Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Services

Destructive Testing (DT) involves checking the properties of a material or component by subjecting it to conditions that cause it to fail or be destroyed.

This method provides detailed information about the material’s performance and failure points but renders the test sample unusable. On the other hand, NDT assesses the properties and integrity of materials or components without causing any damage, allowing them to remain usable.

The most widely used NDT method is Ultrasonic Testing (UT). This technique employs high-frequency sound waves to detect internal flaws, measure material thickness, and characterise materials.

It’s favoured for its accuracy, versatility, and ability to inspect various materials and structures.

You may need NDT if your industry or specific application requires material integrity, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.

For some industries testing and inspections are mandatory, such as piping inspections and storage inspections. For other industries such as manufacturing, NDT will provide quality assurance by identifying defects and ensuring the material is fit for purpose.

NDT is accessible and easy to carry out on site, without the need to shut down operations. There are many types of materials that can be tested using NDT methods including:

• Metals and alloys
• Plastics, Ceramics and Composites
• Rubber  Glass and Fiberglass
• Electronic components
• Weldments  Castings and Forgings

Each material has its own characteristics and behaviours, so understanding what the material is and the information you want to obtain is how we will determine what NDT method is most suitable. Find out more about the factors considered in choosing the right NDT method.

Non-Destructive Testing is essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of various equipment and machinery across numerous industries. Below is a list of equipment in specific sectors that require NDT:

• Aerospace: aircraft engines, fuselage structures, wings and landing gear.
• Automotive: engine components, transmissions, chassis and structural parts.
• Manufacturing: raw materials, finished products, welding joints and assembly parts.
• Power Generation: turbines, boilers and nuclear reactors.
• Marine: ship hulls, propellers and offshore platforms.
• Petroleum: pipelines, storage tanks and drilling equipment.
• Chemicals: chemical storage tanks, pressure vessels and piping systems.
• Healthcare: implants, surgical instruments and diagnostic equipment.
• Military: weaponry, armoured vehicles, aircraft and naval vessels.

BES Group’s experts and technicians are committed to guiding you to choose the right NDT method for your specific needs. Factors BES Group will consider include:

• Material type and shape Surface condition or material finish
• Defect type (internal or external)
• Location, accessibility and environment
• Standard and regulations
• Budget and timeframe

Hardness Testing is generally classed into two categories; Non-Destructive and Destructive.

Destructive Testing involves indenting the material surface to measure resistance, which can cause minor damage, but doesn’t typically render the material unusable. Our destructive hardness tests include Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers macro and micro-hardness, and Knoop microhardness testing.

Non-Destructive hardness testing does not cause any noticeable marks or permanent damage to the material. Non-Destructive hardness testing is a quick and easy way to assess the strength and integrity of materials. Our NDT methods include Barcol Hardness Testing and Ultrasonic Hardness Testing.

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is a technique using a high-focused laser to determine the chemical composition of materials. This technology is used in the oil and gas industry. With the advances in technology a portable handheld analyser is used to measure elements in the field for material identification.

How does LIBS work?

The handheld analyser produces a laser pulse which is directed on the sample surface. The surface is worn away and forms a plasma. The plasma disintegrates and stimulates the sample, which emits a light. The emitted light transfers through the fibre optics to the spectrometer. The wavelengths are transmitted to the detector and to produce data. This data is analysed by the central processing unit (CPU) and provides a detailed composition of the materials. This composition analysis can be examined to determine the concentration of each element.