This article provides you with a sample magnetic particle inspection / Testing procedure. This sample procedure covers AC electromagnetic yoke method. This procedure is a draft magnetic particle testing procedure and you need to modify it to meet your project specification.
1.0 MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION – SCOPE
1.1 This procedure give the general requirements for carrying out the examination of welds in ferric materials using the AC electro magnetic yoke technique.
1.2 This procedure meets the requirements of ASME Section V Article 7 and ASTM E-709-95.
2.0 MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION -DESCRIPTION OF METHOD
2.1 This method involves the magnetisation of an area to be examined and the application of ferromagnetic particles to the surface. The particles gather at areas of magnetic flux leakage and form indications characteristic of the type of discontinuity detected.
2.2 Maximum sensitivity is achieved when linear discontinuities are oriented perpendicular to the lines of flux.
2.3 The AC electromagnetic yoke technique is restricted to the detection of surface breaking discontinuities.
3.0 MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION – EAUIPMENT AND MATERIALS
3.1 This procedure is intended for use with the following equipment and consumables or their equivalent.
- Magnaflux Y6 AC Yoke
- Portable ultra violet light
- Magnaflux WCP-1 White contrast paint
- Magnaflux WCP-2 White contrast paint
- Magnaflux 7HE Black Ink
- Magnaflux SKC-NF cleaner
- Magnaflux SKC-S cleaner
- Magnaflux dry powder (red, yellow or grey colour)
- Magnaflux 14 HF Fluorescent Ink
- Magnaflux 20A Fluorescent Ink concentrate (water based)
- Burmah Castrol magnetic field indicators Type 1 Brass finish.
4.0 MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION – PARTS TO BE EXAMINED
4.1 Welds in ferritic materials, whether in the as welded or dressed condition and the associated heat affected zones and parent material within at least one inch of the weld on both sides of the weld.
5.0 MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION – SURFACE PREPARATION
5.1 Prior to the test the area to be inspected and at least one inch either side shall be free from any features that may inhibit the test or mask unacceptable discontinuities. These include but are not limited to, slag, spatter, oil, scale, rough surface and protective coatings.
5.2 Surface preparation by grinding, machining or other methods may be necessary where surface irregularities could mask indications of unacceptable discontinuities.
5.3 The temperature of the test surface shall not exceed 135ºF for magnetic inks and 600ºF for dry powders. (For dry powders, test surface be clean and dry).
5.4 For parts to be inspected using magnetic inks the area to be inspected may, if necessary, be precleaned with a cloth lightly moistened with cleaner.
5.5 Where parts are to be examined using powders or fluorescent inks, the surface finish as detailed in 5.1 to 5.4 is adequate.
5.6 When using black magnetic inks the surface may be given contrast enhancement by applying a thin, even coating of white contrast paint of a type as detailed in Section 3.1.
6.0 MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION – EQUIPMENT AND CONSUMABLE CONTROL
6.1 The magnetising force of yokes shall be checked at least once a year or after any damage and/or repair, The yoke shall be able to lift a weight of at least 10 pounds at the maximum pole spacing that will be used.
6.2 Magnetic powders shall be used on a once only, expendable basis. Care shall be taken to avoid possible contamination.
6.3 Magnetic inks are also once only, expendable materials and care shall be taken to thoroughly agitate the ink before use.
6.4 Magnetic inks mixed from concentrates shall be subject to a settlement test before use. Settlement time shall be 30 minutes and settlement volume for the solids shall be as below.
- Fluorescent ink 0.1 – 0.4%
- Non fluorescent ink 1.2 – 2.4%
6.5 The black light intensity at the examination surface(15 in from the face of the light lens filter) shall be not be less than 1000 µW/cm2. Any increase in this value to suit clients specific requirements shall be detailed on the technique sheet. The bulb shall be allowed to warm up for at least 5 minutes before use.
6.6 The black light intensity shall be checked at least every 8 hours of use in accordance with 6.5 using a calibrated black light meter.
7.0 MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION – LIGHTING CONDITIONS
7.1 When conducting an examination under white lighting conditions, the inspector shall ensure that the level of lighting is adequate at the surface of the part (recommended minimum 100 foot candles or 1000 lux). 50 foot candles (500 lux) lighting may be used if agreed with customer, for field inspections.
