Simple and efficient, visual inspection is crucial while repairing aging equipment and their structural supports; it is also essential while fabricating new critical equipment to standards such as AWS D1.1 and D1.5. KAOTHEEM has Visual Welding Inspectors qualified to AWS QC1 as CAWI, CWI and SCWI inspectors.
Visual welding inspection is performed prior, during and after welding:
- Prior to welding, the visual welding inspector checks the material for quality, type, size, cleanliness, flatness, straight line and dimensional accuracy then when the joint is prepared for welding it can be checked for alignment, fit up and correct joint preparation.
- During welding the visual welding inspector can check the weld bead profile and inspect for any surface defects; the inspector can also verify that the preheat, technique and heat input are being maintained within the specified ranges. This is especially useful during multi‐pass welding; highlighting surface defects at this phase can save on weld repair costs at a later stage.
- After welding the visual welding inspector can check for cracks, porosity, crate
cracks, undercut, arc strikes, spatter; they also verify the weld profile.
KAOTHEEM personnel are adept at performing these inspections in fabrication shops and in operating plants in pressure containing and structural equipment.