Inspection and Validation Techniques for Welded Joints
Inspection and Validation Techniques for Welded Joints
Recommended Duration: 3–4 Days LETS Global AB | Life Extension of Technical Structures Registered Office: Stockholm, Sweden | Org. No. 559546-7993 © 2025 LETS Global. All rights reserved.Course Overview
This training focuses on inspection method selection and application before, during, and after ultrasonic peening (HFMI) treatments for welded joints. It addresses offshore-specific challenges including coated surfaces, needle-gunned steel, and corrosion conditions. The recommended course duration is 3–4 days depending on the level of hands-on inspection practice required.Target Audience
- Inspection engineers and NDT specialists
- Structural and fatigue engineers
- Asset integrity and maintenance engineers
- Offshore, marine, and energy-sector engineers
- Quality, verification, and certification personnel
- Engineers and supervisors responsible for HFMI execution and acceptance
Required Qualifications / Background
- Technical or engineering background (structural, mechanical, materials, or inspection disciplines)
- Basic familiarity with welded joints and common NDT methods
- Understanding of fatigue, cracking mechanisms, or asset integrity principles is beneficial
Course Duration & Format
Recommended Duration: 3–4 days- Instructor-led training (classroom or virtual)
- Technical lectures with real-world offshore case studies
- Optional hands-on inspection and validation exercises
- Group discussions and method-selection exercises
Day 1 — Fundamentals of Weld Integrity & Pre-Peening Inspection
1. Introduction to Welded Joint Integrity
- Fatigue-critical weld details
- Importance of accurate inspection prior to HFMI
- Offshore constraints and safety considerations
2. Pre-Peening Inspection Methods
- Visual Testing (VT)
- Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
- Dye Penetrant Testing (PT)
- Ultrasonic Testing (UT & PAUT)
- Radiographic Testing (RT)
- Surface Profilometry / 3D Scanning
3. Limitations for Offshore Coated or Corroded Structures
- Effect of coatings on MT, PT, and UT
- Inspection after needle gunning
- Corrosion masking effects
- Recommended cleaning practices
Day 2 — In-Process Inspection & Monitoring During Peening
1. In-Process Monitoring Techniques
- Visual coverage verification
- Imprint and indentation depth checks
- Tool parameter monitoring (frequency, amplitude)
- Temperature monitoring for sensitive materials
2. Documentation & Traceability
- Parameter logging
- Peening coverage mapping
- Operator qualification requirements
3. Practical Session (Optional)
- Hands-on demonstration of in-process verification
- Identification of under- and over-treated welds
Day 3 — Post-Peening & Recurrent Inspection Methods
1. Post-Peening Inspection Techniques
- Visual Testing (VT) for toe radius and surface uniformity
- Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) for ferromagnetic weld cracks
- Dye Penetrant Testing (PT) for aluminium, titanium, and Inconel welds
- Ultrasonic Testing (UT / PAUT) for subsurface crack monitoring
2. Validation of Peening Quality
- Residual stress measurement (XRD, hole-drilling, Barkhausen noise)
- Surface geometry verification (profilometry and laser scanning)
- Documentation and acceptance criteria
3. Recurrent Inspection (Long-Term Monitoring)
- Fatigue life extension tracking
- Inspection interval determination
- Offshore re-inspection challenges
Day 4 (Optional) — Case Studies, Method Selection Exercise & Certification
1. Method Selection Framework
- Inspection technique selection based on coating condition
- Corrosion level
- Weld material
- Loading conditions
- Access and safety considerations
2. Offshore Case Studies
- HFMI on ageing offshore structures
- Failures linked to poor inspection
- Lessons learned
3. Competency Exercise
- Inspection sequence selection
- Crack detection and validation workflow development
4. Final Assessment & Certification
List of Relevant Inspection Methods for Ultrasonic Peening
Surface Methods
- Visual Testing (VT)
- Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
- Dye Penetrant Testing (PT)
- Eddy Current Testing (ET)
- ACFM (Alternating Current Field Measurement)
- 3D Scanning / Profilometry
Subsurface Methods
- Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
- Phased Array UT (PAUT)
- TOFD
- Radiography (RT / DR)
Residual Stress & Validation
- X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
- Hole-Drilling Method
- Barkhausen Noise Analysis
- Ultrasonic Residual Stress Measurement
Process Monitoring
- Parameter logging
- Indentation depth checks
- Temperature monitoring
- Tool wear inspection