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NDE testing

NDE testing: what is and why is so important?

NDE testing: what is and why is so important?

A state-of-the-art ISO 17025-certified laboratory is an indispensable part of any company whose aim is to supply materials with excellent mechanical properties. Mechanical tests, NDE tests, micrographic examinations and ASTM A262 corrosion tests are carried out in-house by qualified and certified personnel.

  • NDE testing what is
  • NDE testing process
  • NDE testing how it works

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What is NDE testing?

NDE stands for Non-Destructive Examination, but what does it mean in practice? NDE is a wide group of analysis techniques used to evaluate the properties of a material, component, or system without causing damage. 

NDE technicians and engineers are in charge of defining and implementing laboratory tests that identify and characterize material conditions and defects that might otherwise cause severe issues, and a variety of less visible, but equally troubling events.

In the steel industry, the necessity of weld testing is recalled in several regulations, including the UNI EN 12062, General rules for the application of non-destructive tests on welds. This standard recommends methods to be applied on the basis of the material, the thickness of the metal, and the type of joint. The types of tests carried out and the extent of any defects detected are linked to the acceptability criteria indicated in UNI EN ISO 5817 "Quality levels of imperfections in welded joints", and in 3834, on "Welding quality requirements".

 

Methods to perform an NDE test for pipes and welding products

There are many different NDE techniques, each with its own advantages and applications. The three most common NDE methods are radiographic testing, ultrasonic testing, and visual testing. 

 

NDE Pipe Testing

Radiographic testing uses X-rays or gamma rays to examine the internal structure of a material. Ultrasonic testing uses high-frequency sound waves to detect surface and subsurface defects. Visual testing is the simplest and most common NDE method and involves inspecting the surface of a material for defects. 

 

NDE weld testing

The main difference between destructive and non-destructive examination is that NDE does not damage the material being tested. This makes NDE an ideal choice for testing materials that are expensive or difficult to replace, as in the case of M.E.G.A. pipe fittings and valves.

nde weld testing

What is the difference between NDE and NDT?

The difference between NDE and NDT is fragile. In fact, the terms NDE and NDT are often used as synonyms. 

NDT stands for non-destructive testing, which is the set of techniques used to test materials and structures for damage or imperfections. This method does not cause any damage to the material. NDE, or non-destructive examinations, combines the test phase with the evaluation phase. This is the main difference. NDT is then used to identify defects, while NDE is used, in addition to this, also to measure the type of defect, such as shape, orientation, and other physical characteristics. 

 

Advantages of NDE weld testing

NDE weld testing has many advantages that make it an attractive option for quality control and assurance in welding operations.

Some of the advantages of using NDE include: 

  • No damages: the ability to test materials without damaging them;
  • Improved accuracy and reliability of welding quality control: NDE weld testing is able to provide more accurate and reliable results than traditional visual inspection methods;
  • Precision: the ability to inspect difficult-to-reach areas;
  • Reduced costs: NDE weld testing can help reduce the overall cost of welding operations by reducing the need for costly repairs and rework;
  • Faster turnaround time: NDE weld testing can be performed quickly and efficiently, resulting in a faster turnaround time for welding operations.
  • Reliability: the ability to detect hidden flaws and defects.

 

nde testing

Applications

Applications of NDE can be in different areas:

  • Quality control during the manufacturing process;
  • Inspection of critical components before they are put into service;
  • Investigation of failure modes in components that have failed in service.

Many industries can adopt NDE methods, including aerospace, automotive, power, marine, and oil and gas.

 

What are the various NDE procedure requirements & standards?

A state-of-the-art ISO 17025-certified laboratory is an indispensable part of any company whose aim is to supply materials with excellent mechanical properties. Mechanical tests, NDE tests, micrographic examinations, and ASTM A262 corrosion tests are carried out in-house by M.E.G.A. qualified and certified personnel.

 

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