Frequently Asked Questions – Inspection, Testing and Certification
What does Inspekt do?
Inspekt offers inspection, testing, and certification services for industries such as energy, infrastructure, construction, marine, and offshore, among others. Our services include non-destructive testing (NDT), ped inspection, welder certification and WPQR, concrete inspection, material testing, and Marine & Offshore services. Inspekt operates in numerous locations across Sweden and Norway, ready to assist with both local assignments and larger projects.
Where is Inspekt?
Inspekt operates in a large number of locations in Sweden and Norway. Through Inspekt Sweden, Inspekt Norway, Inspekt Molab, and Elop Technology, we combine local presence with specialist expertise in several technical fields. This means that a customer can gain access to expertise from the entire group through a single point of contact.
Is Inspekt accredited?
Yes, parts of Inspekt's operations are conducted under accreditation. For example, Inspekt Sweden AB's NDT operations are accredited by SWEDAC in accordance with SS-EN ISO/IEC 17025. The accreditation applies to the methods, standards, and applications included in the current scope of accreditation. Inspekt Norway conducts NDT within a quality management system certified according to ISO 9001.
Can Inspekt carry out assignments outside Sweden and Norway?
Yes. Inspekt's organization and service offering are tailored for both local and larger Nordic and international projects. Within Marine & Offshore, for example, we work with services related to ships, shipyards, and offshore operations where international regulations and classification requirements are often central.
Ordering and practical questions
How do I know which NDT method I need?
You don't always need to know it before you contact Inspekt. Describe the component or structure, the material, what needs to be inspected, and any applicable standard or customer requirements. Our technicians can then help assess the appropriate testing method and scope.
What information does Inspekt need to provide a quote for NDT?
For a quick assessment, it is good to specify what is to be tested, materials, dimensions and wall thickness, number of welds or components, current standard and acceptance criteria, desired testing method, and where and when the work is to be performed. Drawings, weld lists, and relevant specifications facilitate the quotation process.
Can Inspekt help with urgent NDT needs?
Inspekt operates in several locations across Sweden and Norway and can combine local resources with expertise from other parts of the organization. The possibility of rapid mobilization depends on method, competence requirements, location, and current resource allocation.
Can Inspekt be responsible for several different testing methods within the same project?
Yes, Inspekt works with several NDT methods and specialist areas and can therefore put together a solution with, for example, VT, MT, PT, UT, PAUT, and RT depending on the project's requirements. This can simplify planning, resource coordination, and reporting for the customer.
How do I order an inspection or test from Inspekt?
Contact Inspekt with a brief description of the assignment, location, desired time, and any standard or customer requirements. Through Inspekt's central contact, the inquiry can be forwarded to the correct specialist or local department in Sweden or Norway.
What is Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)?
Non-destructive testing, NDT, is a method for examining materials, welds, and components without damaging them. The testing is used to find, for example, cracks, lack of fusion, pores, corrosion, and other discontinuities. NDT is used in fields such as manufacturing, energy, the process industry, steel structures, piping systems, pressure equipment, and marine and offshore applications.
What NDT methods does Inspekt offer?
Inspekt works with a wide range of NDT methods, including visual testing (VT), penetrant testing (PT), magnetic particle testing (MT), ultrasonic testing (UT), radiographic testing (RT), eddy current testing (ET), and advanced ultrasonic methods. The choice of method depends on the material, geometry, type of defect to be detected, and applicable standard or customer requirements.
What is ultrasonic testing, UT?
Ultrasonic testing uses high-frequency sound waves to inspect materials and welded joints. Reflections from the material's geometry or discontinuities are analyzed to assess the condition of the component. UT can be used for weld inspection, thickness measurement, and corrosion monitoring, among other applications.
What is PAUT?
PAUT stands for Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing. The technology uses a multi-element transducer where the ultrasonic beam can be steered electronically. This makes it possible to inspect an area at multiple angles and present the result visually. PAUT is used, among other things, for advanced inspection of welds, pipelines, and other critical components.
What is the difference between conventional UT and PAUT?
In conventional UT, a specific sound angle is normally used at a time. PAUT uses multiple elements and can electronically steer and focus the sound across multiple angles. This can provide more information about an indication's position and extent, and enables the storage of inspection data for subsequent analysis.
Can PAUT replace X-ray or radiography?
In certain applications, PAUT can be used as an alternative to radiographic testing, but this depends on the applicable standard, design, material, geometry, and customer requirements. It is therefore not possible to say in general that PAUT can always replace RT. Inspekt can help assess which method and scope of testing are appropriate for the specific application.
What is radiographic testing (RT)?
Radiographic testing uses X-rays or gamma rays to create an image of a material or welded joint. The method can detect internal discontinuities and is used in industries such as welding, piping, and manufacturing.
What is magnetic particle testing (MT)?
Magnetic particle testing is used on ferromagnetic materials to find surface-open and near-surface discontinuities. The method is often used for the inspection of welds, steel structures, and machine components.
What is penetrant testing (PT)?
