Ultrasonic Shear Wave (UTSW)
- Angle-beam weld examination
- HAZ and flaw detection
- Code-compliant procedures
UTSW / GWT / PAUT / ToFD / AUT Corrosion Mapping / ET / XRF / LIBS / 3D Laser / MFL
Advanced NDT
Advanced NDT methods extend beyond conventional techniques to solve complex integrity questions — corrosion mapping on large surfaces, phased array sizing of defects, positive material identification, and 3D as-built documentation. SIS deploys qualified Level II and III personnel with the equipment and procedures these methods require.
Advanced NDT at Superior Integrity Services applies phased array UT, time-of-flight diffraction, guided shearwave (GWT), automated corrosion mapping, eddy current, positive material identification, 3D laser scanning, and magnetic flux leakage when conventional methods cannot provide the resolution, coverage, or data depth an integrity program requires. Qualified Level II and III personnel deliver C-scans, flaw sizing records, and alloy verification logs that engineers can use for disposition and remaining life assessment.
Methods & capabilities
What this service covers
Guided Shearwave (GWT)
- Long-range ultrasonic screening from a single access point
- Collar/ring transducers on excavated or hard-to-access piping
- Corrosion and wall-loss detection along pipe runs
Phased Array UT (PAUT)
- Multi-angle beam steering
- Defect sizing and characterization
- Corrosion and weld mapping
Time of Flight Diffraction (ToFD)
- Through-wall flaw sizing
- Weld and component screening
- Complementary to PAUT
AUT Corrosion Mapping
- Automated thickness grids
- C-scan corrosion profiles
- Large-area coverage
Eddy Current Testing (ET)
- Surface and near-surface flaw detection
- Tube and heat exchanger inspection
PMI — XRF
- Handheld X-ray fluorescence alloy ID
- In-place material verification
- Traceability for installed components
PMI — LIBS
- Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
- Carbon and light-element detection
- Alloy verification where XRF is not enough
3D Laser Scanning
- As-built point clouds for piping and vessels
- Fit-up and clash checks before modification
- Deformation and settlement surveys
Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL)
- Floor and plate screening
- Corrosion and pit detection
Best for
- Corrosion mapping and remaining life assessment
- Complex weld flaw sizing and characterization
- Material verification and traceability
- As-built and deformation surveys
Standards we work to
- ASME Section V
- API 570
- API 653
- ASNT SNT-TC-1A
How a scope runs
Field workflow
Mobilize
Advanced UT, ET, and scanning equipment deploy with qualified technicians and client-approved procedures.
Inspect
Automated and manual advanced examinations cover the defined scope — welds, vessels, piping, or surfaces.
Review
Data is analyzed against acceptance criteria with Level II/III oversight where required.
Report
Digital deliverables and summary reports support engineering disposition and IMP records.
What you receive
Deliverables
- C-scan and corrosion mapping reports
- PAUT and ToFD examination records
- PMI alloy verification logs
- 3D scan deliverables and deviation reports
Advanced NDT at SIS
Advanced methods require more than equipment — they require technicians who understand when to apply PAUT versus ToFD, how to interpret corrosion maps, and how to deliver data your engineers can use. SIS provides that combination across refinery, midstream, and fabrication environments.
When your scope calls for automated corrosion mapping, phased array sizing, or positive material identification, our advanced NDT crews integrate with your turnaround or integrity program without slowing production.
Common questions
Advanced NDT FAQs
When should I choose advanced NDT over conventional methods?
Use advanced NDT when conventional techniques cannot provide the resolution, coverage, or data depth your integrity program requires — for example, corrosion mapping on large surfaces, through-wall flaw sizing, alloy verification, or 3D as-built documentation.
What is the difference between PAUT and ToFD?
Phased array UT (PAUT) uses multi-angle beam steering for defect sizing, characterization, and corrosion and weld mapping. Time-of-flight diffraction (ToFD) provides through-wall flaw sizing and weld screening, and is complementary to PAUT — many scopes apply both.
How does automated corrosion mapping work?
AUT corrosion mapping collects automated thickness grids across large areas and produces C-scan corrosion profiles. The resulting data feeds remaining life assessment and engineering disposition.
What is the difference between XRF and LIBS for PMI?
XRF (X-ray fluorescence) is a handheld method for in-place alloy identification and material traceability. LIBS (laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy) is used when carbon or other light elements matter and XRF alone is not enough.
Who performs SIS advanced NDT inspections?
SIS deploys qualified Level II and III personnel certified under ASNT SNT-TC-1A, with Level II/III oversight of data analysis where required.
What deliverables come with an advanced NDT scope?
Deliverables include C-scan and corrosion mapping reports, PAUT and ToFD examination records, PMI alloy verification logs, and 3D scan deliverables with deviation reports — digital packages ready for engineering disposition and IMP records.
Related services
Often paired with Advanced NDT
RT / CR / DR / PT / MT / UT / VT
Conventional NDT
Radiography, penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, and visual testing for welds and components in shop and field — documented to API and ASME standards.
API 510 / API 570 / API 653 / STI SP001 / Corrosion Mapping / MFL / Vacuum Box / Isometric/CAD Drawings
Mechanical Integrity
API 510, 570, and 653 mechanical integrity programs plus STI SP001 and isometric documentation for pressure vessels, piping, and storage tanks.
In-service inspections / Out-of-service inspections / MFL floor mapping / Calibrations / Surveys
Tank Services
In-service and out-of-service tank inspection, MFL floor mapping, calibrations, and surveys for aboveground storage tanks and terminal assets.
Request a quote
Need Advanced NDT on your next scope?
Tell us what you need inspected, where, and by when. We'll reply with scope and availability, usually same business day.