Introduction Visual Testing (VT)
Introduction Visual Testing (VT)
Visual Testing
The most widely used of all NDT techniques is Visual Testing (VT) and it is the oldest of
them. Visual testing is the first test, which is performed when an object arrives.
As the name suggests When an object is seen visually and determine the flaws on the
surface level.
In this article, you are going to get complete knowledge about Visual Inspection, from
scratch to end.
So, Seat back and relax and enjoy the ride of knowledge at your fingertip.
Here we go…
The method of Non-Destructive testing, where the object is inspected through the naked
eye or magnifying glass, is known as visual testing NDT.
It is the first NDT method, that is used on any object to inspect. It gives a visual
clarification about the object and gives a quick observation result.
Principle of visual testing?–
Visual testing(VT) is the observation of the test object, either directly with the eyes or
indirectly using optical instruments, by an inspector to evaluate the presence of surface
flaws.
➤In visual testing, Both the External and Internal surfaces of the object can be
inspected.
Types of Visual Testing(VT)–
There are mainly two types of Visual inspection, elaborated below-
1. Aided Visual Inspection
2. Un-Aided Visual Inspection
1. Aided Visual inspection-
When any optical or mechanical equipment is used to inspect the object visually, called
Aided visual inspection.
A magnifying glass or visual camera is used to see the closure view of the surface in this
type of Visual Testing.
2. Un-Aided Visual Inspection-
When the object is inspected visually, without any help of optical or mechanical
instruments, called Un-Aided visual inspection.
In this type of VT, the object is gone through a naked eye inspection by a qualified
inspector.
The procedure of visual Inspection–
Visual Inspection test is a widely used method of NDT and it is best to know the
procedure of VT, So, I am going to share with you the same.
Here is the procedure of VT-
Dimensional inspection is carried out to verify that the manufactured object is as
per the required dimension/specifications.
This procedure covers the visual examination of object components such as
plates, pipes, nozzles, etc by using visual and optical instruments.
Uniformity of surface, cleanliness & sharp edges is checked.
If not cleaned, Conventional cleaning, wire brushing, chipping, grinding, or a
combination of these are carried out.
The inner and outer surface is checked to detect any flaws through the naked eye
or with the help of optical instruments.
Lighting Conditions
Surface Roughness
Position of inspector
As you know, VT is usually the first method, applied to test objects to detect various
flaws, which is given below-
➤Various Applications of VT-
Surface discontinuity
cracks
Misalignment
Warping
corrosion
Wear and Tear
Physical Damage
Codes and Standards of Visual Inspection-
Codes and Standard plays a major role in NDT testing methods where Guidelines of
testing is given these codes and standard and supervised by these Authorized
Organizations.
Here are some Codes and Visual inspection Standards, Given below-
ASTM International-
ASTM A 802M– Standard practice for steel castings, Surface Acceptance Standards,
Visual Examination(2006)
ASTM D 2562– Standard practice for classifying visual defects in parts molded from
reinforced thermosetting plastics(2008)
ASTM D 2563– Standard practice for classifying visual defects in Glass-reinforced
plastic pultruded products(2008)
ASTM E 1799– Standard practice for visual inspection for photovoltaic modules(1999)
ASME International-
ASME boiler and pressure vessel code: SEction I, the rule for the construction of power
boilers(2007)
American Concrete Institute-
ACI 201.1R– Guide for conducting a visual inspection of concrete in service(2008)
American National Standard Institute-
ANSI B3.2– Rolling element bearings- Aircraft Engine, Engine Gearbox, and accessory
applications- Surface visual inspection
(1999)
ANSI/EIA 699– Test method for the visual inspection of Quartz crystal resonator
blanks(1997)
➤Here is the video guide of VT to help you get more clear on your concept,
Give a watch-
Conclusion-
Visual Testing is one of the methods of the broader sector of NDT. Various Methods of
NDT are used in various industries and VT is one of them.
I have shared most of the topics which should be covered in the Visual Inspection
method.
If you are still here, Then…
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