Objective 04: Non-Destructive Examination

Question 1

Non-Destructive Examination (NDE)

Answer 1

The testing of materials without destroying the integrity of the material or lowering its ability to perform its primary function

Question 2

What are the most common NDE techniques?

Answer 2

1. Visual Inspection
2. Magnetic Particle Testing
3. Liquid Penetrant Testing
4. Ultrasonic Testing
5. Radiographic Testing
6. Acoustic Emission
7. Leak Testing

Question 3

Flaw

Answer 3

An imperfection in the material that may or may not be harmful

Question 4

Indication

Answer 4

A noticeable response to an NDE test that requires interpretation to determine its significance

Question 5

Discontinuity

Answer 5

Any local variation in material continuity; including changes in geometry, properties of composition or structures, holes, cavities, or cracks

Question 6

Defect

Answer 6

A discontinuity or flaw whose size, shape, type, location, or orientation creates a substantial chance of material failure and is therefore detrimental to the integrity of the pressure equipment

Question 7

Interpretation

Answer 7

A study to determine the cause of an indication

Question 8

Evaluation

Answer 8

A judgement based on codes, standards or engineering assessment on the significance of an indication which decides whether the indication is detrimental to the service life of the component under test

Question 9

What are 3 types of defects that NDE techniques are used to identify in the pressure equipment industry?

Answer 9

1. Inherent defects created during the initial production of the material
2. Processing defects created during the processing/manufacturing of the pressure equipment
3. Service defects created in the equipment during service

Question 10

What are the 4 areas of improvement acheived by performing NDE on materials?

Answer 10

1. Safety
2. Cost Saving
3. Service Reliability
4. Material Verification

Question 11

How do NDE Techniques improve Safety?

Answer 11

Prevents accidents, damage to property, injuries, and loss of life

Question 12

How do NDE Techniques improve Cost Savings?

Answer 12

1. Eliminating faulty raw material reduces scrap, manpower required for rework and prevents waste
2. Repeat business is increased due to customer satisfaction
3. Eliminating delivery of faulty products reduces servicing costs
4. Insurance costs are reduced by eliminating risks of equipment failure

Question 13

How do NDE Techniques improve Service Reliability?

Answer 13

1. Faults can be sized for critical engineering assessment
2. Remaining life span of used equipment can be estimated
3. Faults can be located before failure occurs
4. Service and operating costs are lower as testing can be completed on line
5. Inspection intervals can be established for maximum benefit
6. Prevents unscheduled downtime

Question 14

How do NDE Techniques improve Material Verification?

Answer 14

1. Differences in chemical properties can be identified
2. Differences in metallurgical properties can be identified
3. Differences in zones of heat treating can be identified
4. Differences in physical properties can be identified
5. Material can be identified for sorting