NDT Inspection Services:
Buffalo is equipped to handle NDT & inspections on a broad range of hoisting equipment including fork-lifts, mobile truck cranes, overhead industrial cranes, manlifts & baskets, and any component where stress and fatigue handling are critical to uninterrupted operation.
Magnetic Testing (MT) for Lifting Equipment
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI or MT) is an extension of visual inspection. This critical technique for non-destructive testing (NDT) is used for the detection of surface and near-surface flaws (discontinuities) in ferromagnetic materials.
A magnetic field is applied to the test piece, either locally or overall, using a permanent magnet, electromagnet, flexible cables or hand-held prods. If the material is sound, most of the magnetic flux is concentrated below the material’s surface. However, if a flaw is present, such that it interacts with the magnetic field (disturbs it), the flux is distorted locally and “leaks” from the surface of the specimen in the region of the flaw.
We can detect this leak by applying fine magnetic particles to the surface of the specimen. These particles are attracted to the area of the “flux leakage” creating a visible indication that there is a flaw. The materials commonly used for this purpose are black iron particles and red or yellow iron oxides. In some cases, the iron particles are coated with a fluorescent material enabling them to be easily viewed under an ultraviolet lamp (black light) in darkened conditions.
Mobile MT Inspection Services
Our portable power packs, yokes and equipment provide the foundation for Buffalo Inspection Services to provide fast and reliable magnetic particle examinations with a multitude of approved techniques. These include visible and fluorescent in both wet & dry formats and can be performed just as easily in a fabrication shop or out in the field.
Liquid Penetration Testing (PT)
A number of different liquid penetrant inspection systems are used in the non-destructive testing (NDT )industry today. Fluorescent penetrants are normally used when the maximum flaw sensitivity is needed. However, these penetrants must be viewed under darkened conditions using an ultraviolet light source (black light). This may not always be practical, so the more commonly used LPI systems used are solvent removable or water washable red dye systems (Visible Contrast). These systems typically are comprised of three components, being 1) a cleaning fluid, 2) the dye penetrant, and 3) the developer. These systems, regardless of type, are often used to check weld quality during fabrication.
Despite being one of the most popular NDT methods, liquid penetrant testing (examination) is often incorrectly conducted. Test surfaces are not cleaned adequately, the contact time (dwell times) between the penetrant and the test surfaces are too short, or the excess penetrant is removed carelessly (i.e. from the flaws and discontinuities as well as from the test surface). For these reasons, Buffalo Inspection Services ensures that our technicians whom carry out liquid penetrant inspections are trained and certified to CGSB and ASNT/SNT-TC-1A.
Visual Inspections (VT) for Lifting Equipment
As the need became more and more prominent for visual inspection, Buffalo Inspection Services rose to the challenge and formed our own Visual Inspection Department.
Visual inspection is one of the most important inspection methods. All successful NDT and Quality Systems start with a good visual inspection program. This inspection starts before welding even takes place to ensure the proper material (such as steel, tools and equipment) fit the requirements of the job. Visual inspection continues through the entire job by ensuring the welders are using the proper welding procedure(s), that rod ovens are at the proper temperatures, and the quality of the weld in process.
Visual inspection is also used for verifying the quality of the finished product. This can include such factors as dimensional checks, proper heat numbers, and a visual assessment of the quality of the weld itself. Visual inspection can enhance the efficiency as well as the quality of all jobs and is an essential part of the building and fabrication process.
Advantages of Visual Inspections
- Inspection performed rapidly and at low cost
- Ability to inspect complex sizes and shapes of any material
- Minimum part preparation required
Limitations of Visual Inspections
- Surfaces being inspected must be accessible to inspectors or visual aids
- Surface finish, roughness and cleanliness can interfere with inspection
- Only surface defects are detectable
24/7 Lifting Equipment Call Out Inspections – 780.975.6475
Buffalo’s dispatch is ready to take your call for all of your lifting equipment NDT inspection needs.
Buffalo Inspection Services Offices
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