Welding may appear simple, but in reality, it is one of the most critical fabrication processes across industries. From manufacturing and construction to marine, offshore, and energy projects, welds underpin the strength, safety, and durability of vital assets.
Even a single defective weld can compromise structural integrity, cause costly downtime, or create serious safety risks. That’s why professional weld inspection and testing services are essential.
Why Weld Inspection Matters
Ensuring Structural Integrity
Independent inspection verifies that welds meet required standards and can withstand operational demands, protecting assets from premature failure.
Early Defect Detection
Advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) identifies flaws before they escalate, reducing the risk of breakdowns, rework, and delays.
Safety & Compliance
Competent weld testing safeguards workers, the public, and the environment while ensuring compliance with industry codes and regulations.
Minimising Costs & Downtime
Identifying issues early prevents expensive repairs, lost productivity, and potential liability claims.
Continuous Improvement
Inspection feedback supports better welding practices, improving overall product quality and reliability.
In short: welds are critical, and so is their inspection. Partnering with qualified NDT specialists gives you confidence in the safety, performance, and long-term value of your assets.
The Lab’s NDT Team and Capabilities
As one of the North’s leading NDT laboratories, The Lab is home to a diverse and highly experienced team of weld inspection experts.
- Level 3 NDT personnel trained in penetrant testing (PT), magnetic particle testing (MT), electromagnetic testing (ET), alternating current field measurement (ACFM®), ultrasonic testing (UT) and phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT).
- Extensive expertise in forensic analysis of quality systems and conformity to governing standards.
- A strong team of Level 2 NDT personnel supporting operations.
- Access to the wider Brookes Bell group, including PhDs in metallurgy, forensic engineering, and materials science.
This unique capability ensures clients receive accurate, independent, and defensible weld inspection results.
Advanced Weld Inspection Techniques
The Lab deploys a wide range of surface and subsurface weld testing methods to ensure weld integrity. Our weld inspection techniques include:
- Ultrasonic testing (UT)
- Phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) – advanced subsurface defect detection and morphology analysis
- Full matrix capture / total focusing method (FMC/TFM)
- Time of flight diffraction testing (TOFD) – for critical flaw sizing
- Eddy current array (ECA) – sensitive surface inspection, even through thin coatings
- Alternating current field measurement (ACFM®) – effective through thicker coatings
- Tangential eddy current array (TECA) – for carbon steel welds with dirty, coated, or abrasive surfaces
- Visual testing (VT)
- Magnetic particle testing (MT)
- Liquid penetrant testing (PT)
The Lab also uses advanced digital imaging to present large and complex data sets in accessible formats.
- Surface techniques like ECA and ACFM® not only identify weld defects but also determine their depth for detailed analysis.
- Volumetric techniques such as PAUT, UT, and TOFD provide accurate sizing and depth measurement of subsurface flaws.
What are PAUT and ECA, and Why It Matters
PAUT and ECA are complementary advanced NDT methods that together provide a complete picture of weld integrity.
PAUT enables detailed volumetric inspection of welds, offering:
- 3D imaging of weld defects – mapping size, shape, and location with pinpoint accuracy.
- Real-time visualisation – allowing immediate decision-making during surveys.
- Digital traceability – with tamper-proof, timestamped inspection records ideal for legal and insurance claims.
- Inspection of complex geometries – ensuring no part of the weld is overlooked, even in multi-pass or intricate configurations.
ECA is highly effective for surface and near-surface inspections, offering:
- Detection of surface-breaking and near-surface flaws - such as fatigue cracking, lack of fusion or pitting corrosion.
- Ability to inspect through thin coatings – reducing the need for costly surface preparation.
- Rapid scanning of large areas – improving efficiency in shipyard and in-service inspections.
- Digital data capture – enabling repeatable, auditable records.
Recording and Reporting
All weld inspection services can be supported by comprehensive digital reports, including imaging outputs that are invaluable in weld failure litigation cases.
The Lab also provides comparative A/B reports using PAUT, helping clients understand what might have occurred versus what actually happened — a crucial tool in disputes and investigations.
Proactive vs Reactive Weld Inspection
Proactive Weld Inspection
Proactive weld inspection focuses on preventing problems before they occur. While welders may perform basic self-checks (e.g. CSWIP Visual Welding Inspector training), independent inspection provides critical assurance:
- Verifies compliance with specifications, codes, and standards
- Detects incorrect welding techniques or calibration errors
- Identifies issues from inadequate training or poor interpretation of standards
- Safeguards long-term performance and asset durability
Proactive weld testing is a strategic investment. It reduces the risk of rework, extends asset life, improves safety, and helps maintain compliance.
Reactive Weld Inspection
Even with proactive measures, welds can still fail due to fatigue, unexpected loading, or harsh environments. When this happens, reactive weld inspection and failure investigation become vital.
Our reactive services include:
- Independent failure investigations
- Laboratory testing and metallurgical analysis
- Forensic engineering of contributing factors
- Expert witness support for insurance, accident, and liability cases
Reactive inspection ensures that when failures occur, you have the evidence and expertise to respond effectively, resolve disputes, and prevent recurrence.
Together, proactive and reactive weld inspection form a complete strategy for maintaining weld integrity, safety, and compliance.
Industries We Serve
The Lab provides on-site weld inspection and testing across a wide range of industries, including:
- Maritime – marine vessels, shipbuilding, and offshore structures
- Oil & Gas – upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors
- Petrochemical and chemical industries
- Manufacturing and fabrication
- Infrastructure and construction
- Transport and heavy engineering
- Renewable energy – including onshore and offshore wind turbines
Applications Across the Lifecycle
- New Build Projects: Validate weld quality during construction, ensuring compliance and reducing future risk.
- Existing Assets: Investigate latent defects, corrosion, and fatigue cracking in hulls, tanks, and structural components.
- Claims & Disputes: Provide robust, court-ready evidence for insurance and legal proceedings, supported by expert witness services.
Proven Capability in the Field
The Lab has deployed PAUT and ECA across high-profile offshore and marine projects including:
- Jack-Up Rigs – structural weld inspections offshore.
- Luxury Yachts & Cruise Ships – identifying weld failures in aluminium structures and hull components.
- Shipyard Disputes – supporting legal teams with latent defect claims.
Why Choose The Lab for Weld Inspection?
- Independent, accredited NDT laboratory with global reach
- Experienced Level 3 and Level 2 weld inspection personnel
- Access to advanced technologies and digital reporting methods
- Expertise spanning proactive inspection, reactive investigation, and expert witness services
- Part of Brookes Bell, an internationally recognised name in marine and engineering consultancy
Contact The Lab today to discuss your weld inspection requirements and ensure the safety, compliance, and reliability of your assets.