covers welding processes, inspection, and metallurgy essential for refinery equipment. Inspectioneering Core Topics Covered in 2020/2021 Inspection Technology Technical articles from this era typically focus on: Visual Inspection (VT)
The environmental and time costs associated with chemical film processing led to a major transition toward CR and DR.
The benefits of non-contact inspection were particularly evident in the 2020 work on for wire + arc additive manufactured (WAAM) samples, published in Ultrasonics . The LU system, comprising a pulsed laser and a laser interferometer, achieved non-contact inspection of artificial defects—cracks, flat-bottom holes, and through-holes—without requiring surface machining. This approach is ideal for additively manufactured components and high-value parts where surface preparation is impractical. Research on finite element simulation of laser-generated ultrasonic waves for quantitative detection of internal weld defects, published in Optik (DOI: 10.1016/j.ijleo.2020.165361), enabled detailed analysis of the interaction between laser-generated Rayleigh waves and internal defects. welding inspection technology 2020 pdf 2021
Prioritizes volumetric testing (RT and UT) due to the high pressures and hazardous materials transported through cross-country pipelines and chemical processing vessels.
PAUT wasn't new in 2020, but the accessibility of portable, tablet-based PAUT devices exploded. Inspectors could now map weld discontinuities in 3D and share the raw data instantly. The LU system, comprising a pulsed laser and
The rapid technological shift necessitated updates in international standards. The period saw significant updates in ISO and ASME codes regarding the acceptance of digital inspection methods. Publications in 2021 detailed new guidelines for data storage, calibration of digital equipment, and the qualification of personnel in automated systems. These updates were critical; they transformed cutting-edge technology from a novelty into a legally compliant, standard operating procedure.
Welding inspection technology cannot exist in a vacuum; it is governed strictly by international standards and specific industrial requirements. Prioritizes volumetric testing (RT and UT) due to
: The digital books feature high-resolution graphics. These help inspectors spot tiny weld flaws easily. Top NDT Technologies (2020–2021)
| Standard | Title / Scope | Key Application | |---|---|---| | | Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination | Unified method for specifying NDT information | | AWS D1.1/D1.1M (including 2020 updates) | Structural Welding Code—Steel | Inspector qualifications, acceptance criteria, and NDT procedures | | AWS B4.0‑AMD 1:2021 | Standard Methods for Mechanical Testing of Welds | Test apparatus, specimen preparation, and procedures | | AWS B2.1/B2.1M:2021 | Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification | Welding procedure and performance qualification | | ISO 17635:2016 (tracked changes edition) | Non-destructive testing of welds — General rules for metallic materials | Selection of NDT methods and evaluation of results | | ISO 17640:2017 | Non-destructive testing of welds — Ultrasonic testing | Manual ultrasonic weld inspection | | ISO 13588:2019 | Non-destructive testing of welds — Ultrasonic testing — Use of automated phased array technology | PAUT application guidelines | | ISO 10863:2020 | Non-destructive testing of welds — Ultrasonic testing — Use of time-of-flight diffraction technique (TOFD) | TOFD method for weld inspection | | AWS Z49.1:2021 | Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes | Safety and health in the welding environment, including NDT |