Ultrasonic Thickness Testing
Ultrasonic thickness testing provides non-destructive wall-thickness measurements that help identify metal loss, corrosion trends and areas requiring further assessment. Results become most useful when tied to equipment history and repeatable measurement locations.
Need Ultrasonic Thickness Testing?
Send the equipment details, site location and required date for a scoped response from APIA. Urgent, shutdown and multi-site enquiries are welcome.
Structured, traceable inspection work.
Before requesting this service
Gather any available equipment data plates, previous certificates, inspection reports, drawings, repair records and site access information. The required method and final scope should be confirmed against the equipment, applicable requirements and APIA's formally approved scope.
Service availability is confirmed against the equipment requirements and APIA’s approved service scope.
Questions about ultrasonic thickness testing
What does ultrasonic thickness testing measure?
It measures remaining material thickness using sound waves without cutting into the equipment.
Can UT detect all defects?
No. Thickness measurement is primarily used for wall-loss assessment. Other defect types may require additional NDT methods.
How often should thickness readings be repeated?
Intervals should be based on equipment condition, corrosion mechanisms, previous readings, risk and applicable inspection requirements.
Find ultrasonic thickness testing by location.
Planning ultrasonic thickness testing properly
A reliable scope starts with the equipment, not the search phrase. Confirm the owner, physical location, manufacturer, serial number, design pressure, volume, contents, service conditions and current operational status. Match each item to its data plate, previous report and certificate so that records cannot be confused between similar vessels on the same site.
APIA recommends an early document review before any shutdown. This identifies missing certificates, unreadable data plates, undocumented repairs, unavailable drawings, access constraints and test-equipment needs while there is still time to correct them. For multi-site work, the same information should be captured in a controlled asset register with one row per item and clear due dates.
Inspection readiness
Prepare safe isolation, lockout, depressurisation, drainage, cleaning, lighting and access. Confirm whether internal entry is required and apply confined-space controls where applicable. Identify the site representative who can confirm equipment history and authorise any scope change. If pressure testing is planned, agree the test medium, calibrated gauges, pump capacity, venting, exclusion zone, drainage and restoration plan.
The inspection plan should reflect the equipment condition and the applicable requirement. Visual examination, ultrasonic thickness measurement, other NDT and pressure testing serve different purposes. They should be selected because they address a defined inspection objective, not because one method is routinely used for every item.
Records and close-out
A useful report identifies the exact equipment, scope, method, observations, measurements, limitations, acceptance basis and required actions. Any repair or alteration should be controlled and documented before return to service. Corrective work may require a new examination, supporting NDT or review of repair records.
Preserve the report, certificate, instrument details, photographs, repair records and next due date together. Good record control reduces future inspection time, supports audit readiness and gives the next inspector a defensible history of the item.
Ready to arrange Ultrasonic Thickness Testing?
Request a quotation, confirm inspection readiness or discuss an urgent compliance need with APIA.