Scribd
Upload
43 views

Visual Testing

Visual testing (VT) is the most common and low-cost nondestructive testing method that involves observing components with the naked eye or basic optical tools to identify surface discontinuities. VT can be used to examine welds, tanks, pipes, boilers and more in industries like steel, automotive, oil/gas and aerospace. While simple to perform, VT requires inspector training and good eyesight to avoid human error or missing internal defects. Foundation level VT courses qualify technicians for visual examinations.

Uploaded by

Alejandro Saavedra
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
43 views

Visual Testing

Visual testing (VT) is the most common and low-cost nondestructive testing method that involves observing components with the naked eye or basic optical tools to identify surface discontinuities. VT can be used to examine welds, tanks, pipes, boilers and more in industries like steel, automotive, oil/gas and aerospace. While simple to perform, VT requires inspector training and good eyesight to avoid human error or missing internal defects. Foundation level VT courses qualify technicians for visual examinations.

Uploaded by

Alejandro Saavedra
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Visual Testing (VT) in NDT

Introduction
Visual testing (VT) is also known as visual testing examination, nondestructive inspection, or
nondestructive evaluation or examination. Visual testing is the most common nondestructive
testing method. Visual testing is a popular NDT method, because it is so easy to perform, it is a
low-cost method, and it requires minimal equipment. VT involves observing a component with the
naked eye to evaluate the presence of surface discontinuities. VT can be assisted with optical
instruments such as magnifying glasses, boroscopes, mirrors, and other computer equipment for
remote viewing. If a component can be viewed, visual testing is the first method of testing in an
NDT examination. Visual testing can be performed on components that show visible corrosion or
degradation such as welds, storage tanks, piping, boilers, and pressure vessels.

VT Applications
Examining the surface condition of a component

Examining alignment of mating surfaces

Checking presence of leaks

VT Equipment
Magnifying glasses

Fillet weld gauge

Microscopes

Computer equipment (remote viewing)

Illuminated magnifier

Inspection glass

Boroscope

Mirrors

The eyes!

VT Advantages
Simple method to perform

Examination can be performed quickly

Low-cost method
Minimal training

Minimal equipment

VT Disadvantages
Inspector training necessary

Good eyesight required or eyesight corrected to 20/40

Can miss internal defects

Report must be recorded by inspector

Open to human error

VT Industries
steel industry

Steel Industry

Automotive

Oil and Gas

Power Generation

Aerospace

VT Training
In order to perform visual examinations, technicians must trained in Level I and II visual testing
courses. These are foundation level courses, so there is no prior training or experience required by
the student. Becoming qualified in visual testing is a great starting point for NDT technicians.

Citations:

Field Inspections Visual Testing (VT). (n.d.). Retrieved December 19, 2019, from
https://www.mistrasgroup.com/how-we-help/field-inspections/traditional-ndt/visual-
testing/?fbclid=IwAR22S5oQasfwhWQzwm-KCAb5b0gUFd4pNxSEJ0zsRVpNuejvPhHUkpYWFXg

Visual Inspection (VT). (n.d.). Retrieved December 19, 2019, from https://ndt-
training.org/cat_vtcourse.htm

Visual Testing: NDT Service. (n.d.). Retrieved December 19, 2019, from
http://www.ndt.kalkars.com/visual-testing-training?fbclid=IwAR0qonbzuf3sUfjW0LD-
gwgn08OwJDShNkL_KTG28uN-84E-yNZrCLbu5oY

You might also like