Nondestructive Engineering
Nondestructive Engineering
SOCOTEC performs nondestructive examinations (NDE) as an integral component of its service areas and specialties—failure analysis, engineering design, fitness for service, dispute resolution, structural monitoring and life cycle management. To meet client needs, our experts are available around the clock to support evaluations and assessments
We utilize state of the art methods to categorize asset conditions. Our technical specialists are supported by our engineering expertise to quickly evaluate and assess findings and provide appropriate recommendations to ensure continued safe operation.
Nondestructive Engineering and Field Measurements
SOCOTEC’s NDE Group has over 50 years of experience in all types of assets—from structures and facilities to infrastructure and equipment. Our nondestructive examination services include remote sensing, ultrasonic flaw detection and thickness surveying, radiography, eddy current, liquid dye-penetrant, magnetic-particle, and visual inspection techniques. To supplement our visual inspection services, SOCOTEC maintains fiber-optic and boroscopic imaging units and complete in-situ metallographic replication equipment. In addition, leak-detection and subsurface locating equipment are also available.
Our measurements team is uniquely qualified to perform a wide variety of static and dynamic testing services in the laboratory and in the field. SOCOTEC maintains a stock of strain gages, accelerometers, and various other transducers to respond to client requests within 24 hours. To augment data acquisition, our measurements team has special capabilities for performing residual stress (strain) measurements of structures in-situ. They maintain a variety of hydraulic pumps, rams and calibrated load cells capable of testing structures such as bridges, subway cars, cables, bolts, and buildings.
As sensing and detection technologies continue to evolve at a breakneck pace, the SOCOTEC staff is always looking for applications that are less intrusive, more reliable and economical. We have employed nets of low-cost, low-power sensors connected to data acquisition nodes via wireless or cellular. We can use drones to perform visual inspections in normally inaccessible areas of a plant. Frequently we introduce cutting-edge technologies to our clients, devising special methodologies and equipment for unique applications.
Wise-Back: Digital Inspection Tool Kit for eTIC
SOCOTEC’s Wise-Back toolkit offers a suite of tools for engineering testing, inspection and certification (ETIC). Wise-Back offers a streamlined, customized approach to field data collection that runs across multiple devices. Among the wide variety of integrated tools are a headset computer, tablet, cameras and video, sensors and measuring devices. It offers real-time voice/video/data communications, allowing remote users access to home office resources and guidance. Home office users have instant access to field data for fast evaluation. Wise-Back features standardized data structures and forms, as well as tools for workflow optimization and task control.
Talk to our experts
"The new Wiseback General Inspection Module (GIM) is a digital toolkit that increases the speed, safety and accuracy of inspections. GIM was an idea conceived at an industry conference, taken from concept, to design, to production of working prototypes - all in the span of 7 months.
Residual Stress Detection and Analysis
Weldment and weld repairs can often result in residual stresses remaining at the completion of the welding process. These can have an effect on the strength of the weldment. SOCOTEC has utilized the ANSYS finite element code to simulate the welding process and heat generated during the weld pass. From simulation, remaining residual stresses can be determined. Conversely, weld process and cooling times can be optimized to reduce induced residual stresses. Analyses can also be supplemented with field measurement when necessary.
Image Processing Methods
SOCOTEC employs advanced imaging tools that can read and translate analog gages, measure vibration, and identify and interpret visible changes to the built environment. Motion amplification camera systems like the RDI Iris M can be used to measure vibrations. Change detection systems identify and interpret minute changes in photographic images—they can read a bank of old-style analog gages and convert the readings into digital data. Digital image correlation systems monitor flaws in concrete and steel—identifying and characterizing cracks before they become dangerous. Photogrammetry is used to create 3-D models of buildings, room interiors, and equipment.
SOCOTEC Laboratories and Large-Scale Testing Facility
In conjunction with our field capabilities, SOCOTEC performs nondestructive examinations and testing at our main Materials Laboratory and Large-Scale Testing Facility in Brooklyn, New York, as well as at the Laboratory Annex in Massachusetts. We offer a full range of services for materials testing and evaluations, component and system evaluations, and simulations for failure/root cause analysis, machine and structural design, troubleshooting and problem-solving. The Brooklyn facility includes a fully equipped machine shop. Low-level irradiated and contaminated components can be evaluated through our Massachusetts annex.
Vibration monitoring using MAC
Vibration monitoring using MAC
SOCOTEC engineers have used the RDI IRIS motion amplification camera (MAC) system to monitor vibrations. The system uses a high-speed FLIR camera capable of capturing images at up to 1300 frames per second. The systems converts each pixel in the video image into a sensor that measures motion. The MAC system can be used to monitor frequencies, amplitudes and mode shapes.
Sensors on QB bridge
Sensors on QB bridge
SOCOTEC engineers installed a series of strain gages on a 70-year railway bridge to measure bridge response under load. This was used in conjunction with 3D finite element modeling to analyze fatigue of critical components and estimate remaining life.
Change Detection System
Change Detection System
SOCOTEC offers advanced condition monitoring using Change Detection System (CDS), an advanced imaging analysis tool for prognostic inspection developed by Idaho National Laboratory. CDS works with any observation system that produces digital images—visual photography, IR/thermography, radiography, scintigraphy and spectroscopy. The CDS image analysis software uses innovative techniques for image identification, localization and parsing to identify and locate changes in similar images. It can be used to detect flaws, monitor degradation, and even read and record dial gages.
Concrete Post-Tension Tendon Condition Monitoring
Concrete Post-Tension Tendon Condition Monitoring
Engineers installed Fiber Bragg Grating strain gages on the anchor shims of post-tensioned tendons of a nuclear plant containment building for long term monitoring of tendon forces.
Turbine blades weld undercut
Turbine blades weld undercut
SOCOTEC engineers developed a unique device to measure weld undercuts in turbine blades. The device, fabricated from PLA using a 3-D printer and off the shelf gages, measured the depth of undercutting of the attachment welds between the blades and their supporting ring. The inexpensive device allowed the field team to complete the inspection of three low pressure turbines under a tight schedule.
Automated Ultrasonic Testing
Automated Ultrasonic Testing
For ultrasonic testing (UT) of pipes and pressure vessels, SOCOTEC uses an AUT Accuscan automated 2-axis NDT scanner to determine degraded wall thickness. Attached to a pipe with magnetic wheels, the 14-pound, battery-powered scanner travels circumferentially around the pipe while the UT probe travels axially along a 20-inch arm at scanning speeds up to 30 inches per second. The Accuscan provides readings of point wall thicknesses using a very fine grid (0.05 inch axially x 0.05 inch circumferentially). The system software can generate a fine-scale map identifying thinned areas, local pitting, minimum thicknesses as well as a 3-D model of the pipe wall interior. Using the Accuscan, measurements are completed in 10% of the time required for conventional methods.
