When you need to save overall costs, improve quality and want to be sure of reliable production or operating processes, NDT is the toolset you need. In every stage of the life cycle of your assets VLCYM can contribute with added value NDT services. Our NDT applications are endless, but a summary can be found below. It is important to use the correct method for the job.
STANDARD TESTING METHODS
Visual Inspection (VI)
Dye/Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
Manual Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
Radiographic Testing (RT)
Positive Material Identification (PMI)
Infrared Thermography
We can verify the integrity of the boat before the hull enters the water. We can also catch defects at any stage of manufacture, whilst the repair is still relatively inexpensive, unobtrusive and cost effective. Our full field inspections are able to inspect spars, fittings, hulls, decks and bulkheads. The most important aspect for us is to use the most effective method for the respective material and form.
Radiography - The Objective
Radiography is a Non-Destructive Examination method that uses X-ray and Gammaray for detecting internal imperfections, for measuring wall-thickness and for detection of corrosion.
Our Solution
Conventional Radiography involves the process where radioactive rays are directed at the object to be inspected, to pass through it and the resulting image is captured on a film. This film is in-turn processed and image displayed as a sequence of grey shades between black and white. With radiographic examination the material is exposed to a homogenous ray from a radioactive isotope or an X-ray tube, while a negative film is positioned behind the material to be examined. After development of the film, thickness and density differences (i.e. material imperfections) will show as blackness differences. Acceptance criteria define whether or not the indication is non-acceptable (a defect) or not. This method may result a little more expensive than other methods, but is really the only one that gives a clear picture of the problem. This leaves less to the interpretation of the inspector.
Application Range
Radiography encompasses sources such as X-rays, Gamma rays as well as newer methods such as real time radiography, computed radiography (CR) and computed tomography (CT). Not one solution can meet all radiographic needs. The right choice depends upon the application. Radiography is mainly used to test new welds and verify compliance but it is also used to detect corrosion in life plants.
Why VLCYM?
VLCYM has the knowledge, expertise and experience to perform conventional and advanced NDT examinations around the world, by combining our unique experience in both the inspection and nautical fields. Our background in yacht design and marine engineering allows us to inspect the objects with a clearer idea of where the problem may lie. By having a better idea of the design and construction processes, we are able to offer a more objective analysis to the results. We believe we are currently the only people in the marine industry offering the type of radiography we offer.
Forestay attachment being x-rayed on a carbon mast.
Rod rigging terminals being x-rayed. Cracking in the rod and stemhead is easy to detect with the slides.
Aluminium spreader ends being x-rayed. Note the slide and the iridium source.
Rod rigging terminals being analysed at the light table.
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