ATHOM INSPECTION
NON DESTRUCTIVE INSPECTION & ROPE ACCESS SERVICES
INTRODUCTION
Established in 2010 Athom Inspection have been working closely with major Oil & Gas companies throughout the industry. We are recognised for the quality, efficiency and reliability of our inspection services and are renowned for supplying our clients with clear, concise reports.
We provide our clients with a wide range of services for all their in-service inspections, fabrications and any remedial works required.
At Athom Inspection we pride oursleves on our ability to deliver outstanding results on time and within budget.
Call today for a free, no obligation estimate.
NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTING (NDT)
What is NDT?
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is the branch of engineering concerned with all methods of detecting and evaluating flaws in materials. Flaws can affect the serviceability of the material or structure, so NDT is important in guaranteeing safe operation as well as in quality control and assessing plant life. The flaws may be cracks or inclusions in welds and castings, or variations in structural properties which can lead to loss of strength or failure in service.
Non-destructive testing is used for in-service inspection and for condition monitoring of operating plant. It is also used for measurement of components and spacings and for the measurement of physical properties such as hardness and internal stress.
The essential feature of NDT is that the test process itself produces no deleterious effects on the material or structure under test.
The subject of NDT has no clearly defined boundaries; it ranges from simple techniques such as visual examination of surfaces, through the well-established methods of radiography, ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle crack detection, to new and very specialised methods such as the measurement of Barkhausen noise and positron annihilation.
NDT methods can be adapted to automated production processes as well as to the inspection of localised problem areas.
ULTRASONIC INSPECTION (UT)
Ultrasonic methods of NDT use beams of mechanical waves (vibrations) of short wavelength and high-frequency, transmitted from a small probe and detected by the same or other probes. Such mechanical waves can travel large distances in fine-grain metal, in the form of a divergent wave with progressive attenuation.
The technique detects internal, hidden discontinuities that may be deep below the surface. Transducers and coupling wedges are available to generate waves of several types, including longitudinal, shear and surface waves. Applications range from thickness measurements of thin steel plate to internal testing of large turbine rotors.
Most non-porous, resilient materials used for structural purposes (steel, aluminium, titanium, magnesium and ceramics) can be penetrated. Even large cross-sections can be tested successfully for minute discontinuities.
Ultrasonic testing techniques are widely accepted for quality control and materials testing in many industries, including electric power generation, production of steel, aluminium and titanium, in the fabrication of airframes, jet engine manufacture and ship building
DYE PENETRANT INSPECTION (DPI)
This is a simple low-cost method of detecting surface-breaking flaws such as cracks, laps, porosity, etc. To be detected, the flaw must reach the surface to be tested.
It may be used on such materials as aluminum, magnesium, brass, copper, cast iron, steel, stainless steel, carbides, stellite, certain plastics and ceramics.
MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION (MPI)
This method is used for the detection of surface and near-surface flaws in ferromagnetic materials and is primarily used for crack detection. The specimen is magnetised either locally or overall, and if the material is sound the magnetic flux is predominantly inside the material. If, however, there is a surface-breaking flaw, the magnetic field is distorted, causing local magnetic flux leakage around the flaw. This leakage flux is displayed by covering the surface with very fine iron particles applied either dry or suspended in a liquid. The particles accumulate at the regions of flux leakage, producing a build-up which can be seen visually even when the crack opening is very narrow. Thus, a crack is indicated as a line of iron powder particles on the surface.
The method is applicable to all metals which can be strongly magnetised – ferritic steels and irons, but not generally austenitic steels.
WORKING AT HEIGHT SPECIALIST
Rope access systems are a safe, quick and efficient method of working at height and gaining access to and from the work position, and to be supported there.
Can replace the need for costly solutions like scaffolding, providing significant financial and time savings.
The advantage of using rope access methods mainly lies in the safety and speed with which workers can get to or from difficult locations in order to carry out their work, often with minimal impact on other operations, surrounding areas and the environment.
REFINERY, UK
Ultrasonic Erosion Assessment
Ultrasonic inspection project to monitor/assess internal erosion of a 170ft vessels pipework. A very complex job, utilising rope access to gain entry into a confined space with breathing apparatus. This project is a true testament to our ability to deliver exemplary results under time and financial pressure.
POWER PLANT, UK
Ultrasonic Erosion assessment
This particular project was interesting due to the very difficult work location. The client wanted an efficient and effective inspection without the use of scaffolding. We stayed within those boundaries throughout the whole process in order to ensure they were satisfied with the outcome.
GULF OF MEXICO
LMRP Magnetic Particle Inspection
Despite some unforeseen difficulties, this particular project was completed on time and within budget. It’s the perfect example of my dedication to deliver a quality product, no matter what complications arise, in order to ensure full client satisfaction.
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ATHOM INSPECTION
Roxby,
North East Lincolnshire,
United Kingdom.
DN15 0BN
+44 (0) 7730 039020