Non-DesTRUCTIVE TESTING

During testing, a probe coil is placed near the surface of the test part and an alternating current is applied to the coil. This creates an alternating magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the test part which then flow in closed loops around the probe coil.

Eddy Current Testing has a variety of applications, including painted surfaces. This method detects surface and sub-surface defects on ferromagnetic materials, including:

• Very shallow and tight surface fatigue cracks
• Stress corrosion cracks in pipes and tubes
• Pitting

Eddy current testing is a versatile NDT method that can be used to inspect a wide variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites. It is particularly well-suited for inspecting materials that are difficult to access, such as those that are inside pipes or vessels. It’s used in a wide variety of industries, including Aerospace, Automotive, Electrical, Power Generation, Manufacturing and Oil and Gas.

Eddy Current Testing is often used for:

• Pipes and tubes
• Aircraft fuselage and wings
• Heat exchangers
• Welds:
• Crack detection
• Material thickness measurement
• Corrosion detection
• Coating thickness measurement
• Heat treatment evaluation

Why use Eddy Current Testing?

• Can be used on painted surfaces
• Advanced sets can provide a permanent record of inspection data
• High inspection speeds possible
• Clean process, with no residue left
• It’s a versatile method with the ability to inspect a wide variety of materials.

The method involves applying a dye penetrant to the surface of the non-absorbent material, for example, metals, plastics, or ceramics. Then, if there are any surface-breaking flaws, the dye will seep into the flaw. The excess dye is then removed, and a developer is applied. The developer will cause the dye in the flaw to bleed out, making it visible to the naked eye. Corrective works can then be carried out to rectify any flaws.

A fluorescent penetrant can be used for more intricate parts, as the fluorescent dye glows under ultraviolet light, making the flaws easier to see.

Here’s a summary of the LPI process:

1. The surface of the material is cleaned.
2. The dye penetrant is applied.
3. Excess dye is removed.
4. Developer is applied.
5. The surface can then be visually inspected for flaws.

Find out more about our specialist Non-Destructive Techniques by filling out our form below.

Liquid (Dye) Penetrant Inspections are most often used for surface examinations and detects surface indications in non-ferromagnetic materials. This method detects surface defects in non-magnetic material, including:

• Surface cracks
• Toe cracks
• Crater cracks
• Surface porosity

This service is often used for:

• Castings
• Welds
• Shafts (Can be used on Stainless and Carbon Steels)

Why use Dye Penetrant inspections?

• Very sensitive
• Instant results
• Transportable, so it can be used on-site method for large circumference items such as butt welds

Magnetic particle inspection (MPI) is a vital non-destructive testing method for finding surface and near-surface flaws in ferromagnetic materials, including iron, nickel, cobalt, and some of their alloys.

The part is magnetised, and if there are no flaws, the magnetic field remains mostly inside the material. However, if there is a flaw present, the magnetic field is distorted, creating flux leakage around the flaw area. This flux leakage is visible when the surface is covered with magnetic ink. The particles in the ink will accumulate around the flaw area, indicating its location.

Fluorescent magnetic ink can be used for more intricate parts to increase flaw visibility. This is because the fluorescent ink glows under ultraviolet light, making the flaws easier to see.

Magnetic Particle Inspection is most commonly used for surface/subsurface examinations and detects surface/ near surface defects in ferromagnetic materials. This method is used to detects surface/ near surface defects in ferromagnetic materials, including:

• Surface cracks
• Toe cracks
• Crater cracks
• Surface porosity

Often used for:

• Castings
• Welds
• Shafts

Why use Magnetic Particle Examinations?

• Very sensitive
• Gives instant results
• Transportable, so it can be used on-site and in-house
• Simple application

Ready to find out more? Fill out our form below to learn more about our MPI service.

PAUT uses sound waves to create targeted beams that can be focused on a specific area, making it possible to detect flaws in welds that would be difficult or impossible to find with other methods.

PAUT is based on the principles of wave physics. When sound waves are emitted from a transducer, they interfere with each other. This interference can be used to create beams with a specific shape and direction. The beams can then be focused on a specific area, such as a weld.

