Non-destructive testing (NDT) is the process of testing or evaluating materials, components or structures for defects and deterioration without affecting the serviceability of the object. Meaning when the inspection or test is completed, the part, which was tested, can still be used for its designed purpose.
You can use non-destructive testing for:
- Quality control of new materials and constructions during fabrication;
- Determination of the amount of degradation of material and industrial equipment during their lifetime.
Reduction of HSE risks and production costs are some of the numerous challenges
Constructors, EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractors and asset owners face a number of safety requirements, quality requirements and government regulations. Failure to comply with these demands can overall result in increasing risks for people and environment, higher production costs, tarnished corporate brand value and significant financial liabilities.
Depending on whether you manufacture new equipment or you operate it, the challenges and needs will be different. While constructors and EPC contractors are challenged to deliver compliant products at the lowest cost to be able to compete, the focus of asset owners and operators is on safe operation with the highest availability of their production units. The chart below lists the key challenges for each party.
- Reduction of production costs
- Availability of skilled resources
- Increased complexity due to new materials, methods and quickly changing requirements
- Sustainable sourcing and manufacturing
- Reduction of health, safety and environmental (HSE) risks
- Cost reduction – shutdown planning and prevention
- Aging industrial assets
- Sustainable production and energy transition
With the right NDT solution you can save costs and improve production output and sustainability
With our NDT solutions you can tackle the key challenges – while the equipment is being manufactured, during plant shutdown or on-stream - in order to improve production output, save overall maintenance costs as well as ensure safe and reliable operating processes.
The selection of the right NDT solution depends on many factors. On the one hand, the focus for manufacturers of new equipment might be on efficient inspection methods to prove that the produced materials and equipment meet the quality requirements at the lowest production cost in the whole value chain. On the other hand, asset operators are interested in the inspections, which are mainly focused on in-service material deterioration because of corrosion and process reactions.
We can provide a broad portfolio of different NDT methods in order to solve the challenges you might face. View our individual NDT solutions for different use cases:
Benefits of our NDT services at a glance
You need to be cost effective while ensuring quality and keeping your equipment up and running to meet production targets and deadlines. With non-destructive testing services from TÜV Rheinland your benefits include:
- Minimize health, safety and environmental (HSE) risks
- Reduce manufacturing and construction costs
- Reduce plant downtime and the probability of unplanned shutdowns
- Prevent major damages by detecting smaller flaws at an early stage
- Increase the availability of your equipment and use the full production capacities
- Reduce risk of company liability and reputation damage
- Comply with design specifications and receive documented evidence of compliance
- Exclusive one-stop service from an independent third party inspector
NDT and inspection consultancy
Today’s industries face a lot of challenges, which require creative problem-solving NDT approach. Our experienced TÜV Rheinland consultants and Level III inspectors assist in all instances providing highly skilled expert advice and reliable, cost-effective solutions.
Asset Integrity Management
Asset integrity management (AIM) is a reliable, safe and cost-effective solution to maintaining assets in fit-for-service condition while extending their remaining lifetime. Successful AIM programs require accurate and comprehensive data about the actual condition of the assets and a status of mechanical integrity of the pressure equipment and piping. Regular NDT inspections provide valuable input for AIM specialists to assess the remaining lifetime of an asset, develop Risk Based Inspection plans and define Predictive Maintenance strategy. Whereas the Remote Condition Monitoring assist asset operators to maintain plant operation within the limits of Integrity Operating Window (IOW).