Field Inspections
Visual Testing (VT)

Visual testing (VT) inspections are some of the oldest and most basic non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection techniques, but are essential to ensure quality control and safe operations.

MISTRAS Group provides visual testing (VT) services for multiple industries and assets. In traditional VT, MISTRAS technicians inspect equipment with their eyes to determine any visual defects. MISTRAS performs visual inspections according multiple industry codes and regulations.

The quality and expertise of the inspector is essential in visual testing. MISTRAS provides trained and certified VT inspectors to evaluate the condition of your assets based on years of industry experience and familiarity with the damages most likely to affect your equipment.

Visual testing (VT) Inspection Applications

Visual inspections are often the first technique that MISTRAS utilizes at the outset of a project. Visual inspections are a useful tool to gauge the scope of corrosion, cracking, leaking, and other damages, enabling MISTRAS to more effectively plan what inspection and maintenance services are required.

Visual inspections can be conducted on any assets that show visible forms of degradation, including:

• Piping
• Storage Tanks
• Boilers
• Vessels
• Welds

A MISTRAS inspector will visually examine these assets and compare them to documented equipment drawings and previous inspection reports (if no formal documentation is available, MISTRAS creates them for you). The inspector makes note of any areas of concern, and depending on the findings, may recommend more advanced techniques to determine the damage’s scope.

In additional to traditional visual testing, MISTRAS also offers borescope and remote video testing services, which are video tools that can be used to visually inspect asset interiors and those in hard-to-access locations.

Visual testing (VT) Inspection Standards

Among others, MISTRAS provides visual inspection services to the following industry standards. Speak to a MISTRAS representative if you do not see a standard on this list:

• American Petroleum Institute (API)
• API 653 Above Ground Storage Tank Inspection
• API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspection
• API 570 Piping Inspection
• API 579 Fitness for Service
• API 580 Risk Based Inspection
• API 936 Refractory Inspection
• American Welding Society
• Certified Weld Inspector (CWI)
• American National Standard Institute (ANSI)
• ANSI N.45.2.6 – Visual inspections for nuclear power plants
• ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Codes
• SNT-TC-1A & CP189

API 510 VT Inspections of Pressure Vessels

MISTRAS has extensive experience in conducting API 510-compliant VT inspections for in-service pressure vessels, helping to identify signs of corrosion, erosion, cracking, weld flaws, wall thinning, and other metallurgical discontinuities.

API 570 VT Inspections of Piping Circuits

MISTRAS Group conducts API 570 VT inspections for in-service piping circuits and pipelines. MISTRAS’ VT services help to ensure that piping systems and pipelines operate with optimal mechanical integrity, while allowing fluids, gasses, and other materials to safely travel through the piping systems.

API 653 VT Inspections of Aboveground Storage Tanks

MISTRAS’ API 653 VT inspection services help tank operators identify signs of damage, including corrosion, leakage, cracking, and wall thinning. Utilizing planned inspection strategies, MISTRAS’ API 653 inspection solutions reduce the need for unnecessary tank openings and frequent interruptions, and limit threats of damage from unchecked areas.