PAUT can be used to inspect a wide variety of components, including:

• Girth welds in pipelines
• Butt welds in pressure vessels and tanks
• Butt welds in small, thin-walled piping
• Forgings and castings
• Pressure vessels, tanks, ships hulls

PAUT is a versatile and powerful non-destructive testing method, often used to inspect welds in critical applications, such as those in the oil and gas industry.

Speak to one of our specialists to learn more about PAUT, and how it can be used to make sure your welds are in top condition, by filling out our form below.

Do you want to be able to find out what metal or alloy a piece of material is made out of?

Then our Positive Material Identification (PMI) service might be ideal for you.

PMI works by using a handheld X-ray fluorescence analyser (XRF) to find out what a piece of material is made of, by measuring the amount of each element in the metal.

The XRF analyser is an accurate way to determine the chemical composition of a metal and can even identify all ferrous and nickel-based alloys. Our team of specialist technicians are certified to use the XRF analyser and are committed to adhering to strict safety procedures in accordance with the Ironizing Radiation Regulations (IRR) regulations, in line with local rules for the use of the analyser.

Here is a step-by-step summary of the PMI process:

• The XRF analyser measures the amount of each element in the metal.
• The type of metal or alloy in the material can then be identified.
• One of our technicians who used the XRF analyser confirms the results and signs off on the test report.

Want to learn more about how PMI can be applied to your site? Fill out our form below to get in touch.

This is the only testing method to confirm composition of material without a material sample. This method detects the grades and chemical composition of metal and alloys including:

• Nickle and chrome content
• Carbon content (more specialised machines)

Often used for:

• Material verification after purchase
• Verification of suspected rogue material
• Post-purchase material certification
• Pre-purchase verification at steel stockists

Why use material identification?

• Portable
• Instant results
• Can be used in confined spaces

At its core, it involves removing fine cuttings – also called samples – from steel pipes or fittings. These then undergo analysis to establish their chemical composition and material properties by one of our experienced, accredited Metallurgists. During this process, a hardness survey of the parent pipe can also be carried out. The key benefit of Q10 Material Sampling and Analysis is that this procedure can find information that was missed during original material certification.

At the BES Group, our team of industry experienced and qualified National Grid Q10 certified technicians can perform steel material removal, alongside analysis carried out by an accredited Metallurgist at our certified laboratory.

No matter what, the BES Group are here for you as your Trusted Advisor. Get in touch to find out how we can support you throughout the full Material Sampling and Analysis procedure, as well as provide you with comprehensive certification in accordance with the most stringent specification requirements, by filling out our form here.

Penetrating radiation using X-rays or gamma rays is passed through a solid object to produce an image of the objects internal structure on to a film to identify most defects. Radiographic testing can be applied on parts which have been welded, cast, or forged and applied across a range of sectors.

This method is used to detects internal defects including:

• Volumetric defects e.g. globular defects, gas pores, porosity and wormholes (this is more effective than ultrasonic testing)
• Planar defects including cracks, slag inclusions, lack of fusion and lack of penetration
• Root defects including undercut and root suck back, excess Penetration

Radiographic testing is often used for:

• Castings
• Storage tanks
• Pressure vessels
• Small metal components

Why use Radiography?

• Permanent record in form of a radiograph image
• Ability to detect small defects
• Efficient testing method for large circumference items such as butt welds

All of our radiographic inspections are carried out in accordance with approved techniques and procedures and assessed against applicable specifications. Our technicians are highly trained radiation protection supervisors (RPS) and work under strict legislative requirements under controlled conditions in accordance with ironizing radiation regulations (IRR), the Health and Safety Executive, and the Environment Agency.

At the BES Group, we have a wide range of radiography equipment that can be used to inspect parts of varying shapes and sizes, including:

• 160kv CP Unit
• 200-300kv Radiography Sets
• Radiography Crawlers

We can carry out radiography inspections in-house and on-site. *

*Please note, the HSE specify that any transportable items must be brought to our premises for radiography inspection.

Get in touch to learn more about our Radiographic Testing by filling out our form below.

In-House Radiography

Our innovative facility is equipped with a large purpose-built radiography bay (8x8m) and two smaller bays, which means we can accommodate a variety of sizes and shapes. We’re proud to say that we offer a flexible service with quick turnaround times, without reducing our consistently high standards.