7.2 Examinations under ultra violet lighting should have a background white light level of less than 20 lux and an ultra violet intensity at the test surface of not less than 1000 µ W/cm2. Any increase in these values shall be specified in the technique sheet.
7.3 The inspector shall allow at least 5 minutes for dark adaptation before beginning the inspection.
7.4 If the examiner wears glasses or lenses, they shall not be photosensitive.
8.0 MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION – DIRECTION OF MAGNETISING FIELD
8.1 The magnetising field shall be applied sequentially in two directions approximately perpendicular to one another.
8.2 The direction of the field may be determined by using the Burmah Castrol magnetic field indicator. This will give its strongest indications when placed across the flux direction.
8.3 Determination of field direction shall be carried out for each geometry of weld to be inspected.
9.0 MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION – SEQUENCE OF OPERATIONS
9.1 The surface to be inspected shall be prepared as section 5.0.
9.2 The continuous magnetisation technique is to be employed.
9.3 Ensure in all operations that the pole faces remain in maximum contact with the surface.
9.4 Position the poles as described in 8.0 and turn on the magnetising field.
9.5 For the wet magnetic particle method, apply the ink onto the area under test and allow to flow over the surface such as to allow maximum exposure of the magnetic particles to any flux leakage present, excess material may be GENTLY blown across the surface to aid interpretation.
9.6 Dry magnetic powders should be applied in such a manner that a light, uniform, dust like coating settles on the surface of the area under inspection. Excess power may be GENTLY blown across the surface to aid interpretation and increase exposure of magnetic particles to any flux leakage present.
9.7 Maintain the magnetising field for at least two seconds after step 9.5 or 9.6 and inspect immediately.
9.8 Repeat the above sequence at approximately 90º to the above.
9.9 Repeat the above steps to cover the complete weld area under inspection ensuring an overlap between inspected areas of at least 25% of the pole spacing.
9.10 The area to be inspected shall be limited to a maximum distance of one fourth of the pole spacing on either side of line joining the two legs.
9.11 Pole area to be inspected shall be limited to a maximum distance of one fourth of the pole spacing on either side of line joining the two legs.
9.12 Pole spacing shall be limited to a maximum value equal to or less than that used when conducing the lift test of the standard weight but shall be not less than 3 inches.
10.0 MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION – EVALUATION OF INDICATIONS
10.1 An indication may be the evidence of a surface imperfection. All indications need not be relevant. Relevant indications are those caused by leakage flux. Relevant indications due to unacceptable mechanical discontinuities are to be noted, located and sized.
10.2 Any indication which is believed to be non relevant shall be re-examined again. Only indications having major dimension of greater than one sixteenth of an inch shall be considered relevant.
10.3 A liner indication is one having a length greater than its width. A rounded indication is shape with a length equal to or less than three times its width.
10.4 Unacceptable indications shall be removed by chipping or grinding and shall be re-tested if the repaired surface is free of sharp notches are corners / grinding marks. When a defect appears to be fully removed the area can be repaired and re-examined by the same method. Repaired area shall be blended into the surrounding surface so as to avoid sharp notches, crevices or corners.
10.5 If required the repaired area shall also be re-examined by another suitable NDT method.
11.0 MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION – ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
The acceptance criteria given hereunder for relevant indications for various codes shall be used in general. The inspector using this is cautioned that Code requirements do change, and that in the case of conflict it shall be referred (in writing) to the appointed NDT Level III or to the Divisional Manager (NDT).
11.1 ANSI/ASME B31.1, Power Piping
11.1.1 Evaluation of Indications
11.1.1.1 Mechanical discontinuities at the surface will be indicated by the retention of the examination medium. All indications are not necessarily defects since certain metallurgical discontinuities and magnetic permeability variations may also produce similar indications which are not relevant to the detection of unacceptable discontinuities.
11.1.1.2 Any indications which are believed to be non relevant shall be re-examined to verify whether or not actual defects are present. Surface conditioning may precede the re-examination. Non relevant indications which would mask indications of defects are unacceptable.
11.1.1.3 Relevant indications are those which result from unacceptable mechanical discontinuities. Linear indications are those indications in which the length is more than three times the width. Rounded indications are indications which are circular or elliptical with the length less than three times the width.
