What is Non-Destructive Testing?

This is a question so many of us in the NDT industry are frequently asked. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), also called Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) and Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI), simply explained, is a term used to describe the method of testing and inspecting materials or products for defects, without damaging or destroying the item.

Find out more about Conventional Testing Methods.

NDT is similar to an x-ray of a person's arm at the hospital after an accident. An x-ray is taken of the suspected damaged area and the resulting film, or radiograph, is interpreted by a medically-qualified doctor.  A decision based on the interpretation is then made as to what further action and treatment should be taken.  Of course, just like the diagnostic investigations in the medical field, NDT has many more advanced technologies for examining products to determine the condition and suitability, and Radiographic Testing is just one of many available to us.

The industry of Non-Destructive Testing plays a critical role in assuring that structural components and operational systems perform their functions in a reliable, safe and cost-effective manner. The conclusions of investigative reports following disasters and catastrophes often highlight insufficient NDT techniques being employed, both at the manufacturing stage and during the service life of the products, and these can be contributory factors to the failure of critical components.

More details on NDT techniques such as Special Examinations.

A few examples of the types of disasters where insufficient NDT methods have been employed are planes crashes, trains derailings, oil and gas pipeline explosions, reactors and vessels failing, etc.  The reliability of the Non-Destructive Testing depends on many factors, and operator training is one of the critical areas that is only too often overlooked.

The training and examination offered by SGS in our NDT Training Center can help you manage risk, and protect your company and its reputation.