What Does
Non-Destructive Testing Mean?
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is the process of evaluating materials and components without destroying them. It is used in trenchless construction to test underground infrastructure components, such as water main pipelines. It is important not to weaken or damage the integrity of a pipe when assessing its strength and serviceability.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Non-Destructive Testing
Corrosion is a common vulnerability of iron and steel pipes. Over time, corrosive agents, such as hydrogen sulfide, can become trapped in pipelines and cause deterioration. Graphite that clings to the pipe call can also wear away its internal or external surface. One method of non-destructive testing, called Bracelet Probe (BP), uses electromagnetism to detect these problems.
Bracelet Probe technology is used to scan a 10-inch swatch of a pipe. It works for both internal and external deterioration. The method may involve the excavation of a section of pipe. The testing could be completed all around the circumference of the pipe, or along only one part of it.
Electromagnetic technology is not the only method of NDT. Other testing methods involve acoustic emission, hammer sounding, impact-echo, sonar, and eddy current technologies. Ultrasonic technology and visual inspection are also other forms of non-destructive testing.