11.1.1.4 An indication of a discontinuity may be larger than the discontinuity that causes it; however, the size of the indication and not the size of the discontinuity is the basis of acceptance or rejection.
11.1.2 Acceptance Standards
The following relevant indications are unacceptable:
11.1.2.1 Any cracks or linear indications.
11.1.2.2 Rounded indications with dimensions grater than 3/16 in. (5.0 mm)
11.1.2.3 Four or more rounded indications in a line separated by 1/16 in. (2.0 mm) or less, edge to edge.
11.1.2.4 Ten or more rounded indications in any 6 sq. in of surface with the major dimension of this area not to exceed 6 in (150 mm) with the area taken in the most unfavourable location relative to the indications being evaluated.
11.2 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Sec. VIII Div. 1 Pressure Vessels
11.2.1 Evaluation of Indications
Indications will be revealed by retention of magnetic particles. All such indications are not necessarily imperfections, however, since excessive surface roughness, magnetic permeability variations (such as at the edge of Heat Affected Zones), etc. may produce similar indications. An indication is the evidence of a mechanical imperfection. Only indications which have any dimension greater than 1/16 in. shall be considered relevant.
11.2.2 Acceptance Standards
All surfaces to be examined shall be free of:
11.2.2.1 Relevant linear indications
11.2.2.2 Relevant rounded indications greater than 3/16 in.
11.2.2.3 Four or more relevant rounded indications in a line separated by 1/16 in. or less, edge to edge.
11.3 AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel
Inspections may be performed immediately after the completed welds have cooled to ambient temperature. Magnetic Particle Testing on welds in ASTM steels A514 and A517 shall be performed no sooner than 48 hours after completion of the weld.
Indications revealed by Magnetic Particle Testing shall be evaluated as per applicable categories as follows:
11.3.1 Statically Loaded Structures:
Acceptance criteria shall be as per 8.15.5 (i.e. 8.15.1) of AWS D1.1 (1992 Edition)
11.3.2 Dynamically Loaded Structures:
Acceptance criteria shall be as per 9.25.2 of AWS D1.1 (1992 Edition).
11.3.3 Tubular Structures:
Acceptance criteria shall be as per 10.17.5 (i.e. 10.17.1) of AWS D1.1.
11.4 API Standard 1104 Pipelines and Related Facilities
11.4.1 Classification of Indication
Any indication with a maximum dimension of 1/16 in. (1.59 mm) or less shall be classified as non relevant. Any larger indication believed to be non relevant shall be regarded as relevant until re-examined by magnetic particle or another non-destructive testing method to determine whether or not an actual discontinuity exists. The surface may be ground or other wise conditioned before re-examination. After an indication is determined to be non relevant, other non relevant indication of the same type need not be re-examined.
Relevant indications are those caused by discontinuities. Linear indications are those in which the length is more than three times the width. Rounded indications are those in which the length is three times the width or less.
11.4.2 Acceptance Standards
Relevant indications shall be unacceptable when any of the following conditions exists:
a. Linear indications evaluated as crater cracks or star cracks exceed 5/32 inch (3.96 mm) in length.
b. Linear indications are evaluated as cracks other than crater cracks or star cracks.
c. Linear indications are evaluated as IF and exceed 1 inch (25.4 mm) in total length in a continuous 12-inch (304.8 mm) length of weld or 8 percent of the weld length.
d. Rounded indications shall be evaluated as follows:
i) Individual or scattered porosity (P) shall be unacceptable when any of the following conditions exists:
- The size of an individual pore exceeds 1/8 inch (3.17 mm).
- The size of an individual pore exceeds 25 percent of the thinner of the nominal wall thickness joined.
- The distribution of scattered porosity exceeds the concentration permitted by the porosity charts supplied by API for radiography testing.
ii) Cluster porosity (CP) that occurs in any pass except the finish pass shall comply with the criteria of (i). CP that occurs in the finish pass shall be unacceptable when any of the following conditions exists:
- The diameter of the cluster exceeds 1/2 inch (12.7 mm).
- The aggregate length of CP in any continuous 12 inch (304.8 mm) length of weld exceeds 1/2 inch (12.7 mm).
- An individual pore within a cluster exceeds 1/16 inch (1.59 mm) in size.
