Visual Inspection

Visual Inspection plays a vital role in all methods of Nondestructive Testing and is the basis for what we do. The high ethical standards of NVI’s professional team of technicians and management play a strong role in our assisting clients with implementation and follow-up of inspection programs to meet API standards.

API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspection

API 510 covers internal and external inspection, rerate, repair, and alterations to in-service pressure vessels and their associated pressure-relieving devices. External visual inspections, conducted by an NVI-certified 510 inspector or an examiner qualified to perform an external inspection, covers the outside surface of a vessel, insulation condition, paint/coating condition, supports, associated structures, leaks, hot spots, vibration, and allowance for expansion and alignment of the vessel on its supports. Internal visual inspections can be conducted only by certified 510 inspectors. They are performed to locate damaged areas on the internal pressure boundary surfaces that could not be found during an external inspection.

API 570 Process Piping Inspection

Performed by an NVI API 570 inspector or trained examiner, API 570 covers inspection, rerate, repair, and alterations to in-service process piping and their associated pressure relieving devices. These inspections are conducted to confirm the external condition of the piping and the integrity of the insulation, painting/coating and associated components. They should reveal signs of misalignment, vibrations, and leaks.

API 653 Above Ground Storage Tank

NVI maintains trained API 653 inspectors on staff for external inspections, which cover the condition of the foundation, coating condition, insulation condition, conditions of tank appurtenances, leaks, distortion, and settlement. Internal inspections focus on ensuring that there is no severe corrosion or leaks in the tank floor. 

CWI (Certified Welding Inspection)

NVI’s certified welding inspectors set the stage for successful welds. They work with our customers to make sure that certified procedures have been established and tested for the materials and consumables using destructive testing methods. They then train and test welders to make sure they follow the procedure exactly when they go out in the field. Our certified welding inspectors have passed the American Welding Society examination, indicating that they are extremely knowledgeable about welding and that they can produce the highest level of quality workmanship.

Leak Test / Hydro Test Documentation

Hydrostatic testing is a way to test a component for strength and leaks. A pressure vessel or piping system is filled with a liquid, most commonly water, and pressurized with air to a held pressure 125% of its Maximum Allowable Working Pressure. This process provides adequate proof that the allowable working pressure is safe for operations. We have individuals trained to witness this testing procedure and provide a quality formal report from the tests to satisfy the client’s needs.

Video Probe/Borescope Internal Inspection

The borescope is a small flexible tube with small camera attached to one end of the tube connected to a visual aid on the other. Using this instrument, we can perform visual inspections on the internals of piping systems and pressure vessels that a person cannot physically access.

Visual Testing (ASNT-TC 1A)

NVI-certified welding inspectors can represent our clients in the field, visually inspecting all welds before they are subject to nondestructive testing. They can determine if the weld is penetrated, if the material is adhering to both sides, and if all the relevant dimensionals are adhered to. Certified welding inspectors can also serve as client’s representative during welding and testing, ensuring that the job is conducted in a safe, carefully coordinated manner and that all materials are accounted for.

Infrared Thermography

NVI uses the latest infrared technology to pinpoint hot spots in metals or plastics on components such as well heads, piping, piston engines, turbines, and compressors.  Infrared thermography produces visual images that allow temperatures to be compared over a broad area and detects deteriorating components facing high-temperature locations before they fail.  Infrared thermography is a sound alternative for inaccessible or hazardous locations.