NDT Division

Services Provided:

Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) is the inspection of a structure or component in any manner that will not impair its future usefulness. The purpose of the inspection may be to detect flaws, measure
geometric characteristics, determine material structure or composition, or characterize physical,

electrical or thermal properties, without causing any change in the part. The NDI methods offered by A.L. Loran International LLC. are listed as followed: Visual Inspection, Magnetic Particle, Liquid Penetrant, Ultrasonic, Leak Test (Vaccum Box Inspection) NDI methods in the hands of a trained and experienced technician are capable of detecting flaws or defects with a high degree of accuracy and reliability. It is important that maintenance engineering personnel are fully knowledgeable of the capabilities of each method but it is equally important that they recognize the limitations of the methods. Limits for acceptance and rejection are thus as much a part of an inspection as the method itself.

Visual Inspection:

A visual inspection or visual examination of objects, parts or components is the oldest and most reliable non-destructive testing method. Visual Inspection or Visual Testing (VT) requires line-of-sight contact with the portion of the specimen to be inspected, adequate illumination of the test specimen, a thorough understanding of the nature and origin of discontinuities and potential defects within the test object, and familiarity with the specifications controlling the inspection process. Unless the specimen cannot be examined visually, visual testing should be the first part of any NDT examination. Visual testing presents several real advantages: simplicity, rapidity, low cost, minimal training and equipment requirements, and the ability to be performed while the specimen is being used or processed. Often the inspection locates areas where other NDT techniques need to be applied, but visual inspection can also eliminate the need for further testing and the associated costs.

Magnetic Particle Inspection:

Magnetic particle inspection includes exposure to oils, pastes, and electrical current. This method is used for detecting discontinuities in ferromagnetic parts. The part is magnetized by using an electrical current that induces a magnetic field in the part. A discontinuity, which crosses the magnetic field, creates north and south poles on either side of the defect area. When magnetic particles are applied to the part, the poles attract the particles and an indication of the discontinuity is formed. Magnetic field characteristics are described, as well as the various techniques and equipment used to magnetize and demagnetize components under inspection. The terms MPI, MPT and MT are used interchangeable. Magnetic particle inspection can detect discontinuities only in parts made of ferromagnetic materials. The magnetic particle inspection method will detect surface discontinuities, including those that are too fine to be seen with the naked eye and those that lie slightly below the surface.

Liquid Penetrant Inspection:

Liquid Penetrant Inspection is used to detect discontinuities, i.e., cracks, pits, etc., open to the surface on parts made of nonporous materials. This method depends on the ability of the penetrant to enter into a surface discontinuity in the material to which it is applied. Due to its ability to inspect ferrous and nonferrous parts of all sizes and shapes, and its portability, the liquid penetrant NDI method can be used at almost any location, other than highly flammable areas.

Ultrasonic Inspection:

This method uses ultrasound to detect internal discontinuities. Ultrasound can be used on most all materials and locate very small defects. It can be used to measure the overall thickness of a material and the specific depth of a defect. However, knowledge of the internal geometry of a part is very critical to interpretation of any defect signal. The transmission of ultrasound is characterized by periodic vibrations of a particle or small volume element of matter.

Leak Test (Vaccum Box Testing):

The objective of the vacuum box technique of bubble leak testing is to locate leaks in a pressure boundary that cannot be directly pressurized. This is accomplished by applying a solution to a local area of the pressure boundary surface and creating a differential pressure across that local area of the

boundary causing the formation of bubbles as leakage gas passes through the solution. The purpose of this procedure is provide a guide line to carry out the Vacuum box test to check soundness of annular joints, bottom( long seam & short seam) and welding joints for annular plates.

TRAINING: 

All NDT Technicians for A.L. Loran International LLC.; go through extensive training in NDT Procedures through Base Line Data Training center in Portland, Texas, as well as Birring NDE Center in Houston, TX. under the Supervision of Level III Technicians. All technicians going through our training will meet ASNT Standards.