist inspection discipline that can be used for detection of surface and internal flaws in a range of materials (typically carbon steel and other metals/alloys, but also concrete, composites and even wood). It is also very common for UT to be used to gauge the thickness of materials with parallel surfaces (such as pipe wall thickness).

It works by sending a short ultrasonic pulse wave, from an ultrasonic transducer (probe crystal) into the item to be tested. This energy is reflected back into the transducer (as a pulse echo) by either the back wall of the item or by a discontinuity within it. Amplitude and arrival time of pulse echo can be used to gauge thickness or presence of flaws.

Axiom NDT use portable UT sets that can be easily operated by rope access technicians or in confined spaces, allowing its use in complicated and hard to access areas (module pipework, wellhead bays, wind turbines, internal bridge sections etc..).

Axiom NDT technicians have many years experience with this technique. Our lead  technicians are qualified to PCN/ASNT II as a minimum and can draw on the experience of testing welded fabricated assemblies, pile welds, oil & gas related forged/clad parts, pressure vessel welds, crane structure welds, bridge structure welds, boilers, forgings & castings.

We are able to write procedures for most site applications of UT and are able to provide a high degree of support to our clients regarding remedial action advice, suitable test specifications, risk based inspection criteria, etc.

UT sets are not intrinsically safe (i.e. control measures and a ‘hot work spark potential permit’ may be required in explosive atmospheres), but the technique itself is non-hazardous to the operator, passers-by or machinery.

Visit our Resource Area to find out about or buy British Standards applicable to Ultrasonic Testing