NDE Capability

Webco’s goal is to provide the highest quality product possible to the customer. Our extensive and comprehensive suite of testing methodologies helps ensure compliance to your specifications. We are also capable of testing well beyond specification when a customer’s needs call for it.

Nondestructive Testing Methods

  • Electromagnetic
  • Eddy Current
  • Ultrasonics
  • Radiological
  • Leak Testing
  • Bubble Testing
  • Pressure Change

Personnel
Level I and Level II Technicians certified in accordance with Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A. ASNT Level III on staff.

Full Body Eddy Current Testing (Standard)
Full body eddy current testing is performed to ASTM A450 or A1016 requirements and in accordance with practice E 309 for ferromagnetic products as well as practice E 426 for non-magnetic products.

The eddy current test method employs an encircling test coil that combines exciter and sensor capabilities. The tubular product is examined as it passes through the center of the coil in a longitudinal direction. Alternating current is passed through the exciter portion of the coil, which due to the close proximity, induces corresponding eddy currents to flow in the tubular product. The sensor portion of the coil detects the resultant electromagnetic flux related to the eddy currents. Discontinuities in the tubular product disrupt the natural flow of eddy currents. The sensor detects this disruption and generates an indication signal.

The system is calibrated to a reference standard (a sample tube of the same size and material as the product to be tested). The reference standard contains machined artificial discontinuities. Shape and dimensions of the discontinuities are closely controlled to specification requirements.

The reference standard is passed through the test coil at the same speed as the intended production. The magnitude of the signal produced by the artificial discontinuities is adjusted to a threshold level.

During normal production, any discontinuity in the tubular product that produces a signal equal to or greater than the established threshold will activate a combination of audio and visual indications as well as signal location marking and sorting systems.

Weld Zone Ultrasonic Testing
Weld zone ultrasonic testing is performed to ASTM A450 or A1016 requirements and in accordance with practice E 273. The weld zone ultrasonic test method employs multiple transducers, positioned in static locations on opposite sides of the weld seam. The transducers utilize piezoelectric crystals that transmit and receive sound. An electrical impulse is sent to the crystal, causing it to vibrate at a specific frequency and emit a beam of ultrasonic waves.

A coupling, typically water, is used to transfer the beam to the tube. The beam enters the tube wall at an angle and travels through the weld seam, reflecting from the inner wall to the outer wall as it proceeds. A discontinuity in the weld zone will reflect some of the beam back to the transducer crystal, which causes it to vibrate. The vibration is converted back to an electrical impulse, providing an indication on an electronic display.

The system is calibrated to a reference standard (a sample tube of the same size and material as the product to be tested). The reference standard contains machined artificial discontinuities. Shape and dimensions of the discontinuity are closely controlled to specification requirements.

The transducers are carefully positioned on the reference standard in relation to the artificial discontinuities. The magnitude of the signal produced by the artificial discontinuities is adjusted to a threshold level.

During normal production, a discontinuity in the weld zone that produces a signal equal to or greater than the established threshold will activate a combination of audio and visual indications as well as signal location marking and sorting systems.

Full Body Ultrasonic Testing
Full body ultrasonic testing is performed to ASTM A450 or A1016 requirements and in accordance with practice E 213. The full body ultrasonic test method employs multiple transducers, positioned on opposite sides of the tube that rotate around the tube at high speed. The transducers utilize piezoelectric crystals that transmit and receive sound. An electrical impulse is sent to the crystal, causing it to vibrate at a specific frequency and emit a beam of ultrasonic waves.

A coupling, typically water, is used to transfer the beam to the tube. The beam enters the tube wall at an angle and travels around the tube, reflecting from the inner wall to the outer wall as it proceeds. A discontinuity in the tube wall will reflect some of the beam back to the transducer crystal, which causes it to vibrate. The vibration is converted back to an electrical impulse, providing an indication on an electronic display.

The system is calibrated to a reference standard (a sample tube of the same size and material as the product to be tested). The reference standard contains machined artificial discontinuities. Shape and dimensions of the discontinuity are closely controlled to specification requirements. The reference standard is passed through the rotating transducers. The magnitude of the signal produced by the artificial discontinuities is adjusted to a threshold level.

During normal production, any discontinuity in the tubular product that produces a signal equal to or greater than the established threshold will activate a combination of audio and visual indications as well as signal location marking and sorting systems.

Radiological Testing
Radiological testing involves exposing the test part to penetrating radiation, and generating an image that is displayed digitally or processed on film. Testing is performed to ASTM E1255 or customer specification.

Leak Testing
Webco has a full range of leak testing capabilities to meet your needs, including AUW, Pressure Differential, and Hydrostatic Testing. We continue to expand our testing services to meet or exceed your needs.

Air Under Water (AUW)
Air Under Water Testing uses a liquid immersion technique in which a length of tube is submerged in water. If through-wall openings exist, bubbles are formed at the exit point of gas leakage and tend to rise toward the surface of the immersion bath. Testing is performed to ASTM A1016, A450 or customer specification.

Pressure Differential
Pressure differential testing utilizes an electronic control device to measure the drop in pressure over time as a result of gas escaping from inside one tube when compared to another tube at an identical pressure. The electronic control device controls all operations of the test; automated pass/fail results are determined by a comparison of the data input from pressure transducers, with a standard accept/reject criterion measured over the set test time. Testing is performed to ASTM 1047 or customer specification.

Hydrostatic Testing
Hydrostatic testing involves filling the tube or pipe with a liquid, normally water, then applying and holding a specified pressure to the inside diameter over the set test time. Any signs of leakage constitute a rejection. Testing is performed to ASTM A1016, A450, or customer specification.

Resources

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