Vacuum Box Testing

Vacuum Box Testing is a test method that is used to detect leaks. It is a practical way of testing in comparison to the quantitative measures used to examine objects. Vacuum Box Testing can be used to test objects on which a pressure differential can be created across the area to be examined. The common application areas of Vacuum Box Testing include piping systems, pressure vessels, and storage tanks.

There are various types of boxes or frames used in Vacuum Box Testing depending upon the application area. Vacuum box inspection of lap welds, butt welds and fillet welds. These vacuum boxes are used to examine a small and specific portion of the welded area to produce accurate results. The vacuum boxes used in vacuum box testing are fabricated of thick, clear Perspex with a closed cell foam seal along the bottom edge.

Before proceeding with the vacuum box testing, a vacuum gauge and hose coupling are fitted in the box. Then a soapy solution is put on the line of welding in the testing object. After that the vacuum box is placed over the testing object and a vacuity is created inside the box. Now, the object is observed, if there any drop in the vacuum or bubble formation on the surface then it shows that there is leak in the weld and the object is defected or faulty.

Vacuum Box Testing is a very popular non-destructive testing method that is widely used to test various objects against defects, flaws, leaks, or other imperfections. It is very efficient and effective way of testing various welded objects for any kind of leaks or defects. There are basically two main types of Vacuum Box systems used for performing vacuum testing (a) High Pressure Models that are mainly used for inspection of above ground storage tanks that have been in service. (b) Low Pressure Models used for weld integrity checks on new tank builds where gross defects are the main concern.

Abcndt.com use Vacuum box testing in non-destructive and destructive testing methods to increase customer satisfaction and lower manufacturing costs. They cater to industries, such as automotive, aviation, construction, power plants, manufacturing, railways, military, and naval industry. ABC Testing Inc. have Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) doing welding inspections for steel, aluminum, specialized metals like Inconel, Monel and NiAlBrz, and many other alloys. The company uses approved procedures to specific industry standard. Browse through www.abcndt.com for more information.

Non-destructive testing is a proven technique used to discover equipment flaws

ABC Testing Inc is a leader in providing new non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques in the area of structural testing. Our processes are proven to discover flaws or weaknesses your equipment may have. Many of our non-destructive testing services are completed in state-of-the-art NDT laboratories. Below are some of the NDT services we offer.

Ultrasonic Testing

Using an ultrasonic flaw detector, our non-destructive testing technicians can provide instantaneous results to reveal the structural design intentions were met.
This technique is used in NDT laboratories to ascertain whether there are any incomplete fusion points, cracks inclusions within a particular structure. Email us to learn more about ultrasonic testing.

Ground Penetrating Radar

Ground penetrating radar is used to collect high resolution subsurface data. This highly effective, non-destructive examination (NDE) technique helps to eliminate mistakes that can occur while drilling.
With this procedure, our certified NDE technicians are able to get fast, accurate data about the quality of subsurface concrete structures that would otherwise be difficult to reach..

Liquid Penetrant

With non-magnetic materials (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, etc.) liquid penetrates are used to detect surface flaws that would be difficult to discover during a visual inspection.
Our non-destructive testing experts can apply various types of dye to a surface. This dye is then removed and replaced by a white developer that will act as a blotter, drawing out any remnants of the penitent that is left in voids in the structure. The penetrant stains the developer revealing the presence and location of surface breaking structural flaws.

Nondestructive Testing

Nondestructive testing (NDT) includes an extensive range of analysis techniques that are used to assess the physical attributes of a component or a system. Some of the most popular Nondestructive testing (NDT) methods include ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, eddy current, visual, leak testing, mechanical, welder/welding procedure qualification, Positive Material Identification, Hydrostatic, Ground Penetrating Radar, and Digital Imaging.

With the success rate of Nondestructive testing (NDT) methods, they have become an integral part of the forensic engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, systems engineering, medicine, and art. The three main things that play major role during Nondestructive testing are (1) Electromagnetic Radiation, (2) Sound, and (3) Inherent Properties of Materials to be tested.

The application areas where Nondestructive testing (NDT) is used include automotive, aviation, construction, power plants, manufacturing, railways, military, and naval industry. NDT has been proved extremely beneficial for product evaluation, troubleshooting, and research as it does not affect the object that being tested in any way. Some of the applied examples of Nondestructive testing are given below:

Weld Verification

The NTD or Nondestructive testing techniques used in welds testing include as industrial radiography using X-rays or gamma rays, ultrasonic testing, liquid penetrant testing or via eddy current and flux leakage. All these tests help to identify cracks in the surface area which are not visible to the naked eye. Welding technique is basically for joining metals, usually the metal joints or connection is prone to extra wear and tear during the product life therefore it is very important to ensure that welding is properly done and all the testing procedures are carefully conducted.

