Blog – 20/20 NDT Technology

Magnetic Particle Testing 101: What You Need to Know

2020NDT February 25, 2026

Magnetic particle testing provides one of the most reliable ways to test any metal structure. Whenever you build or repair a product or structure, you do everything you can to deliver quality work. You don’t want that product to fail, and you certainly don’t want your work injuring anyone. This would weigh heavily on your conscience, not to mention spell disaster for your business. So, to ensure you provide quality work, you turn to non-destructive testing. In previous blogs, we’ve addressed a few different non-destructive testing techniques. We’ve done this help you decide which techniques and teach you about how each technique works. However, we have yet to cover magnetic particle testing, which represents one of the most reliable ways to test any metal structure. To learn more about this NDT technique, explore the information below. How Does Magnetic Particle Testing Work? The Basics Magnets produce a field around

What It Takes to Work in Non-Destructive Testing

2020NDT February 25, 2026

Your current career doesn’t excite you. When you clock in at the beginning of your shift, you know another unfulfilling day awaits you. You don’t feel like your job does anything worthwhile for the company, the community, or even you. It doesn’t challenge you, and you drudge through each day just because you need a paycheck. You need a career change, so you’ve considered several options, but you haven’t found one that appeals to you yet. Have you looked at non-destructive testing? NDT doesn’t fit most people’s idea of the typical alternative career, but you may find it not only fulfilling and challenging, but fascinating as well. NDT involves helping companies, cities, and other organizations find flaws in their pipes, buildings, and other structures. This ensures that everyone living or working near that structure stays safe. You’ll get to use a number of sophisticated technologies in the process as well.

Visual Testing 101: A Look at NDTâ€™s Oldest and Most Common Technique

2020NDT February 25, 2026

The non-destructive testing industry is large, diverse, and vital to the success of many Canadian businesses. With varied techniques like magnetic particle testing, dye penetrant testing, and radiographic testing, the NDT field plays a vital role in countless construction, pipeline, and manufacturing projects. But did you know that there is one technique at the heart of all NDT techniques? Visual testing is the first step in any non-destructive testing process. Whether your project needs ultrasonic testing or a concrete X-ray, NDT professionals will always perform a visual test before proceeding. In this blog, weâ€™ll tell you what you need to know about this integral part of the non-destructive testing process. What Is Visual Testing? Visual testing is the oldest and most common technique in the non-destructive testing field. Before performing any other test, NDT professionals perform visual examinations on all pipe castings, machine components, and ground elements. During a

Using Non-Destructive Testing for Weld Inspection

2020NDT February 25, 2026

In assemblies and structures, welds work to keep structural integrity strong enough to last through the decades. However, over time, weld connections suffer fatigue and encounter loads which can lead to weld failure if they’re not found in time. Many might assume that a weld is “good quality” if it looks secure. However, weld inspections involve far more than simple visual inspections to determine the quality of the weld connections. However, cutting into the weld to see if it’s strong enough would be counterproductive. Destroying the weld is not an option, as it would destroy the structure or assembly that the weld secures. Instead, technicians use nondestructive testing (NDT) to determine the quality of a weld. While standards of weld quality differ between industries and even between specific projects, proper examination techniques can ensure quality and safety. Technicians should inspect welds throughout the duration of the project. However, weld

Smartphones and Worksite Safety

2020NDT February 25, 2026

If your project managers and other employees work in remote locations, you have to keep everyone on guard and away from danger. How safe is your worksite? If your project managers and other employees work in remote locations, you have to keep everyone on guard and away from danger. In an earlier blog post, we mentioned that â€œcompanies must pass inspections and audits and perform necessary incident investigations to comply with government safety standards.â€ Although it can be difficult to pass the endless checklists of safety inspections, you must make safety your number one priority on the job. Fortunately, you can leverage mobile technology to help your workforce become safer and more efficient on your remote worksite locations. Here are five different ways a smartphone can improve safety on your worksites. 1. Download Apps for Protection If your workforce consists mostly of lone workers, you need to take extra

