Non-destructive testing (NDT) services for plants

What is non-destructive testing (NDT)?

NDT methods are techniques that do not cause damage to the material being inspected, providing rapid delivery of robust results for preventive or corrective actions. For industrial plants, NDT methods are used for components in plant, vessel and pipeline construction, as well as cast and forged components, and pole and pipe systems.

Why is it non-destructive testing important?

NDT is critical in ensuring plant reliability, safety and conformance to legislative requirements. It also helps to improve your plant’s operational availability by identifying weaknesses before they result in unscheduled downtime. As NDT methods do not cause damage to components and systems, they offer advantages in terms of safety and cost effectiveness.

TÜV SÜD helps to test your plant’s components and systems for safety and compliance

TÜV SÜD’s plant engineering experts have the technical expertise and experience to support you in carrying out challenging NDT tasks across all relevant fields of applications. Trained to perform testing in accordance with all international standards, our specialists are also certified in accordance with UIC 960 (DIN 27201-7), EN ISO 9712 (superseding EN473), ISO 9712 , PCN, SNT-TC-1A and EN4179/NAS410.

What does the non-destructive testing process involve?

We offer a complete package of knowledge services, testing and training solutions to assist you with all aspects of the NDT process including organisation, coordination, testing and recommendation of measures.

• Technical advisory
  

  Our experts inspect test systems, provide advisory on the application of tests and special methods, and evaluate the data gathered through automated and semi-automated test systems. We also prepare documented procedures, test instructions and specifications.

• Conventional and advanced NDT methods
  

  We carry out NDT on components, systems and materials for quality assurance and as a basis for damage reports. We also provide turnaround management and evaluate the test results.
  
  Our methods include:

• Surface methods (visual testing, magnetic particle testing, penetrant testing, eddy current testing and hardness testing)
• Volumetric methods (radiographic testing, ultrasonic testing)
• Special methods (guided waves, phased array, time of flight defraction, acoustic emission testing, leak rate testing, long range UT, magnetic flux leakage tank floor scanning, positive material identification, immersion UT, computed tomography, digital projection radiography and on field metallography by replicas)

• Training
  

  We help to develop a written practice for staff training, experience and examination requirements. We also train and certify your staff in accordance with SNT-TC-1A of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing, EN ISO 9712 (superseding EN473), and ISO 9712.