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

Robert S. VECCHIO

Chief Executive Officer, SOCOTEC Engineering, Inc

robert.vecchio@socotec.us +1 212 233 2737

Amaya BLEIMAN

Principal

amaya.bleiman@socotec.us +1 212 689 7791

Sontra YIM

Principal

sontra.yim@socotec.us +1 978 378 1182

"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.

Sontra YIM - Principal

Learn more about the Wise-Back General Inspection Module

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.

Learn more about our Laboratory