11.5 ANSI/ASME B31.3, Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping
11.5.1 Acceptance Criteria:
11.5.1.1 Any crack or linear indication is unacceptable.
12.0 MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION – PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION
12.1 Personnel performing examinations to this procedure shall be qualified and certified in accordance with the requirements of ASNT document SNT-TC-1A (1992 edition) ,ISO 9712 ,PCN or Accepted level equivalent.
12.2 Only individuals qualified to NDT Level II or individuals qualified to NDT Level I and working under the supervision of an NDT Level II may perform the examinations in accordance with this procedure.
12.3 Evaluation of test results shall be by NDT Level II only.
13.0 MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION – POST CLEANING
13.1 The inspection area shall be cleaned after inspection with solvent (unless otherwise specified) to remove any excess residues from the inspection process.
14.0 MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION – DEMAGNETISATION
14.1 Demagnetisation shall be carried out where specifically requested by the client. The method to be employed shall be subject to agreement with the client.
15.0 MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION – REPORTING
15.1 A report shall be prepared detailing the results of the examination.
15.2 The report shall contain sufficient information to enable a full assessment of quality and to ensure that any non-acceptable areas can be accurately located should repair be necessary.
15.3 Any datum’s used shall be unambiguous.
15.4 Any restrictions to test shall be noted.
15.5 A statement of acceptability against the acceptance standard should be made.
16.0 MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION – REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
- ASME SECTION V ARTICLE 7;
- ASME SECTION VIII, Division I
- ANSI/ASME B31.1
- ANSI/ASME B 31.1
- ANSI/AWS D1.1
- ASTM E 709
- API 1104
- SNT-TC-1A of ASNT
Executive Summary & Industrial Inspection Scope
In demanding industrial environments across Oil, Gas, Petrochemical, Offshore, and Heavy Process Infrastructure, rigorous compliance with ISO 9001 / ASME / API is essential to ensure operational integrity, personnel safety, and compliance with statutory regulatory frameworks. This technical specification provides QA/QC managers, procurement engineers, welding inspectors, and third-party inspection (TPI) agencies with an authoritative, field-tested guideline for “Magnetic Particle Inspection Procedure”.
Ensuring compliance regarding magnetic particle inspection procedure minimizes the risk of catastrophic asset failures, costly unscheduled shutdowns, and supplier non-conformances. The following technical sections delineate the scope of inspection, mandatory verification protocols, acceptance criteria, documentation deliverables, and root cause mitigation strategies.
Governing International Engineering Codes & Specifications
Verification and validation of Magnetic Particle Inspection Procedure must strictly conform to the latest editions of the following international engineering codes and project specifications:
• **Primary Standard Reference:** ISO 9001 / ASME / API
• **Quality Management & Inspection Systems:** ISO 9001:2015 & ISO/IEC 17020 (Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection)
• **Material Compliance & Traceability:** EN 10204 Type 3.1 / 3.2 Inspection Certificates for metallic and non-metallic pressure-retaining components
• **Personnel Qualification:** ASNT SNT-TC-1A / ISO 9712 for NDT personnel, CSWIP 3.1 / AWS CWI for welding inspection, and NACE / AMPP Level 2/3 for coating and corrosion personnel
• **Statutory & Health Safety Directives:** ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), API Standards, OSHA, and regional local authority regulations.
Step-by-Step Quality Control & Inspection Procedure
The execution of quality surveillance for Magnetic Particle Inspection Procedure is structured across four progressive QA/QC intervention phases:
Stage 1: Pre-Inspection & Engineering Document Review (Review Point – R)
Prior to commencement of any physical activities or manufacturing operations related to Magnetic Particle Inspection Procedure, the contractor or vendor must submit all technical submittals to the Owner or TPI agency for formal review and approval.
- Verification of approved Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) identifying all Hold (H), Witness (W), Review (R), and Surveillance (S) intervention points.
- Cross-examination of Material Test Reports (MTR / Mill Certificates) against standard design specifications (ISO 9001 / ASME / API).
- Review and approval of specific Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), or calibration certificates.
- Verification that all measurement instruments, gauges, and NDT equipment hold valid calibration certificates from ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration laboratories (within 6 to 12 months validity).
Stage 2: In-Process Witnessing & Fabrication Control (Witness / Hold Point – W/H)
During the active execution phase, the certified inspector performs physical surveillance to ensure strict adherence to certified drawings, manufacturing procedures, and code tolerances.
