NDT Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is a non invasive method of testing to detect defects in materials using techniques that do not

damage or destroy the items being tested. NDT is important because often the defects that we are looking for are not visible due to paint or some other coating may cover them. There might also be defects that are so small they cannot be seen with the naked eye or any other visual method of inspection. Therefore, inspection methods have been developed to detect the defects. NDT technicians and engineers possess the ability to handle the inspection activities and perform the suitable inspection methods to overcome related problems. There are several methods used by technicians to find defects before they caused problems. NDT are also used to detect variations in structure, minute changes in surface finish, the presence of cracks or other physical discontinuities, to measure the thickness of materials and coatings and to determine other characteristics of industrial products.

Basic NDT Methods: 1. Visual Testing (VT) One of the most widely used NonDestructive (NDT) methods for the detection of discontinuities before they cause major problems. It is easily carried out, inexpensive and usually doesnt require special equipment. It uses the combination of human senses such as vision, hearing, touch and smell. 2. Radiography (RT) One of the NDT testing methods that uses X-ray and Gamma-ray for detecting internal imperfections, for measuring wall-thickness and for the detection of corrosion. An Xray machine or radioactive isotope is used as a source of

radiation. This variation in radiation produces an image on the detector that often shows internal features of the test object. Tested area Record is possible as Radiographic film, now a days UT is used in lieu of RT. 3. Magnetic Particle Testing A quick and reliable technique for detection and location of cracks on or just below the surface of ferrous metals. A magnetic flux is applied to the specimen, either locally or overall, using a permanent magnet, electromagnet, flexible cables or hand-held prods. Magnetic particles distributed over the component will be attracted to areas of flux leakage and produce a visible indication. 4. Ultrasonic Testing Is a Non-Destructive method in which beams of high-frequency sound waves are sent into the materials for the detection of subsurface flaws in the material. By measuring this sound a skilled ultrasonic testing operator can identify location and size of imperfection, particularly that wall thickness of the material. Some what localized / sliced record is possible limited to specific area only, since it requires more data acquisition. 5. Penetrant Testing (PT) Aside from visual inspection this is the oldest and most widely, less skill method used of all NDT methods. The method is used for crack detection, porosity, and other defects that break the surface of a material. It involves the application of a visible or fluorescent dye solution to the surface of a material and leaving it to rest for a pre-determined period of time. After some time the dye is washed off the surface and a developer is applied to the now clean surface and the defects where the dye has penetrated are made visible. SRIDURGHA LAKSHMI INC. TESTING, EDUCATIONAL & RESEARCH DIVISION

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