Radiography in Medicine

Radiography has been widely used to image parts or functions of the body. Some elements of human body act in response to radiographic inputs like x-rays or magnetic resonance which help the medical professionals to study the functionality of the human body. It is used to detect bone fractures and diseases and also examine the interior of mechanical systems. Radiography is majorly used in many types of medical treatments and due to its accurate and efficient results has become an integral part of the medical science.

Abcndt.com use reliable non-destructive and destructive testing methods to increase customer satisfaction and lower manufacturing costs. They cater to industries, such as automotive, aviation, construction, power plants, manufacturing, railways, military, and naval industry. ABC Testing Inc. have Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) doing welding inspections for steel, aluminum, specialized metals like Inconel, Monel and NiAlBrz, and many other alloys. Browse through www.abcndt.com for more information.

Ground Penetrating Radar

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a very popular non-destructive testing method that is used in industries dealing in geophysics. Although, there are many non destructive and destructive testing methods in this branch geology which includes study of physics of the earth and its atmosphere, including oceanography, seismology, volcanology, and geomagnetism but, Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is one of the most steadfast non-destructive testing method. In this highly reliable non-destructive testing method radar pulses are used to test the subsurface of rocks soil, ice, fresh water, pavements and structures.

Ground-penetrating radar, a non-destructive testing method in which electromagnetic radiation in the microwave band (UHF/VHF frequencies) of the radio spectrum are used test the subsurface structures. The signals reflected back from the tested subsurface structures help to detect metamorphism, voids, cracks, fractures, splits and fissures in the surface. In this non-destructive testing method, transmitting and receiving antennas are used to record the signals. The transmitting antenna transmits high-frequency radio waves in the form of short pulses which penetrate into the ground or tested subsurface structure. On the other hand, the receiving antenna record the signals reflected from the tested subsurface. The variation in the signals helps in generating results of the non-destructive testing procedure.

Working of non-destructive testing method – Ground penetrating radar

The penetration depth of radio waves is inversely proportional to the electrical conductivity of the subsurface structure. If the electric conductivity of the subsurface increases the penetration depth will automatically decrease. The depth range of Ground-penetrating radar is dependent on three things electrical conductivity of the subsurface, frequency of the transmitted centre, and the radiation power. The penetration depth of ice is very high up to several hundred meters. Dry sandy soils or massive dry materials such as granite, limestone, and concrete have average penetration depth in the range of 15 m. In moist and/or clay-laden soils the penetration depth in very low up to few centimetres only.

Applications areas of non-destructive testing method –Ground penetrating radar

There number of application areas where GPR, non-destructive testing method is widely used, such as:

• Earth sciences like geography, geology, or meteorology to study bedrock, soils, groundwater, and ice.
• Engineering applications like civil engineering for non-destructive testing of structures and pavements.
• Environmental remediation for identify landfills, contaminant plumes and other related sites.
• Archaeology for mapping archaeological features, such as graves, buildings, tools, pottery or other remaining material evidence.
• Military for the detection of mines, unexploded ordnance, and tunnels.

Contact www.abcndt.com, for ground penetrating radar of concrete structures. They use minimum equipment yet deliver instant, radiation free results.

Ultrasonic Testing

Ultrasonic Testing is a Nondestructive Testing (NDT) method but it is used in various application areas, such as aerospace, automotive and transportation sectors. It is used for the inspection of metals, components, assemblies and composite structures. The process of Ultrasonic Testing involves introducing ultrasonic pulse-waves into the testing object to identify internal defects or to distinguish materials.

The frequency range of the ultrasonic pulse-waves is somewhere between 0.1-15 MHz. Ultrasonic Testing helps to determine the thickness of the object and check things like pipework corrosion. When Ultrasonic testing is done on steel and other metals and alloys high frequency waves are penetrated into the object. In case of concrete, wood and composites less resolution frequency waves are launched into the object.

Ultrasonic Testing – Working Explained

An Ultrasonic Testing system is used for the inspection procedure. The system comprises of certain functional units like pulser/receiver, transducer, and display devices.