- Verification of material traceability (heat number, heat treatment lot, plate number) transferred accurately onto fabricated components.
- Dimensional verification and visual inspection using calibrated gauges, micrometer depth dials, or laser alignment systems.
- Monitoring ambient environmental parameters (relative humidity, dew point, substrate temperature) when applying surface treatments, welding preheat, or pressure testing.
- Witnessing non-destructive examination (RT, UT, MT, PT, PMI) at specified percentages according to project critical rating and code requirements.
Stage 3: Final Acceptance, Pressure/Performance Testing & Marking (Hold Point – H)
The culminating milestone where the fully assembled or completed item is subjected to definitive acceptance tests in the presence of the Owner’s Third-Party Inspector (TPI).
- Execution of pressure proof tests (Hydrostatic at 1.3x to 1.5x MAWP or Pneumatic test) with dual calibrated pressure gauges and temperature recorders.
- Full visual inspection of completed surfaces, welds, protective coatings, and flange contact faces for absence of mechanical damage or code defects.
- Validation of permanent stamping, low-stress die markings, nameplate data verification, and barcoding in strict conformity with project specs.
- Clearing all open punch-list items, non-conformance reports (NCRs), and concession requests prior to issuance of the release note.
Stage 4: Packing, Preservation & Inspection Release (Inspection Release Certificate – IRC)
Ensuring the inspected equipment is adequately protected against atmospheric corrosion, mechanical shock, and marine transit degradation.
- Inspection of rust preventative coatings, desiccant bags, flange face blind protectors, and vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI) packaging.
- Verification of heavy-lift sea fastening lugs, center-of-gravity markings, and export crating compliance (ISPM 15 wooden crating).
- Compilation and signing of the final Inspection Release Certificate (IRC / Shipping Release) and manufacturer data dossier (MDR).
Technical Acceptance Criteria & Tolerances Matrix
All measurements and physical characteristics must comply with the engineering tolerances and acceptance thresholds tabulated below:
| Inspection Parameter / Test Item | Applicable Standard & Clause | Permissible Tolerance / Acceptance Limit | Verification Method | Intervention Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material Chemical & Mechanical Verification | ISO 9001 / ASME / API / EN 10204 3.1 | 100% compliance with minimum tensile, yield, elongation, and impact values (Charpy V-Notch at design temp) | Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES) / MTR Verification | Review (R) |
| Visual & Dimensional Tolerances | ISO 9001 / ASME / API / Project Specs | Zero cracks, lack of fusion, severe pitting; dimensional tolerances within ±1.0mm to ±3.0mm per code drawings | Calibrated Vernier, Bridge Cam, Depth Micrometer | Witness (W) |
| Non-Destructive Examination (NDT) | ASME Sec V / ASNT SNT-TC-1A | 100% compliant with code acceptance criteria; zero planar defects or unpermitted volumetric indications | Radiographic (RT) / Ultrasonic (UT) / Magnetic Particle (MT) | Hold (H) |
| Pressure / Proof Testing (Hydrostatic) | ISO 9001 / ASME / API / ASME Sec VIII | Test pressure maintained for minimum 30 to 60 mins; zero pressure drop, zero leakage or visible sweating | Dual calibrated Bourdon pressure gauges + Chart Recorder | Hold (H) |
| Surface Prep & Protective Coating Quality | SSPC-SP / NACE / ISO 8501 | Surface profile 50 – 75 µm; Dry Film Thickness (DFT) within 80/20 rule of specified nominal thickness | Replica Tape (ASTM D4417) & Magnetic Gauge (SSPC-PA 2) | Witness (W) |
| Nameplate & Final Preservation Verification | API / ASME / Client Specs | 316L SS nameplate securely affixed with correct design code, MAWP, design temp, and national board stamping | Physical visual check & VCI preservation verification | Hold (H) |
Mandatory QA/QC Dossier & Inspection Deliverables
Prior to the final issuance of the Inspection Release Certificate (IRC), the contractor and vendor must compile and submit the verified manufacturer data record containing:
- Approved Inspection & Test Plan (ITP) with sign-off stamps by Contractor, Client, and TPI.
- Material Test Reports (MTR / Mill Test Certificates EN 10204 Type 3.1 or 3.2).
- Certified Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQ).
