NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING (NDT)

Non-destructive testing (NDT) uses analysis techniques to evaluate the condition of materials, plant and equipment without causing damage. These non-destructive inspections run across the asset life cycle, from manufacturing, investigation of damage or failures, through to testing during planned downtime, providing the ability to detect flaws like cracks and corrosion below the material’s surface while assets stay in service or at reduced capacity. 

Rapallo’s NATA accredited ISO 17025 NDT department advises on the most suitable NDT methods for your situation and equipment. Our certified NDT technicians and inspectors apply materials technology principles to protect critical assets, support quality assurance and reduce unplanned downtime, while providing unambiguous information on the condition of your assets.

Our NDT Services

• Visual Testing (VT): Inspection of welds, castings, forgings and rolled products with the naked eye to confirm if further testing is needed.
• Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI): A magnetic field draws particles to surface flaws in iron, steel and ferromagnetic materials. Also known as magnetic particle testing.
• Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UT): High-frequency sound waves measure material thickness and detect weld discontinuities in pressure vessels, tanks and pipework, as well as many other applications.
• Dye Penetrant Testing (PT): Liquid penetrant reveals surface discontinuities in non-ferrous and composite materials, with fluorescent dye illuminated under ultraviolet light. Also called liquid penetrant testing.
• Radiographic Testing (RT): X-ray radiography creates images of a component’s internal structure, detecting subsurface flaws that other NDT methods can’t as reliably detect; this method has special use cases.
• Thermal Imaging: Our FLIR T335 camera (Kalgoorlie office) runs thermography tests (infrared testing) to find hot spots in electrical boxes, bearings and motors before critical failures occur.
• Acoustic Emission Testing (AE): Rapallo is one of the very few providers in WA. It monitors sound waves to locate failure points, including AS 2550 inspections of fibreglass crane booms, and can test large areas as well as pinpoint locations for further testing through triangulation.
• Eddy-current Testing (ET):  An induced magnetic field detects surface and near-surface flaws in conductive materials such as heat exchanger tubing, welds and pipework, with no surface preparation required. Also known as electromagnetic testing.
• Specialised NDT Methods: Our asset integrity engineers can recommend the right NDT techniques for your project.

Why NDT Matters

• Detects cracks, corrosion and weld discontinuities while equipment keeps running.
• Critical for safety and quality assurance in oil, gas, mining, construction and manufacturing.
• Prevents costly leaks and failures.
• Extends asset lifespan through regular inspection.
• Helps maintain Australian Standard compliance requirements within the industry.

Standards and Compliance

NDT supports compliance across many industries and follows recognised non-destructive testing standards. Non-destructive testing is used for inspections where it is non-negotiable to meet State regulations, such as for the testing of lifting equipment in alignment with Australian Standards AS 2550. Conversely, NDT is commonly used in instances where it’s not required to meet any regulations, as it provides a cost effective way to inspect and gain information on an assets condition. 

Our NDT team holds certifications including PCN, issued by BINDT (the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing) and accredited to ISO 9712, and our work is performed in line with the relevant Australian Standards for each test method, such as AS 1171 (magnetic particle testing), AS 2062 (penetrant testing), AS 2207 and AS 2452.3 (ultrasonic testing of welds and thickness determination) and AS 2177 (radiography of welded joints). 

The Wider Field of NDT

Rapallo’s Non-destructive examination department can provide eight of the most common types of method. Beyond Rapallo’s services, the field also includes leak testing for pressurised systems, guided wave testing, microwave testing and ground penetrating radar. Drones are increasingly being developed to support NDT inspections ; resulting in reduced costs where scaffolding might be required for access, keeping inspectors away from hazardous areas, and out of confined spaces. Rapallo is regularly keeping an eye on the development of new technologies and evaluating the benefit they can provide to our clients.

Contact Rapallo to discuss your NDT requirements: (08) 6279 0900