• Pulser/Receiver: It produce high voltage electrical pulses
• Transducer: It produce high frequency ultrasonic energy
• Display Devices: Reflects signal strength

The high voltage electrical pulses produced by pulser/receiver are driven to the transducer which in turn generates high frequency ultrasonic energy. This energy wave propagates through the test object in the form of waves. If there is some obstacle in the wave path like a crack then some part of the energy is reflected back. The reflected energy shows that there is a flaw in the surface of the test object. The transducer transforms the reflected wave signal into electrical signal and displays it on the screen of the display device. Imperfections or other conditions in the space between the transmitter and receiver reduces the time of transmission of the signal and reveal the presence of defects.

Advantages Ultrasonic Testing

• Ultrasonic testing makes detection of the deep rooted flaws easy due high frequency waves that penetrate into the testing object.
• Ultrasonic testing also allows to spot flaws that are extremely small and otherwise not visible due to the high sensitivity of ultrasonic pulse-waves.
• Ultrasonic testing requires access to only one surface to detect the flaws and transmit the results.
• Ultrasonic testing produces extremely accurate results in comparison to the other nondestructive methods.
• Ultrasonic testing helps to determine the in-depth internal flaws with easy and also identify thickness of parts with parallel surfaces.
• Ultrasonic testing helps to estimate the size, orientation, shape and nature of defects as well.
• Ultrasonic testing is a highly automated operation and is not affected by the surrounding equipment and materials in the area.

Industrial Radiography

Radiography is a procedure that helps to see objects that cannot be seen with naked eye. The use of electromagnetic radiation helps to view these objects without any hindrance. The concept of Radiography came into existence in 1895 when X-rays were discovered. Radiography soon became widely applicable in various areas for testing and inspection. Today, Industrial Radiography has become an integral part of nondestructive testing (NDT). The electromagnetic radiations penetrate deep into the object and help to inspect it from inside. The technology allows identifying the hidden flaws, and rectifying them at early stage.

Use of Industrial Radiography for Inspection of materials

Industrial Radiography is being widely used for testing and grading of welds of equipments to ensure their quality. It is used to carry out welding inspection in various areas and check the welds on pressurized piping, pressure vessels, high-capacity storage containers, pipelines, and other structural welds. While conducting a welding Inspection with radiography, it is advisable to inspect the component for any external defects. It is very difficult to inspect an irregular welded surface and identify internal defects.

Industrial Radiography can be used to inspect any flat or solid material, such as walls and floorings. It allows testing concrete and locating rebar or conduit and also inspecting pipe walls against anomalies that are caused because of corrosion and mechanical damages. Industrial Radiography is one of the most essential methodologies to maintain high quality standards and carry out welding inspection efficiently and effectively.

Industrial Radiography Equipment

Radiography (X-ray) or high energy X-ray machines are used in Industrial Radiography. These machines generate a radiograph of the object and show internal and external defects. The radiography is generated in variations of black, white and gray. These state-of-the-art machines also help to check the thickness variations and assembly details of inspected object. They are widely used in welding inspections and carry out the welding operations successfully.

Industrial Radiography Safety Precautions

Industrial Radiography is a critical task and involves use of high energy radiations and gamma rays; therefore, it is very important to take safety precautions for the people using this technology. Some of the safety tools used in Industrial Radiography inspections are radiation survey meter an alarming dosimeter, a gas-charged dosimeter, and a film badge or thermo-luminescent dosimeter (TLD). Use of these safety devices help to protect the radiographer against the injuries that can be caused due to overexposure to radioactive rays.

Need of Non-Destructive Testing

Non-Destructive testing methods is to increase customer satisfaction and lower manufacturing costs. Non-destructive tests use to detect variations in structure, minute changes in surface finish, the presence of cracks or other physical discontinuities, to measure the thickness of materials and coatings and to determine other characteristics of industrial products.

Non-destructive tests are performed:-
(1) Ensure product integrity, and reliability
(2) Prevent accidents and save human life
(3) Ensure customer satisfaction and maintain the manufacturer's reputation
(4) Control manufacturing processes
(5) Lower manufacturing costs
(6) Maintain uniform quality level

Visual examination

Visual examination is performed to check weld size and appearance. This test is perform to detect surface cracks, fusion between weld bead, gas hole, excessive undercut and more. It is used in conjunction with all other NDT methods. For visual examination required several CWI’s staff.

Visual Testing is a cost effective method used for quality control. A minimum of equipment is needed.

Many Non Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques used for the inspection of welding is surface crack detection. We shall briefly examine the two most common methods of surface crack detection, Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), sometimes referred to as Magnetic Particle Testing (MT).

non destructive testing application

NDT(non destructive testing) is used in a variety of settings that covers a wide range of industrial activity.

