Visual Testing

Introduction

Visual Inspection, also known as Visual Testing (VT), is the oldest, most versatile, and most commonly used non-destructive test (NDT) method.

Used alone or in conjunction with other test methods, qualified visual inspection is a reliable and highly cost-effective tool for quality control.

Direct visual inspection applies proper lighting, measurement, and comparative tools with the experience of PRETECT qualified technicians to determine design compliance and conformance to drawings, codes and specification requirements.

Visual Inspection

• Requires little, if any, specialized equipment
• Has few limitations and wide applications
• Is commonly used for detection and interpretation surface flaws

Most all non-destructive test methods are enhanced or adapted visual inspections. Magnetic Particle, Liquid Penetrant, Ultrasound, Radiography, and other test methods use skilled visual evaluation of test results.

Application

Visual inspection can be used for internal and external surface inspection of a variety of equipment types, including storage tanks, pressure vessels, piping, and other equipment.

Some of the below services utilizing Visual Inspection.

• Castings, Forgings
• Pipe and Pipelines
• Material inspection
• Power Plants and oil refineries
• Storage Tanks
• Welding inspection

Benefits

• One of the biggest advantages of visual inspection is that it is low cost.
• It is also a quick method to verify the level of cleaning compliance.
• There is limited equipment needed to complete the job – a torch to see in darkened areas is about all you need