Visual Testing (VT)

NDT METHOD METHODOLOGY

Direct and remote optical assessment of weld joint profiles, surface conditions, alignment, and structural workmanship.

Direct & Remote Visual Weld Examination

Visual Testing (VT) is the oldest and most fundamental method of Non-Destructive Examination. It involves the direct or remote visual evaluation of a component’s surface condition, weld profile, joint alignment, cleanliness, and geometric compliance with applicable engineering drawings.

Professional VT is performed by certified inspectors utilizing calibrated measuring tools—such as fillet weld gauges, bridge cam gauges, bevel protractors, depth micrometers, and high-intensity inspection flashlights. For enclosed, internal, or hazardous locations, Remote Visual Inspection (RVI) employing articulated optical video borescopes is utilized.

Primary Visual Inspection Parameters

Worker in helmet with flames welding the steel part of a motorbike using an argon welding machine and gloves in a garage

Method Code:	VT / RVI
Detection Type:	Surface Profile & Condition
Equipment:	Weld Gauges, Borescopes & Lux Meters
Primary Codes:	ASME V Article 9, AWS D1.1

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METHOD SPECIFICATIONS

Visual Testing Technical Data Sheet

Illumination standards, optical tool requirements, and governing acceptance codes for Visual Examination.

Specification Category	Technical Parameter & Scope
Discontinuity Types Evaluated	Surface cracks, excessive weld reinforcement, concavity, undercut, lack of fill, surface porosity, arc strikes, slag inclusions, misalignment, and mechanical gouges.
Illumination Requirements	Minimum 1,000 lux (100 foot-candles) surface illumination, verified using calibrated light meters in accordance with applicable examination requirements.
Applicable Codes & Standards	ASME Section V, Article 9; AWS D1.1/D1.1M; ASME B31.3; ISO 17637; and ISO 13018.
Inspection Instrumentation	Fillet weld gauges, Bridge Cam (V-Wac) gauges, Hi-Lo welding gauges, optical magnifiers (2× to 10×), mirror probes, and digital calipers.
Remote Visual Inspection (RVI)	High-resolution, four-way articulated digital video borescopes with integrated LED illumination for internal examination of restricted or inaccessible areas.
Documentation Output	Visual examination reports, weld mapping records, photographic defect evidence with scale references, dimensional measurements, and applicable code acceptance statements.

Technical Advantages of VT

Essential first-line inspection preventing wasted effort on secondary NDT when gross surface defects are present.
Real-time feedback to welding supervisors during joint fit-up, root pass, and final cap passes.
Non-invasive and economical quality verification across 100% of exposed weld seams.
Direct physical measurement of weld leg lengths and reinforcement limits against drawings.

Typical Inspection Applications

Pre-weld bevel fit-up, tack weld alignment, and root gap verification.
Completed structural steel column and beam fillet/groove weld examination.
Internal borescope inspection of stainless steel orbital welds in sanitary piping.
Storage tank shell plate welds and anchor bolt installation inspection.

INSPECTION CONSULTATION

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ISO 9001:2015

GST: 29BZZPP5653D1ZK

NDT METHOD METHODOLOGY