What to Prepare Before a First Consultation
When you contact us for the first time, the goal is to understand your specific inspection needs and determine whether our methods — ultrasonic phased array and linear infrared thermography — are the right fit for your welded joint. To make that conversation productive, it helps to bring a few concrete details.
Start with the material and geometry of the part. Tell us the base metal grade (for example, carbon steel ASTM A106 or stainless steel 304L), the approximate thickness, and whether the weld is longitudinal, circumferential, or a fillet joint. If you have a drawing or a sketch of the cross-section, that saves time. We need to know the welding process used — submerged arc welding (SAW) is our core focus, but we also work with other processes. Mention any known issues from previous inspections, such as lack of fusion, porosity, or slag inclusions.
Describe the service conditions. Is the component operating at high temperature, cryogenic temperature, or under cyclic pressure? Does it hold a hazardous fluid? This context affects the acceptance criteria and the sensitivity required during the test. If you have a code or standard that governs the acceptance (for example, ASME Section VIII or API 1104), let us know. If not, we can recommend a suitable criterion based on your application.
Tell us about access. Can the weld be reached from both sides? Is there coating or cladding on the surface? Do you need the inspection to be performed on-site or in our facility? On-site inspections require a minimum of 2 m of clearance around the weld for the scanner and the operator. If the part is already installed, we need to know if there is any obstruction within 1.5 m of the joint.
Finally, clarify the deliverable you expect. Do you need a full analytical report with C-scan images and thermographic maps, or a simple pass/fail certificate? We can provide both, but the scope changes the turnaround time. A typical report for a single circumferential weld takes three working days after the inspection. If you need it faster, we can arrange an expedited service with a surcharge of 30 %.
Bringing these points to the first call means we can give you a realistic quote, a timeline, and a clear plan — no guesswork, no follow-up questions that should have been asked at the start.
If you are unsure about any of these details, do not worry. We can guide you through the process during the consultation. The main thing is to have the part or a clear description of it ready.