Safety Tips for Workers in the Oil and Gas Pipeline Industry

2020NDT February 25, 2026

Canada’s oil and gas industry provides crucial services to homes and businesses across the countryâ€”and even across the world. Each of Canada’s provinces generates billions of dollars of revenue in oil and gas alone, and oil and gas gives more than 550,000 Canadians a steady job. Because this industry contributes so much to the Canadian economy and livelihood, safety is one of its top priorities. Safety problems don’t happen often in the pipeline industry, but when they do, catastrophe often results. When safety standards fall, pipeline workers, Canadian citizens, the economy, and the environment all suffer. If you work in the oil and gas industry, both you and your employer have crucial roles to play in terms of safety. In past blog entries, we’ve given you tips on avoiding dangerous pipeline problems and overviews of Canada’s pipeline standards and regulations. In this blog, we’ll tell you specifically what your

Using NDT and X-Ray Inspection to Detect Pipeline Leaks in Fort St. John and Grande Prairie

2020NDT February 25, 2026

If properly maintained, pipelines are one of the safest and most economical means of transporting oil and gas. But things like corrosion, shifting, and human error can result in dangerous pipeline leaks. Thatâ€™s why itâ€™s important to look for any points of vulnerability in your pipeline before serious leaks occur. Signs That You Already Have a Leak Both natural gas and oil leaks smell like rotten eggs, but there are a few key differences to look for at the sight of a suspected leak: Natural Gas Frost, or fire, coming up from the ground Bubbling pools of water Blowing dirt Dead plants Oil Pools of liquid around the pipeline Liquid spraying from the ground Discoloured ice or snow Rainbow gloss on standing water Unfortunately, if you can detect a leak yourself, significant loss and damage has already occurred. It is highly recommended that you use the services of a

Adding Value to Your Dawson Creek or Alberta Pipeline Investment with X-Ray and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

2020NDT February 25, 2026

Any savvy businessperson can tell you that it is in your best interest to protect your investments, and a pipeline represents a significant investment. Proper care and maintenance of your pipeline can help you avoid interruptions of service and weighty costs in the event of a leak. Not to mention the importance of avoiding ecological disasters. If you think you might need NDT, or x-ray inspection in Dawson Creek or anywhere in Alberta, then keep reading. What Is NDT and Why Would I Need It? There are many things that can have a negative impact on the condition of pipelines. NDT detects the tiny imperfections that if left unchecked, would eventually lead to a leak, or even major structural damage. Some of the most common sources of pipe deterioration are: Corrosion Cracking Shifting Wear and tear Human error How Does NDT Work? NDT represents a series of non-invasive tests that

NDT and X-ray: Dawson Creek Pipeline Inspection Methods

2020NDT February 25, 2026

Do you need NDT or X-Ray inspection for your pipeline in Dawson Creek, High Level or Valleyview? Keep reading to find out more about the different types of tests and equipment used! Magnetic Particle Testing This method creates a magnet field that spreads out and becomes a flux leakage field. Technicians analyze the flux leakage field to find faults in the pipe wall. Magnetic particle testing is one of the quickest and most cost effective methods of NDT but it can only be used on metal pipes. Whatâ€™s Involved? Technicians prepare the surface by removing contaminants like oil, grease and dirt. A portable electromagnetic device is used to apply a magnetic force to the surface. Any flaws in the test area will result in a flux leakage field. Technicians then apply a layer of fluorescent and ferrous magnetic particles, which are drawn into the flux leakage field. Technicians look

The Ins-and-Outs of NDT and NDE Corrosion Inspection in British Columbia (BC)

2020NDT February 25, 2026

Extreme weather and tough conditions in Fort St. John, BC can put your pipeline at risk of corrosion. Corrosion is an inevitable occurrence when you are dealing with metal materials, but disaster isnâ€™t. NDT companies use techniques like X-Ray inspection to find corrosion and stop it from turning your pipeline into a headline. How does corrosion happen? Corrosion occurs naturally over time as the metal components of your pipeline react with the soil and water surrounding them. To a certain extent, corrosion is unavoidable. But the damage that it causes can be kept to a minimum when monitored correctly. NDT inspection and proper maintenance are key. What are some of the signs of corrosion? The certified NDT/NDE inspectors at 20/20 NDT look for known signs of corrosion, like: Thinning pipe walls Pitting and pinholes Hairline cracks Sand wash damage Other signs of distress What does the NDT inspection process