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Yacht and Smallcraft Surveyors in Surrey

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How does Ultrasonic Boat Testing Work

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  • 17-11-2020
How does Ultrasonic Boat Testing Work

An ultrasonic thickness gauge is utilised to determine the plate thickness and the integrity of steel. iron and aluminium vessels. This is a multiple echo instrument that can detect the thickness of the plating through the protective coatings. Our Non Destructive Testing (NDT) service is readily available for all marine crafts and structures. This includes carbon fibre, fibreglass, aluminium and steel boats.

The Ultrasonic Thickness Report is a separate detailed report consisting of suggestions on where the readings were taken. The cost is considerably reduced if the ultrasonic thickness survey is carried out at the same time as the pre purchase survey. 

Inspections are executed using defect detection devices. These are followed by treatments for metal and composite monolithic and cored structures. The equipment can identify disbonds and delaminations. It can give evidence of porosity and various other issues. These can influence the performance of products and vessels.

The NDT strategies that we use will locate a series of anomalies and defects in metallic and composite structures. The use of fibreglass and carbon fibre composites in manufacturing has grown in recent years and so has the need for reliable,  non-destructive testing in both the preliminary construction phase and while in service.

Is a Boat Valuation Survey a good idea?

Conventional fibreglass is typically used in tanks, pipes, boat hulls, wind power blades, structural panels and comparable items. Carbonfibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) has ended up being steadily more important in the marine industry. An increased number of navy and non-combatant marine designs use it. They are based around the lightweight and high strength properties of sophisticated compounds. 

Due to their laminar framework, these products are potentially subject to splitting along the surface area. These are either due to used stress or weak points resulting from developing abnormalities. 

These internal splits can have a considerable influence on structural integrity. They are generally not detectable by radiography or NDT techniques other than ultrasonics. Thankfully, ultrasonic testing provides a well-established strategy for finding and documenting internal defects.


If you are looking for marine surveys in Surrey and the surrounding areas contact our professional boat surveyor today.

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