Dye Pen Tanks installed by Johnson & Allen
In late 2014, Special Piping Materials contracted MPI and DPI manufacturers Johnson & Allen for assistance in adding new Non Destructive Testing (NDT) facilities in their inspection department. The investment into their facilities, which are now complete, will enable Special Piping Materials (SPM)to carry out their Dye-Penetrant testing more efficiently.
What is DPI?
Dye penetrant inspection (DPI), also called liquid penetrant inspection (LPI) or penetrant testing(PT), is a widely applied and low-cost inspection method used to locate surface-breaking defects in all non-porous materials (metals, plastics, or ceramics). DPI works on the principle of capillary action and is one of the most efficient ways to test non-porous parts for surface breaking defects so the method is ideal for inspecting pipes and fittings.
The implementation…
“With non-destructive testing now being a critical part of engineering, Special Piping Materials wanted a way to emphasise their commitment to manufacturing only quality goods and to ensure their high product standards were maintained into the future. Johnson & Allen was there to help them achieve this and was contracted to design and manufacture a suitable DPI solution,” said Johnson & Allen Sales Manager Tim Rotherham of their work on the project with SPM
SPM, established in 1989, ensures that all stock held undergoes rigorous testing in accordance with respective ASTM ASME standards and international specifications such as Norsok MDS, Shell MESC and ES-247. For all further testing requirements SPM use NAMAS/UKAS approved test houses on a subcontract basis. In addition to their now enhanced ability to carry out Dye-Penetrant testing, SPM carries out the following Destructive Testing: Product Analysis, G48 Corrosion Test, Micrographic Examination, Ferrite and Phase count, Charpy Impact Test, Tensile Test; as well as the following Non Destructive Testing: Ultrasonic Testing; Hardness Check ( In house ), Ferrite check ( In House ) and PMI ( In house )
Of the NDT upgrade, Rotheram goes on to say: “SPM required a heavy duty penetrant application tank and wash station though, not only due to the large number of parts that they were wanting to inspect, but also due to the heavy loads the stations would have to support. Taking these requirements on board the stainless steel system was built and installed late 2014 and will guarantee Special Piping Materials more reliable inspection, in shorter times, for increased part volumes far into the future.”