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Applications |
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Weld
Inspection |
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The joining of two pieces of metal by means of a weld is one
of the most common methods used in assembling structures and
components. During the welding process, either in the fabrication
phase or during weld repairs, defects can occur in the weld
or parent material, introducing a weak point or "Achilles
Heel" into the strongest of structures or components.
In-service, defects can also occur due to fatigue caused by
cyclic stress, accidental damage or overloading. No matter
at what stage of a components life weld defects occur, they
have the potential to act as a stress concentration point
leading to the failure of the weld and ultimately the component
or structure.
Achilles Applied Technology Ltd. offers a range of inspection
and non-destructive testing techniques capable of locating
and providing qualitative and quantative information about
weld defects and the adjacent parent material, either during
the fabrication phase, weld repairs or as part of an 'in-service'
inspection programme.
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Structural
Inspection |
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In order to ensure that structures in use are fit for purpose
and capable of satisfying their design criteria, regular inspection
is recommended as part of any safety case for the structures
continued use. Whether made of metals, concrete or a mixture
of materials, a condition monitoring or inspection programme
should be designed to identify the "Achilles Heel"
of an apparently strong structure, which could become either
a focal point for deterioration or a cause of failure.
Achilles Applied Technology Ltd. offers a range of inspection
and non-destructive testing techniques capable of locating
and providing both qualitative and quantative information
about defects within a variety of structures. Using Access
Engineering Techniques, Achilles has the ability to safely
and efficiently access normally inaccessible or difficult
areas of a structure, saving on down-time, inspection time
and cost.
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Concrete
Structures |
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Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials
and forms a large part of the infrastructure of modern life.
Greater demands in terms of loading and life expectancy are
being placed on today's structures and concrete components,
resulting in a need for increased inspection. Traditionally,
visual inspection gave an indication of the integrity of a
structure or component, however the internal condition remained
unknown. The results obtained from hammer tapping provided
limited information of the internal condition of a section
of concrete and the results were subjective.
Achilles Applied
Technology Ltd. offers the Impact-Echo Method of Non-Destructive
Testing of Concrete and Masonry Structures to calculate the
thickness of concrete slabs and determine the location and
extent of surface breaking cracks, internal cracks, delaminations,
voids and honeycombing.
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Thread
Inspection |
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Fatigue cracking within the threads of threaded components
has been found to be a major cause of failure during post
failure investigations. In-service failure can prove to be
both costly and a major safety hazard. Regular inspection
and non-destructive testing instills confidence threaded components
and removes defective components from service before failure
occurs.
Using Alternating Current Field Measurement Technology, (ACFM),
Achilles Applied Technology Ltd. has the ability to detect
and size both the internal and external threads of a wide
range of threaded components. ACFM probes are available in
a wide range of thread sizes or they can be tailor made to
specific sizes. The ACFM software can also be adapted for
use with a wide variety of materials.
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Crane
Inspection |
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Both mobile and fixed cranes come in a wide variety of configurations
depending on their designed application. The one common factor
however, is that they are normally welded structures and are
prone to fatigue cracking of the welded joints. LOLER requires
the inspection of all lifting equipment to be carried out
at regular intervals. This would normally result in the crane
being taken out of service, perhaps with costly scaffold being
built to carry out the inspection to determine the cranes
structural integrity.
Achilles Applied Technology Ltd. offers a range of inspection
and non-destructive testing techniques capable of locating
fatigue cracks in welds without the need for prior coating
removal. Using Rope Access Engineering Techniques, Achilles
Technicians have the ability to access the test locations
efficiently and safely without the need for costly scaffold
and lengthy down-time. Utilising multi-disciplined, rope-access
trained inspectors down-time is reduced, as is the amount
of personnel involved in the operation.
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Theme
Park & Fairground Rides |
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Theme Parks and Fairground rides attract millions of visitors
annually, drawn to the thrill of faster and more daring rides,
challenging engineers to design and build safe rides where
the element of danger lies only in the minds of the visitors.
To ensure the continued safety and integrity of these rides,
regular inspection is recommended to locate any possible defects
within the structure.
Achilles Applied Technology Ltd. offers a range of inspection
and non-destructive testing techniques, that when combined
with Rope Access Engineering provides a time efficient and
non-invasive means of testing theme park and fairground structures.
The use of advanced inspection technology allows the rapid
inspection of structural welds without the requirement of
prior paint removal. Utilising multi-disciplined, rope-access
trained inspectors, rides can remain open as normal, with
the inspection being carried out when the theme park is closed
and suspended prior to re-opening, keeping down-time and disruption
to a minimum.
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Plant
Inspection |
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Both onshore and offshore process plants require planned maintenance
and inspection to ensure continued integrity and reduce unplanned
shutdown due to systems failure.
Achilles Applied Technology Ltd. offers a range of non-intrusive
inspection and non-destructive testing techniques capable
of locating and providing qualitative and quantative information
of weld and metal defects in pipe work, process plant and
storage vessels and facilities. The use of Rope Access Engineering
techniques and multi-disciplined inspectors provides a safe,
time efficient and cost effective solution to accessing areas
at height, eliminating or reducing down-time.
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Underwater
Inspection |
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Underwater structures and components are designed to operate
in some of the harshest environments encountered. In addition
to the normal modes of deterioration encountered topside,
underwater structures are also subjected to elements that
will ultimately compromise their integrity and safety and
are sometimes considered 'out of sight out of mind', requiring
considerable effort and planning to carry out routine maintenance
and inspection.
Achilles Applied Technology Ltd. offers a range of inspection
and non-destructive testing techniques suitable for use in
underwater inspection. As part of a commercial diving operation,
underwater inspection can be used to locate and provide qualitative
and quantative information on defects within a structure or
component, or to confirm its continued integrity. Achilles
also provides underwater inspection consultancy services to
identify the appropriate inspection techniques and to co-ordinate
the inspection programme.
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