Applied Technical Services’ certified NDT inspectors provide reliable thermite weld inspections. In railways all across America, thermite welds are used to effectively join steel rails. ATS has performed Non-Destructive Testing of Thermite welds for rail construction projects all over the country. ATS can help to develop inspection procedures, techniques, and calibration standards in order to meet industry standards. In addition, over time, these joints experience an enormous amount of stress and fatigue loading, which could result in rail failures and/or safety hazards. The railway industry has established many regulations and standards that require routine thermite weld inspections. Our inspectors are familiar with industry procedures; they provide instant results and timely reports documenting the presence, location, and classification of any defects.
Rail Industry Standards and Regulations:
- ISO — International Organization for Standardization
- ENIFE — European Rail Industry
- GS1 — A Global Organization that Develops Standards
- IRIS — International Rail Industry Standard
- ANSI — American National Standards Institute
- RailCIS — Rail Committee on Information Standards
- AAR — Association of American Railroads
- FRA — Federal Railroad Administration
ATS Provides Services to Many Types of Railways:
- Long Distance Rails
- Intercity Passenger Rails
- Light Rails
- Monorails
- Tram and Trolleys
- Heritage Trains
NDT Methods Used in Rail Weld Inspections
There are a variety of NDT methods available to perform rail weld inspections. These methods can reveal a wide range of defects and deformities, including lack of fusion, porosity, slag inclusions, hot tears, cracks, hot cracks, and cold cracks.
Thermite Weld Inspection Methods Include:
- Visual — Certified inspector performs detailed visual examination of rail weld surfaces. If any surface breaking features are identified, further investigation is usually required.
- Dye Penetrant — This particular method coats the surface of rails and welds with a formulated dye that highlights the presence of surface defects when developed.
- Magnetic Particle — Surface and shallow subsurface cracks are easily detected after applying magnetic particle powder or liquid to a magnetized rail and weld.
- Ultrasonic — Ultrasonic testing is commonly used when determining the quality of weld fusion faces. It is not an effective technique for inspecting the cast material found inside the weld.
Why Choose Applied Technical Services (ATS)?
For over 50 years, many industries have come to depend on ATS for reliable NDT inspections. All employees participate in safety and quality assurance programs. Our SNT-TC-1A certified technicians provide services according to standards and specifications in a timely manner. We provide detailed reporting with clear and accurate data.
