When Visual Inspection Is Not Enough
Visual inspection can identify corrosion staining, pitting, coating breakdown, and deformation, but it cannot reliably confirm remaining wall thickness.
UT is useful where asset owners need measurements to understand severity, compare readings over time, or support repair decisions.
Where UT Is Commonly Used
Common applications include tanks, pipes, structural steel, marine structures, bridge components, pressure-related assets, and steelwork where corrosion may be hidden beneath coatings or insulation.
Inspection planning should define grid locations, calibration, surface preparation needs, access requirements, and reporting format.
How Results Should Be Used
UT readings should be interpreted with asset history, location, corrosion pattern, design requirements, and engineering judgement. A single reading rarely tells the whole story.
For complex corrosion patterns, phased array mapping or a more detailed NDT plan may be appropriate.