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Non-Destructive Evaluation(NDE)
BMT provides C.G.S.B. certified NDE services for magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, and ultrasonic testing. NDE is used for flaw detection and corrosion assessments for asset integrity analysis to ensure that structures and components meet design service and Code requirements.
BMT provides NDE services in accordance with CSA, ASME, and API Codes and Standards for structural and component testing for new construction, repair, and/or modifications.
Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI) | Ultrasonic Testing (UT) | Infrared Thermography | Vibration Analysis
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)
MPI is used for the detection of surface and sub-surface defects in ferrous materials. It makes use of an externally applied magnetic field or electric current through the material, and the principle that the magnetic flux will leave the part at the area of the flaw.
The presence of a surface or near surface flaw in the material causes distortion in the magnetic flux through it, which in turn causes leakage of the magnetic fields at the flaw. This deformation of the magnetic field is not limited to the immediate locality of the defect but extends for a considerable distance; even through the surface and into the air if the magnetism is intense enough. Thus the size of the distortion is much larger than that of the defect and is made visible at the surface of the part by means of the tiny particles that are attracted to the leakage fields.
The most common method of magnetic particle inspection uses finely divided iron or magnetic iron oxide particles, held in suspension in a suitable liquid. This fluid is referred to as carrier. The particles are often colored and usually coated with fluorescent dyes that are made visible with a hand-held ultraviolet (UV) light (sometimes referred to as black light). The suspension is sprayed or painted over the magnetized specimen during magnetization with a direct current or with an electromagnet, to localize areas where the magnetic field has protruded from the surface. The magnetic particles are attracted by the surface field in the area of the defect and hold on to the edges of the defect to reveal it as a build up of particles.
This inspection can be applied to raw material in a steel mill (billets or slabs), in the early stages of manufacturing (forgings, castings), or most commonly to machined parts before they are put into service. It is also very commonly used for inspecting structural parts that have been in-service for some time to find fatigue cracks.
Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI)
LPI is a widely applied and low-cost inspection method used to locate surface-breaking defects in all non-porous materials (metals, plastics, or ceramics). The penetrant may be applied to all non-ferrous materials, but for inspection of ferrous components magnetic-particle inspection is preferred for its subsurface detection capability.
LPI is based upon capillary action, where low surface tension fluid penetrates into clean and dry surface-breaking discontinuities. Penetrant may be applied to the test component by dipping, spraying, or brushing. After adequate penetration time has been allowed, the excess penetrant is removed, and a developer is applied. The developer helps to draw penetrant out of the flaw where it may become visible due the colour contrast. Inspection is performed under ultraviolet or white light, depending upon the type of dye used - fluorescent or non-fluorescent (visible). Back To Top
Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
In UT, very short ultrasonic pulse-waves are launched into materials to detect internal flaws or to characterize materials. The technique is also commonly used to determine the thickness of the test object, for example, to monitor corrosion. UT is often performed on steel and other metals and alloys, though it can also be used on concrete, wood and composites.
The advantages of UT are:
- high penetrating power, which allows the detection of flaws deep in the part;
- high sensitivity, permitting the detection of extremely small flaws;
- only one surface need be accessible;
- greater accuracy than other non-destructive methods in determining the depth of internal flaws and the thickness of parts with parallel surfaces;
- some capability of estimating the size, orientation, shape and nature of defects;
- nonhazardous to operations or to nearby personnel and has no effect on equipment and materials in the vicinity; and
- capable of portable or highly automated operation.
BMT also offers specialized services such as Infrared Thermography and Certified Vibration Analysis. Back To Top
Infrared Thermography
This service is provided to identify air leakage energy losses and to reduce heating and cooling energy losses. The process will detect poor electrical connections, overloaded circuits, and electrical imbalances. Infrared thermography can also be used to locate missing, improperly installed, wet, or damaged insulation. In plants, it is useful in detecting problems with process equipment and processes.
BMT performs Infrared Thermography assessments on buildings, mechanical and electrical systems to:
- identify air leakage energy losses;
- reduce heating and cooling energy losses;
- detect poor electrical connection, overloaded circuits and other electrical imbalances;
- locate missing, improperly installed, wet or damaged insulation in walls, floors, and ceilings;
- detect problems with equipment (compressors, pumps, cold storage containers, and trace heating systems); and
- detect problems with processes (pipe blockages, thermal profiling, tank levels, tank sludge levels). Back To Top
Vibration Analysis
BMT offers Level III certified vibration analysis personnel to perform site surveys on all equipment to diagnose vibration issues. Onsite condition monitoring programs and condition monitoring training are also provided as services to customers.
Machinery not running to its full potential wastes energy, is inefficient, increases long term maintenance costs, and can be a potential work place or environmental safety hazard.
Vibration Analysis is an essential tool to identify problem areas and inefficiencies in machinery and/or rotating equipment. It can be used to detect unbalance, bearing flaws, improper gear meshing, misalignments, loose mounting points, and other operational issues.
BMT's Level III Certified Vibration personnel can:
- perform site surveys on all equipment to diagnose vibration issues,
- set up onsite condition monitoring programs, and
- train maintenance personnel in condition monitoring.
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For further information, please email: inspections@fleetech.com or phone +1 613-592-2830.