This presentation from our Plant Engineers Forum explains the distinct value of both in-service and out-of-service equipment inspections, detailing the specialized NDT techniques applicable to each inspection scenario.
Through-wall leaks or active weepage aren’t always apparent once equipment is drained for an internal turnaround inspection. In-service assessments (such as thermal imaging, acoustic emission, and external visual inspection) capture real-time operating data under hydrostatic head and pressure.
Conversely, out-of-service internal inspections allow direct Barcol hardness testing, ultrasonic thickness measurement, and microscopic corrosion barrier evaluation, providing a complete asset integrity picture.