Liquid penetrant testing is used to find surface-breaking discontinuities in suitable non-porous materials. A penetrant liquid is applied to the surface and penetrates into open discontinuities, which are then made visible using a developer.
Can the Inspekt measure corrosion and remaining material thickness?
Yes. Ultrasound and various scanning techniques can be used for thickness measurement and material loss mapping. Inspekt also works with scanning and thickness mapping of tank bottoms and tank walls, among other things. The result can be used as a basis for continued operation, maintenance, or in-depth investigation.
How do you check the quality of a weld?
Welds can be checked with several NDT methods depending on the material, the design of the weld, and the types of discontinuities being sought. Common methods are VT, MT, PT, UT, PAUT, and RT. The requirements for method, extent, and acceptance level are normally specified in the relevant standard, drawing, or customer specification.
What is welder certification?
Welder certification means that a welder's ability to perform a specific type of welding is verified through a practical welder test and subsequent inspection of the test piece. Inspekt performs welder tests and certification within relevant standards and certification fields.
What is ISO 9606?
ISO 9606 is a standard series for welder qualification testing. Which part and which qualification ranges apply depend, among other things, on the material, welding process, product form, and current application.
What is a WPS?
WPS stands for Welding Procedure Specification and is a welding instruction that describes how a weld is to be performed. Among other things, it may specify the welding process, materials, filler material, dimensions, and other important welding parameters.
What is WPQR?
WPQR stands for Welding Procedure Qualification Record. A WPQR documents the results of qualifying a welding procedure and serves as the basis for developing WPSs within the qualified range. Inspekt can assist with procedure qualification and associated testing.
Can Inspekt certify welders on-site at the customer's location?
Yes. Welder qualifications Depending on the conditions, this can be carried out at the customer's site or at Inspekt. This makes it possible to tailor the implementation to factors such as production, welding equipment, and the number of welders.
What is ped inspection?
PED Inspection covers the inspection and assessment of pressure equipment, such as pressure vessels, boilers, and piping. The purpose is to verify that the equipment meets applicable safety requirements and to identify damage or alterations that may affect safe continued operation.
How often should a pressure vessel be inspected?
Inspection intervals depend on the type of pressure-retaining equipment involved, how it is used, and the applicable regulations. Therefore, each facility should be assessed based on its specific circumstances. Inspekt can help identify what inspections are required and when they should be performed.
Can Inspekt inspect boilers?
Yes. Inspekt works with PED inspection and inspection of pressure equipment, where boilers and pressure vessels are included in the service area.
How is a cistern or tank inspected?
The control may include, for example, visual inspection, thickness measurement, NDT or scanning of walls or bottoms. Which method is used depends on the tank type, material, contents, damage mechanisms, and applicable requirements. Inspekt can also use scanning to map larger areas and identify local material loss.
Does a cistern have to be emptied in order to be inspected?
It depends on the type of inspection and method to be used. Some inspections require access to the inside of the cistern, while other measurements can be taken from the outside. The conditions are therefore assessed before each assignment.
How can you inspect concrete without chiseling or drilling?
There are several non-destructive testing methods for concrete. For example, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) can be used to locate reinforcement and other objects within the structure, while ultrasound-based methods can provide additional information regarding the properties of the structure. The combination of multiple methods can provide a better basis for decision-making prior to, for example, renovation or core drilling.
What is GPR/ground-penetrating radar?
GPR stands for Ground Penetrating Radar and uses electromagnetic signals to inspect structures. Within concrete, the technology is used, among other things, to locate reinforcement, cables, pipes, and other objects without having to open the structure.
Can you find reinforcement in concrete without drilling?
Yes. GPR/ground penetrating radar can be used to map reinforcement and other embedded objects. This is useful prior to, for example, drilling, sawing, remodeling, and other interventions where you need to know what is inside the structure.
Can Inspekt investigate the thickness of a concrete structure?
Yes, depending on the design and accessibility, different measurement methods can be used to assess thickness and composition. Which method is most suitable is determined by the design's geometry, reinforcement, access, and what information the client needs.
When is a concrete inspection appropriate?
Concrete inspection may be relevant before renovation, reconstruction, core drilling, condition assessment, or when damage is suspected. The results can provide a better basis for engineering design, maintenance, and decisions regarding further investigations or measures.
What marine and offshore services does Inspekt offer?
Inspekt offers, among other things, Class NDT, UTM, ballast water tests, Rope Access, inspection of lifting equipment, inspection of marine pressure vessels and tanks, coating inspection, hatch tightness testing, and other technical inspection and testing services.
What is UTM on ships?
UTM, Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement, involves ultrasonic measurement of material thickness. In the marine industry, UTM is used, among other things, to assess corrosion and remaining plate thickness in ship hulls and other steel structures.
Is Inspekt approved by a classification society?
Can Inspekt perform NDT on ships?
Yes. Inspekt executes NDT for marine and offshore-related applications in new construction, repair, maintenance, and modification, among other things. The services can be customized to current classification and project requirements.
Can Inspekt work with Rope Access?
Yes. Rope Access is part of Inspekt's Marine & Offshore offering and can be combined with inspections- and NDT services where traditional access is difficult or costly.