Nondestructive Examination

Foley Specialty Services offers advanced Nondestructive Examination (NDE) services to inspect materials and components without causing damage. Using proven techniques and modern technology, we detect flaws, assess integrity, and ensure compliance—helping you maintain safety, reduce downtime, and extend asset life.

Basic Services

Proven testing without compromising your assets.

Visual Testing (VT)

Visual Testing (VT) is the most fundamental NDE method, involving direct or enhanced visual inspection to identify surface defects, corrosion, or misalignment. It’s quick, cost-effective, and often the first step in detecting issues before more advanced testing is required.

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) is used to detect surface and near-surface cracks in ferromagnetic materials by applying a magnetic field and observing the behavior of magnetic particles. It's a fast, effective method for identifying flaws like cracks, seams, and laps in welds, pipes, and structural components.

Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UT)

Ultrasonic Testing (UT) uses high-frequency sound waves to detect internal flaws and measure material thickness without causing damage. It’s highly accurate and commonly used for inspecting welds, pipelines, and structural components in critical applications.

Dye Penetrant Testing (PT)

Dye Penetrant Testing (PT) reveals surface-breaking defects by applying a visible or fluorescent dye to the material's surface, then drawing it out of flaws with a developer. It's a simple and effective method for detecting cracks, porosity, and seams on non-porous materials.

Positive Material Identification (PMI)

Positive Material Identification (PMI) is a fast, non-destructive method used to verify the chemical composition of metals and alloys. It ensures materials meet required specifications and helps prevent mix-ups that could lead to equipment failure or compliance issues.

Brinell Hardness Testing

Brinell Hardness Testing measures the hardness of metals by pressing a hard steel or carbide ball into the material’s surface under a set load. It’s commonly used for testing large, coarse-grained metals like castings and forgings to assess strength and wear resistance.

Advanced Services

State-of-the-art technologies to detect hidden flaws, assess structural integrity, and provide detailed data for critical decision-making.

Automatic Ultrasonic Testing (AUT)

Automatic Ultrasonic Testing (AUT) is a mechanized inspection method that uses multiple ultrasonic probes mounted on automated scanners to detect internal flaws with high speed and precision. It provides real-time data collection and advanced imaging for accurate evaluation of weld quality, corrosion, and wall thickness. AUT is widely used in pipeline construction, pressure vessels, and other critical applications where consistency, repeatability, and detailed documentation are essential.

Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC)

Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) is an advanced electromagnetic inspection technique used to detect corrosion and measure wall thickness in ferrous materials without removing insulation or coatings. It works by generating a pulsed magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the material, with the decay rate of these currents revealing information about metal loss or defects. PEC is ideal for inspecting insulated piping, storage tanks, and structural steel where traditional contact methods are impractical.

Long Range Guided Wave Testing (LRGW)

Long Range Guided Wave Testing (LRGW) uses low-frequency ultrasonic waves to inspect large sections of pipe from a single test location. It’s ideal for detecting corrosion, wall loss, and other defects over long distances—especially in buried, insulated, or inaccessible piping.

Short Range Guided Wave Testing (SRGW)

Short Range Guided Wave Testing (SRGW) focuses ultrasonic waves over a limited distance to inspect specific areas of concern, such as pipe supports, flanges, or weld zones. It’s highly effective for detecting localized corrosion or defects in hard-to-access areas without requiring full surface exposure.

Surface Eddy Current

Surface Eddy Current Testing is a non-destructive method that uses an alternating magnetic field to induce eddy currents in the surface of conductive materials. Variations in these currents reveal surface and near-surface defects such as cracks, pits, or corrosion. This technique is highly sensitive, fast, and effective for inspecting welds, aerospace components, tubing, and fastener holes—often without the need to remove paint or coatings.

Acoustic Imaging (Leak Detection)

Acoustic Imaging for Leak Detection uses sound waves to visualize and pinpoint the location of gas or liquid leaks in pressurized systems. It detects the high-frequency noise generated by escaping fluids and converts it into a real-time visual map, even in noisy industrial environments. This method is fast, non-invasive, and effective for identifying leaks in piping, valves, and fittings.

Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) Floor Scan

Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) Floor Scan inspections quickly and accurately detect corrosion, pitting, and material loss in storage tank floors, even beneath coatings or linings. This advanced, non-destructive method provides precise data to help you plan targeted repairs and maintain compliance with API 653 standards. By identifying issues early, we help extend asset life, reduce downtime, and protect your investment.

Shear Wave Ultrasonic Testing (SWUT

Shear Wave Ultrasonic Testing uses angled sound waves to detect cracks, lack of fusion, and other hidden flaws in welds and metal components. This advanced method allows us to inspect hard-to-reach areas and identify defects that straight-beam testing might miss. The result is accurate, reliable weld evaluations that enhance safety and compliance without interrupting operations.

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) uses multiple ultrasonic beams that can be electronically steered and focused to deliver a detailed view inside welds, pipelines, and critical components. This advanced technology allows for faster, more accurate inspections while detecting even small or complex flaws. With PAUT, you get comprehensive data that enhances safety, ensures compliance, and minimizes downtime.