Visual and surface examination techniques

Visual and surface examination techniques together make a very important component of any in-service inspection (ISI) programme. Though not many guidelines are available for the research reactors, the look at the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section XI, which relates to ISI of power reactors, shows that these technique cover about 90% of all the components to be subjected to inspection. Though Eddy Current Test is also considered a surface examination technique, this article will cover only Visual Inspection, Magnetic Particle Test (MPT) and Liquid Penetrant Test (LPT)