Our vast experience provides a broad range of inspection capabilities from general nondestructive examinations to specialized component inspection services using a variety of NDE techniques. Continue to learn more about these testing options.
Ultrasonic Testing
Inspection with Zetec’s UltraVision software
We routinely apply several different types of ultrasonic techniques in order to optimize detection and sizing performance.
Ultrasonic sound, generally generated by piezo-electric crystals, is used to perform volumetric inspections, such as thickness measurement and detect and size defects in materials. Various modes of sound propagation and methods of signal processing provide volumetric information to the inspector.
Methods such as Back Scattering, Time Of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) and Phased Array with/without Total Focusing Method – Full Matrix Capture are commonly used by us.
Our unique capability to design and manufacture ultrasonic & eddy current probes allows us to combine several types of ultrasonic transducers in a single package, as well as combine the UT abilities with other inspection techniques.
Eddy Magnifi software
Eddy Current Testing
Eddy Current methods are used for detection of cracks and irregularities on the surface of conductive materials. The method is very sensitive for detection of cracks where the opening to the surface is very small, i.e. very tight.
Our unique capability to design and manufacture Ultrasonic and Eddy Current Probes allows us to combine several types of transducers in a single package, as well as combine the ET/EC abilities with other inspection techniques.
Should a detected indication need characterization (i.e. scratch or crack) and/or sizing; methods such as Eddy Current or the WesDyne Sweden Replica technique A-VT can be applied.
Remote Visual Testing
In our tooling inventory, we entertain a large amount of qualified camera systems and tools for different inspection applications.
Laser modules are commonly used for providing references in order to size and measure foreign objects and indications.
Camera handling and positioning can be performed by submarines, mechanized platforms or manually (using e.g. handling poles), depending on needs.
We have extensive experience in Visual Inspection/Testing (VT) in Nuclear Power Plants; both Boiling Water Reactors (BWR) and Pressure Water Reactors (PWR) and we routinely perform virtually all kinds of visual inspections of internal components of the Reactor Pressure Vessel.
In addition to standard visual inspections, WesDyne has developed and qualified a generic visual inspection procedure (VT-01) for use at Swedish nuclear power plants. The development was made in close collaboration with the Swedish nuclear industry and power plants. The VT-01 procedure allows for reliable detection of cracks down to a width of 20 µm and a length of ≥5 mm.
View and download product flysheet (pdf)
Replica Molding
Replica Molding
WesDyne Sweden has developed a system for the application of Replica Molding Visual Inspection /Testing (VT) booth in open air and under water.
A rubber component is molded onto the surface to be inspected. When the rubber has hardened it can be peeled off from the surface and examined under microscope.
A mould is customized for a specific purpose and applied on the component with a tool. Depending on the position of the area to inspect, the mould can be applied either manually using handling poles or by help from manipulators.
Depending on temperature and choice of resin used, the cure time is between 5 – 30 minutes. The mould is then brought to the surface for analysis. The mould can easily be cleaned from loose particles or agent before examination.
The replica is analyzed under a stereo-microscope for best depth perception. The technique has been validated for the detection of defects (open to the surface) with widths ≥3.0 µm and with lengths ≥1.5 mm.
View and download product flysheet (pdf)
Penetrant testing technique
Penetrant Testing
Penetrant Testing (PT) is used to find surface breaking defects. PT inspection is suitable for a wide variety of materials.
This method makes use of the capillary action principle. A liquid dye with low viscosity is applied to the test piece. Due to its low viscosity, it penetrates into surface-breaking discontinuities. After allowing adequate penetration time, the excess penetrant liquid is rinsed off. After drying, a developer is applied. The developer reveals the penetrant dye in the defect, making it visible for the inspector.
Penetrant Testing is a widely used process to detect surface breaking defects. WesDyne has a proven portfolio of projects making this manual process mechanized and remotely operated.
Click here to view Video of PT robot.
Top – An underwater scan of bolt assembly Bottom – Same bolt as a fully-measurable CAD file
3D Surface Measurement
WesDyne has extensive knowledge of three-dimensional (3D) measurement and inspection of components in the nuclear industry. Using internally developed equipment as well as customized field-ready scanners we have developed methods and algorithms for data collection and evaluation.
3D imaging is a very accurate method for collecting data on a certain components actual dimensions, instead of relying on as-built drawings which may or may not be representative of the actual geometry.
Some of the benefits are:
Accurate measurement tool; even for complex/ variable surfaces.
Covers smaller and larger volumes, without tooling re-design.
Allows for rapid CAD-modeling of object being measured – useful for applied tooling design (such as EDM-/repair tools).
Cycle-to-cycle characterization and tracking indications.
Model and track component degradation over time using comparative software.
Camera view of remote operated PT inspection
Other Techniques
Beside UT, ET, VT, Replica Molding (RMT), Penetrant Testing and 3D Surface Measurement techniques, we also have capabilities and personnel with SS-EN ISO 9712 and/or ASNT certificates within PT testing.
These methods are something we use both manually and together with remote operated manipulators in many industries. Mechanized PT inspections have been especially valuable to many of our customers in combination with repair activities.