• Automotive
• Powerplants
• Construction
• Structures
• Bridges
• Maintenance
• Bridges
• Manufacturing
• Machine parts
• Castings and Forgings
• Industrial plants such as Nuclear, Petrochemical, Power, Refineries, Fabrication shops, Mine processing and Risk Based Inspection programmes.
• Pressure vessels
• Storage tanks
• Welds
• Boilers
• Heat exchangers
• Turbine bores
• In-plant Piping
• Pipelines
• Pipeline integrity
• Leak Detection
• Railways
• Rail Inspection
• Wheel Inspection

Ultrasonic Testing

Ultrasonic Testing (UT) uses high frequency sound energy to conduct examinations and make measurements. Ultrasonic inspection can be used for flaw detection/evaluation, dimensional measurements, material characterization, and more.

Advantages

1. High penetrating power, so that detection of flaws deep in the part.
2. High sensitivity, permitting the detection of extremely small flaws.
3. Greater accuracy than other nondestructive methods in determining the depth of internal flaws and the thickness of parts with parallel surfaces.
4. Some capability of estimating the size, orientation, shape and nature of defects.
5. Nonhazardous to operations and has no effect on equipment and materials in the vicinity.
6. Capable of portable or highly automated operation.

Adavantages of GPR

Advantages of GPR(Ground Penetrating Radar) :-

GPR is Cost effective technique.
GPR is Hi resolution, vertically and laterally.
GPR is used in Numerous areas of application.

working principal of GPR(Ground-Penetrating Radar)

Working Principal:-

GPR(Ground-Penetrating Radar) is a impulse radar system that has been designed to penetrate earth materials.The GPR unit provides a continuous real-time profile of subsurface features in soil and geologic deposits. In GPR radar transmits high frequency when we transient electromagentic wave then waves are refleted and diffracted by changes in conductivity and praprties.
By the time travel by waves is used for analyzied tand material type information.

Ground penetrating radar (GPR)

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method of collecting high resolution sub-surface data. There is no harmful radiation that will affect your personnel or the environment.

Ground Penetrating Radar Applications

• pipes and utilities
• tank and drum location
  
• concrete and rebar imaging and inspection
• landfill and burial trenches
• unmarked cemetery and grave location
• archaeological sudies
  

non destructive testing (NDT)

Non destructive testing (NDT) perform to determine the reliability and operational readiness of materials you are using whether you are in the automotive, aviation,construction,power plants, railways,military or haval industry.


Non destructive testing (NDT) testing include:-

Ultrasonic Testing:-This testing method include frequency waves detect thickness, cracks, cavities, gas holes, slag inclusions, incomplete fusion, incomplete penetration and lack of bond in a materials.

Radiographic Testing:- This testing include x-ray materials for hidden flaws to insure part reliability.

and many more like:- Magnetic Particle testing
Liquid Penetrant testing
Leak Testing
Positive Material Identification
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

X-Ray Aprons a New Way to Protect Against Radiation

X-ray aprons are an important part of any doctor’s wardrobe. Doctor’s that perform surgeries are constantly surrounded by large amounts of radiation. Surgeons rely heavily on the images that x-rays allow them to see. However, taking these x-rays can be extremely harmful to the physician’s health. The patients do not have to be nearly as cautious as the physicians because they are not surrounded by radiation as frequently as the surgeons.



One of the best ways for physicians to protect themselves from this radiation is to wear an x-ray apron. These aprons used to be traditionally only made out of lead, however newer alloys are being manufactured that are equally as protective. There are significant downsides to wearing x-ray aprons made of lead.



Lead while it is a great element for protecting against radiation it is extremely heavy. This can really pose a problem for physicians because in some cases they must wear these aprons for long spans of time. Lead has a very high density which why it is able to protect against x-rays so well. Unfortunately its dense nature also makes it very difficult to wear due to its weight. Physicians who have been wearing lead aprons for many years are now developing back problems from having the excessive weight on their bodies for extended periods of time.



Doctors have begun to demand a better solution to radiation protection. While they know that x-ray aprons are a necessity to their work they have asked for a more ergonomically feasible solution to this problem. New technologies have come to light to help these physicians in during these long procedures. New x-ray aprons have begun development from several manufactures that are significantly lighter than their lead counterparts.

