Bolts and threads are critical structural components that require regular integrity assessment. Whether verifying manufacturing or determining fitness for service, bolt and thread inspection is necessary for compliance with safety regulations.
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Bolts and threads are critical structural components that require regular integrity assessment. Whether verifying manufacturing or determining fitness for service, bolt and thread inspection is necessary for compliance with safety regulations. The condition assessment of riser bolts, structural anchor bolts, high tensile bolts, and the wide variety of other bolts and threads has advanced with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, allowing earlier detection.
Suitable for Ultrasonic Testing (UT), bolts can effectively be inspected for corrosion and cracks. Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) for bolt and thread inspection can be performed for in-service structures, without needing to remove the fastener. This NDT method provides corrosion and crack detection with easy-to-interpret visuals of thread loss and other defects, with all information recorded for post-analysis and comparative monitoring.
The M2M Gekko® is a field proven flaw detector offering PAUT, UT, TOFD and TFM through a streamlined user interface, Capture™. Gekko combines high resolution and speed while reducing inspectors’ training time. A complete PAUT portable unit, it includes all basic and advanced UT features reinforced in a compact casing designed for field use. The innovative system provides superior signal quality and TFM resolution for improved detection, including around threads, offering high scan speed and productivity. Capture includes fully embedded scan plans with many geometries, for reliable interpretation of inspection data for a range of bolt types. The M2M Mantis™ is the light and economical version of Gekko, offering the same technologies and software with a 16:64 pulser-receiver architecture.
Eddy Current Testing (ECT) has proven to be a leading method for NDT of threads. ECT tools can be used to find partial and damaged threads, incorrect threads, and missing features or anomalies. Faster than thread gauges, ECT offers an expert solution for thread assessment. An evolution of ECT, Eddy Current Array (ECA) is a major improvement as it covers a larger area in a single pass, making the examination less operator-dependent and less time consuming, while providing clear 2D/3D images of the part being tested. The Eddyfi Ectane®, the most popular multi-technology test instrument on the market, enables highly effective thread inspection when paired with surface ECA probes. Eddyfi Technologies has the technical expertise to provide a custom solution for your unique thread inspection applications.
Alternating Current Field Measurement (ACFM®) has been used to detect and size surface-breaking defects both topside and underwater and was one of the first techniques used on drillstring threaded connections. The threaded connections between individual elements are subject to fatigue damage and require routine inspection of downhole components to determine whether there is cracking and whether the component requires repair or replacement. The ACFM technique avoids the need for extensive cleaning, does not require visual access to the area being inspected and provides a full record of the inspection results which can be used for audit and checking purposes. The TSC Amigo® 2 is a rugged and portable ACFM instrument that has earned the reputation for reliability, ease of use, faster inspections and better data.
Depending on your specific requirements, there may be one or many NDT techniques best suited for your bolt and thread inspection. Eddyfi Technologies offers a range of proven tools specifically for the advanced NDT of these critical components.