- Calibration Certificates for all test instruments and measuring equipment (NABL / ISO 17025 accredited).
- Non-Destructive Examination Reports (RT, UT, MT, PT, PMI, Ferrite Content) evaluated by Level II/III inspectors.
- Heat Treatment & PWHT Time-Temperature Recorder Charts with thermocouple layout drawings.
- Hydrostatic / Pneumatic Pressure Proof Test Certificate with calibrated chart recorder logs.
- Surface Preparation and Protective Coating Inspection Reports (Daily environmental log, blast profile, DFT summary).
- Non-Conformance Report (NCR) and Concession Disposition Closeout Log.
- Official Inspection Release Certificate (IRC / Shipping Release Note) permitting packing and dispatch.
Common Non-Conformances & Field Mitigation Strategies
Based on extensive third-party inspection field records in oil & gas projects, the following deviations require heightened surveillance:
Defect / Hazard: Material Grade Substitution & Lack of Heat Traceability
Root Cause: Uncontrolled workshop storage, missing color coding, or unverified supplier sub-tier procurement without EN 10204 3.1 documentation.
Preventative Action: Enforce strict 100% Positive Material Identification (PMI) prior to cutting, and mandatory material receiving inspection with physical stamping cross-referenced to original mill test certificates.
Defect / Hazard: Out-of-Tolerance Fit-Up & Alignment Mismatch
Root Cause: Poor thermal cutting, thermal distortion from excessive preheat, or inadequate jigging and tacking arrangements.
Preventative Action: Establish a mandatory Witness/Hold point at joint fit-up before root pass deposition. Use calibrated Hi-Lo gauges to verify bevel angle, root face, and root gap according to the qualified WPS.
Defect / Hazard: Premature Coating Delamination & Blistering Under Film
Root Cause: Excessive soluble salt contamination (>20 mg/m²) left on the substrate, blast cleaning below dew point (<3°C above dew point), or oil/moisture in the blasting compressor air line.
Preventative Action: Perform Blotter Test (ASTM D4285) daily on compressed air, enforce Bresle patch chloride testing, and apply primer within 4 hours of abrasive blasting before rust blooming initiates.
Defect / Hazard: Pressure Drop During Final Hydrostatic Proof Testing
Root Cause: Micro-leakage through temporary test flange gaskets, entrapped air pockets inside vessel high points, or inadequate temperature stabilization.
Preventative Action: Ensure thorough venting at all high-point vents until bubble-free fluid emerges, allow minimum 15-minute temperature stabilization between filling medium and ambient metal, and torque all blind flanges with calibrated torque wrenches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the mandatory qualifications for inspectors verifying Magnetic Particle Inspection Procedure?
A: Inspectors must hold recognized international certifications applicable to the discipline. For welding and fabrication: CSWIP 3.1/3.2, AWS CWI, or API 510/570 Source Inspector. For NDT: ISO 9712 or ASNT SNT-TC-1A Level II minimum. For coatings: NACE / AMPP Level 2 or FROSIO Level III. Additionally, the inspection agency must operate under an ISO/IEC 17020 accredited quality management system.
Q: How does PtroTek resolve non-conformances (NCRs) encountered during vendor surveillance?
A: When a deviation from certified drawings or ISO 9001 / ASME / API is detected, the inspector issues a formal Non-Conformance Report (NCR) within 24 hours. The vendor must submit a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and proposed disposition (Rework, Repair, or Concession). Work on the affected component is halted (Hold Point) until the Owner’s engineering authority approves the disposition and a re-inspection confirms full compliance.
Q: What is the difference between Witness (W) and Hold (H) points in an Inspection & Test Plan (ITP)?
A: A Hold Point (H) is a mandatory milestone where fabrication or testing CANNOT proceed without the physical presence of the designated client or third-party inspector. Written clearance or stamping is strictly required. A Witness Point (W) requires prior notification (typically 24 to 48 hours) to the inspector; however, if the inspector fails to attend at the scheduled time, fabrication or testing may proceed with subsequent review of the test records.
Q: Can international clients review inspection reports and photos in real time?
A: Yes. PtroTek provides comprehensive Flash Reports issued within 24 hours of inspection completion, followed by detailed formal inspection reports accompanied by high-resolution calibrated photographic evidence, dimension logs, and signed vendor test records for complete global transparency.
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