What is the meaning of NDT test and different types of NDT test

By visual inspection, it is impossible to see under surface or inner defects, cracks,

porosity, thickness reduction etc. Hydraulic test can check the overall integrity
(soundness) of the vessel but it. Cannot show the above defects. Therefore non-
destructive tests are developed to test boilers, pressure vessels and nuclear
components.

NDT can detect

(1) Inherent metal defects like porosity, shrinkage, non-metallic inclusions
(2) Processing defects like residual stresses, cracks caused by grinding of casting
and forging, spruing and
(3) In-service defects like corrosion, erosion, change in section etc.

Types of NDT test

1. Radiography Test
2. Ultrasonic Test
3. Magnetic particle test
4. Eddy current Or Electromagnetic Method
5. Dry penetration test
Ultrasonic Testing

1. Ultrasonic is an inspection technique to test both metallic and non-metallic products

such as welds, castings, forging, sheet, tubing, plastics and ceramics by using
sound waves (vibrations).
2. It discloses the soundness, thickness or physical property of the material or nature
of discontinuities without impairing the material and by exposing its one side only.
3. Ultrasonic waves i.e. vibrations are created by an electronic generator and passed
through a material due to its elastic properties.
4. Vibrations above the human hearing range (20000 Hz) are called ultrasonic
vibrations.
5. Electrical energy is applied to a piezoelectric crystal also called transducer which
causes material displacement within the specimen.
6. The transducer converts electrical energy into mechanical and vice versa.
7. Thus transducer can transmits or receives the energy.
8. Transmission of energy can be pulsed or continuous.
9. Steel, water and oil can transmit ultrasound very well but air is a poor transmitter
because of its low particle density.
10. Therefore water, oil (grease) or steel is used as a couplant between the transducer
and the test specimen.
11. The pulses (waves) return back (reflect) from discontinuities in their path or from
any boundary (end) that they strike.
12. The received reflections are displayed on a cathode ray tube (CRT). The quality of
the material is measured in terms of energy lost by a sound beam as it travels
through the material.
13. Biological effects have been noticed on workers.
14. Shielding of electrical connection causing electromagnetic fields, sound isolated
booth, use of cotton lined rubber gloves, absorbent lining to tools, ear muffs, noise
& vibration control, and periodic medical examinations are necessary.

Magnetic Particle Method

1. Mostly forgings are tested by this method.

2. Finely ground ferromagnetic particles of different forms and colours are available.
Depending on the condition of surface to be inspected and type of indication to
be located, form of particles and type of method - dry, wet or fluorescent - are
selected.
3. Colour is selected to have full contrast with the surface.
4. Then magnetic field is applied by DC or AC (low volts) current.
5. This attracts and holds magnetic particles right on the surface.
6. Defects if any, interrupt the magnetic field and are clearly shown by the pattern
formed by the particles.
7. Nature of discontinuities (defects) is disclosed and acceptable and unacceptable
material can be separated in accordance with predetermined standards.
8. After the test is over, the part should be demagnetised by reversing and reducing
the magnetic field.
Local exhaust is necessary to control dust particles. If it is not possible, dust mask
(respirator) and eye and skin protective equipment should be worn by the workers.