Conventional NDE

These industry-proven nondestructive testing techniques are commonly applied to determine code or specification compliance. The key differentiator in conventional nondestructive testing is the quality of the technician.

NVI has more than 100 SNT-TC-1A Level II radiographers, ultrasonic shear wave technicians, magnetic particle inspectors, and dye penetrant technicians. They are certified or accepted by a wide range of governing bodies, including DNV, ABS, IBS, Lloyds, PED, NOV, API, AWS, and ASME.

Thanks to the presence of our Level III personnel—ASNT-certified in ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle and penetrant testing—NVI can prepare procedures to client-specific requirements and implement those requirements rapidly. Our Level IIIs also enable us to offer third-party services that include training, certifying, procedure preparation, and auditing.

NVI regularly provides testing for a broad range of applications, including new fabrication of offshore facilities, pipelines, ASME pressure piping and vessel fabrication, and repair and inspection of ocean-going vessels.

Ultrasonics

Ultrasonic testing uses sound waves to examine and measure materials and vessels for the presence of discontinuities, variations in material and coating thickness, and other anomalies. At NVI, it is the method of choice for volumetric testing when only one side of the material is accessible or when the material is thicker than the maximum allowed for other processes like radiography.

Radiography

Radiography is one of the oldest and most widely accepted forms of volumetric testing and is commonly used when both sides of the material are accessible. The primary source of radiation for traditional radiography is iridium 192, and images are produced on film. With our self-contained, truck-mounted, portable office and darkrooms, NVI can easily dispatch certified crews wherever needed. We manufacture our own darkrooms.  Should the need arise, we can quickly create additional capacity for large, time-sensitive projects.

Magnetic Particle Testing

Magnetic particle testing is performed on ferrous materials. It is used to identify cracks, seams, blowholes, and other externally visible welding or material defects and is particularly useful for identifying discontinuities near or open to the surface that may be missed by other nondestructive volumetric tests. Another advantage of magnetic particle testing is that it produces instant results that can easily be recorded by photographs.

Dye Penetrant

Dye penetrant testing is used on relatively smooth, nonporous materials. Although it can be used on any material, it is the method of choice for nonferrous materials. Like magnetic particle testing, it is used to identify flaws open to the surface, including cracks, seams, blowholes, and other welding or material defects. Penetrant cleaner, dyes, and developers can be formulated to produce results with exotic steels.

Eddy Current

Eddy Current equipment can be used for a variety of applications such as the detection of cracks (discontinuities), measurement of metal thickness, and the measurement of electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability. At NVI, we use eddy current inspection because it is an excellent method for detecting surface and near-surface defects when the probable defect location and orientation are well-known.

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 the implementation and follow-up of inspection programs to meet API standards