These new aprons contain other protective agents to shield from harmful radiation. These new alloys are significantly lighter than the traditional lead x-ray apron. While they are lighter they do protect from radiation at the same rate and in some cases can actually protect better than the old lead aprons. Old aprons that are made of lead should be replaced by these ergonomically suitable substitutes. Doctors are taking on unnecessary risks if they continue to use their old lead x-ray aprons. Upgrading to a new x-ray apron is highly recommended to most surgeons that are wearing the apron for a long period of time. However, there are also concerns for disposal of the old lead aprons since they cannot be simply disposed of in the trash.



Physicians should always dispose of old lead x-ray aprons properly by sending them to a recycling plant. It is vital that doctors take this precaution when getting rid of their old apron because of the contamination factor of lead. This is just another benefit of the newer x-ray aprons. Since they are not made from harmful materials themselves, such as lead, they do not need special disposal procedures. These new elements are not harmful to the environment and will not contaminate areas liked lead will. Physicians should make the switch to a new x-ray apron that is not made from lead if they haven’t already, for both their sake and the environments.



About the Author: Stephen Is CEO of Medical Equipment Today a website updating physicians of the latest medical equipment or more information on x-ray aprons



Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=274597&ca=Medical+Business

Points To Remember For Home Improvement

After many years of living in the same house, there may be a time when the house will need a facelift. Some parts of the house may need some renovation, while other parts may need some remodeling. All this work is collectively called home improvement of the house.

A home improvement project has to be thought of clearly to be successful without any confusion. Consider what part of the work you think you can do by yourself, without the help of the constructor, like perhaps the painting of the newly added room. You can also lower home improvement costs by considering less expensive alternatives when additions are being designed. For example, choose between a prefabricated fireplace unit and a traditional masonry. Plan all the work that you can do, before giving the contract to the constructor as additional changes made after the contract only leads to additional charges. It is always better to schedule your home improvement schedule to be completed in an off time period of the year. Like it is cheaper installing central air conditioning in winter and not in summer!

If you intend to take on the home improvement project on your own, you have to make sure you have the essential tools for the respective jobs. It is also necessary to be experienced in using the tools, lest you end up with injuries if the equipment is not used correctly. You may find a few home improvement tips on the Internet; but these tips are only feasible for minor repairs. However, it is very important that you have the skills to do the home improvement job. You should undertake any intricate work or a job that needs a high degree of craftsmanship only if you possess the necessary competence. However, it is always better to hire a professional as they will supervise the job from start to finish, and do it at a much better time than you would have taken to do it on your own!

The first thing that has to be done to get a good contractor is, to look around for a good contractor! Good contractors have a fine reputation, and do not mind entering into a contract. It is always better to have an idea of what home improvement you want to be done, before looking for a contractor. Then get recommendations for contractors through friends, neighbors and co-workers. It is always better to approach not one, but 3 to 4 contractors to get estimates of the job to be done. On meeting them, get written estimates for the same work from all of them, to make comparisons. If you want, you can also get references from them, to be contacted. You can then approach the references to find out how the contractors work is.

Once you are satisfied with the contractor, you have to get a written and complete contract. Include the contractors name, address, the total cost of the job, the start and completion date and a description of the project, including the materials to be used, the changes in the order and a written statement giving you the right to cancel the contract within three business days. Add a broom clause in the contract that makes the contractor responsible for all cleanup work of the job, including spills and stains. If you feel that there is something wrong with the contract, it is better to contact an attorney before signing.

Once the contractor is chosen, you have to choose your finance options. If you have cash, then it is fine. Otherwise, you will have to get a home improvement loan that are available in many banks. Consider the interest rates and the benefits of various banks before actually settling down to a choice for your home improvement project. Once the loan is sanctioned, it is always better to avoid paying cash to the contractor. Instead, pay by check and try to limit the down payment. Then make payments during the length of the project contingent on the completion of a definite amount of work. Always keep the final payment and the signing of the affidavit till you are satisfied with the work done, and that you are sure that all the subcontractors and suppliers have been paid.

Instead of getting the contractor to buy all the material, you can supply the materials. In this way, you can shop for materials that are on sale. You are likeable to find building supply stores having various items like tile or wood flooring on sale at one time or the other, due to overstocks or any other factor. If you have the time you could also consider doing the light demolition, painting, garbage removal and landscaping work of the home improvement project. By doing so, you save the money you would have had to pay for labor. Keep all these home improvement tips in mind as it is greatly going to help you in your next major home improvement project!

About the Author

Gregg Forscher founder of Discount Web

Content Provider offers website content

at low membership cost for keywords of

your choice such as

articles for your home improvement site.

http://discountwebcontentprovider.com

Article Source: Content for Reprint