On Site Radiography

When the component exceeds the size guidelines outlined by the Health and Safety Executive, we can carry out radiography at your site under strict controls and in line with legislative requirements. We can carry out On Site Radiography across a wide variety of sectors, from Aerospace and Defence to Manufacturing, plus many more.

Pipeline Radiography

Our technicians are the experts when it comes to pipeline radiography

Our technicians have years of experience in providing pipeline radiography services and have worked on many major pipelines across the UK and Ireland. They’re committed to maintaining their deep understanding of the complexities and specific requirements of pipeline radiography.

Along with our dedicated testing laboratory in Salford, we also have a wide variety of radiography equipment that allows our technicians to be flexible and accommodate the specific needs of each project. We also have pipeline crawlers that are designed to produce single wall, single image of circumferential welds in pipelines.

We can provide a complete pipeline radiography service, from initial planning and consultation to the final report. Our technicians operate within strict safety parameters and produce high quality results every time, applying interpretation skills that have been acquired and honed throughout their careers.

Find out more about our pipeline radiography services by getting in touch today! Fill out your details in the form below, and one our specialists will be more than happy to get in touch to discuss your specific needs and requirements.

Ultrasonic Testing (UT) is a key component of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT).

UT uses high frequency sound energy to carry out in-depth examinations and to take measurements of assets. It can be used to detect or evaluate flaws, measure dimensions, and much more.

A versatile NDT method, just some of the advantages of utilising Ultrasonic Testing include:

• Its sensitivity to both surface and subsurface discontinuities
• Only single-sided access is needed when the pulse-echo technique is used
• Accuracy in detecting reflector position, size, and shape
• Instantaneous results
• Multiple uses, including thickness measurement and flaw detection.

This method detects internal defects and verifies material thickness, including:

• Planar defects, including cracks, slag inclusions, lack of fusion and lack of penetration
• Voids, including porosity, gas pores, wormholes and inclusions
• Corrosion or thinning (known as ‘thickness gauging’)

Often used for:

• Welds in high pressure environments
• Structural steelwork welds
• Pressure vessels (although sometimes specifications require radiography)
• Storage tanks

Why use Ultrasonic testing?

• Can penetrate various thicknesses without any damage to the product
• Battery operated and conveniently sized, so portable and can be used on site
• Defects are accurately located
• More affordable than on-site radiography

Speak to one of our Ultrasonic Testing specialists by filling out our contact form here.

Visual Inspection is a long-standing method of Non-Destructive Testing.

The majority of defects are surface-breaking, which means they can be detected by careful, direct visual inspection. This process can take place prior to, during, or after the welding process. Visual inspection involves identifying corrosion, erosion, abrasions, fatigue cracks, mechanical damage and wear and tear. Visual Inspection can be independent or supported by our other NDT methods.

Get in touch to find out how our Visual Inspection service can find hidden flaws in your equipment today by filling out our form below.

Welding Inspection & Portable Arc Monitoring System (PAMS) is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method that uses a portable data logger to record welding parameters such as voltage, current, wire feed speed, travel speed, gas flow, and temperature. The data logger can then be used to analyse the welding process and identify potential defects.

PAMS will:

• Identify defects: Defects in welds that may not be visible to the naked eye can be detected by PAMS. By detecting these defects, this can avoid potential failures and will ensure the safety of the welds.
• Improve weld quality: By feeding back on the welding process, this allows welders to make any necessary adjustments to produce better welds.

The benefits can include:

• No damage will be caused to the weld through the inspection. It’s a Non-Destructive method that also allows the welds to be tested whilst in use.
• Highly reliable results.

Our engineers utilise their range of expert skills, including inspecting the welds visually, using non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, and reviewing welding documentation.

Our senior welding inspectors are CSWIP certified, which means they have met the highest international standards for welding inspection. We also have a team of trained technicians who can use portable arc monitoring systems (PAMS) to analyse welding data and assist with weld procedures and processes.

We’ve worked on both national and international projects and have a proven track record of providing our specialist welding inspection services to a variety of sectors, including the oil and gas, power, and construction industries.