Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Plugs are engineered to allow repeat access for EPA/OSHA inspection and process safety management.
Plugs can be installed on insulated and non-insulated pipe, storage tanks, pressure vessels and petrochemical, oil and gas, steam and nuclear power generation facilities.
Engineered NDT2 inspection plugs consist of an elastomer sleeve, metal handle, metal cap, lanyard* and locking ring.
The elastomer sleeve consists of ethylene propylene (EPDM) or silicone (higher temps).
The metal caps can be 304 stainless steel or 5052 aluminum depending on the application.
* Note: lanyards are particularly useful in overhead conditions to prevent the cap from falling if dropped.
Regular access to pipes and equipment benefits areas of process safety management:
Safety NDT inspection plugs allow inspectors to safely access the inside of insulated pipes and equipment without removing the insulation. This helps to ensure the safety of the piping system.
Accuracy NDT inspection plugs help to ensure that thickness measurements are accurate. They also standardize the location of thickness measurements, which helps to protect the integrity of inspection data.
Time NDT inspection plugs reduce the time required for periodic inspections and tests. Once installed, access often.
Corrosion NDT inspection plugs provide a seal that can help protect against corrosion under insulation (CUI), chemical and UV exposure.
Thickness Measurement Location (TML) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT) labels are essential for identifying inspection points in various nondestructive testing (NDT) applications.
Material and Coating:
Material: 3.5 mil matte silver mylar polyester.
Coating: 1.0 mil UV laminate. This coating resists degradation from scuffing, chemicals, moisture, and wide temperature fluctuations.
Adhesive Properties:
Type: High-performance acrylic adhesive.
Features: Provides excellent bonding to metals, HSE plastics, and a variety of painted and textured surfaces.
It also has low-leachable chloride, fluoride, and sulfur, which is important for preventing contamination.
Temperature Resistance:
Continuous Temperature Range: -40°F (-40°C) to 300°F (149°C).
Minimum Application Temperature: 58°F (14°C).
Label Variants and Warnings:
Labels come with various inscriptions such as “DO NOT REMOVE, NDT Inspection Point,” “TML Location, Do Not Remove,” and “UT Location, Do Not Paint.”
These warnings ensure proper handling and identification of the inspection points.
These specifications ensure that TML and UT labels are durable and effective in harsh environments, making them suitable for various industrial applications such as in petroleum refining, chemical processing, and power generation.
Digital Radiography: The use of digital imaging techniques for radiographic testing, which offers improved sensitivity and resolution compared to traditional film-based methods.
Eddy Current Testing (ECT): ECT is widely used for surface and near-surface defect detection, and advancements in probe design and signal processing have increased its applicability.
Phased Array Ultrasonics: This is a specialized ultrasonic testing technique that employs multiple small ultrasonic elements to steer and focus sound waves, allowing for rapid scanning and defect characterization.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning: CT scanning is a powerful technique that provides 3D images of internal structures, making it valuable for inspecting complex components and composite materials.
Infrared Thermography: This technique uses thermal imaging to detect variations in temperature, which can indicate defects or anomalies in materials.
Acoustic Emission Testing (AE): AE is used for continuous monitoring and detection of active defects, crack growth, or structural integrity of components under stress.
Guided Wave Testing (GWT): GWT is used for long-range inspection of pipes, plates, and other structures, allowing for the assessment of large areas from a single probe position.
Electromagnetic Testing (ET): ET includes methods like Magnetic Particle Testing and Eddy Current Testing, which are used for surface and subsurface defect detection.
NDT in Additive Manufacturing: With the growing use of additive manufacturing (3D printing) in various industries, there is an increasing demand for NDT techniques to ensure the quality of printed components.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) evaluates the properties of materials, components, or systems without causing damage. NDT Inspection Plugs (Seals / Ports) ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of equipment and structures while allowing continuous monitoring.
1. Access Point for Inspection: The plug provides an access point for technicians to perform various NDT procedures. Depending on the type of test being conducted, this might involve inserting probes, sensors, or other equipment through the plug.
2. Seal and Insulate: Once inspections are done, the plug can be closed to maintain the integrity of the system or structure it’s installed on. This often means it needs to have properties such as resistance to high temperatures, certain chemicals, or pressure to ensure the system remains safe and functional.
3. Repeated Use: A key feature of NDT inspection plugs is that they can be opened and closed multiple times.
This allows for regular inspections over the lifespan of a structure or piece of equipment without the need to create new access points each time.
4. Minimize Heat Loss: In thermal systems or those with insulation, an NDT inspection plug can be designed to minimize heat loss.
After the inspection is done, the plug is replaced, ensuring that the insulation’s efficiency isn’t compromised.
5. Safety: The plug should be designed to ensure the safety of the technicians. This might involve features that prevent accidental opening or ensuring that, when opened, there aren’t risks associated with sudden releases of pressure or exposure to harmful substances.
