NDT Visual Testing Fundamentals 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum illuminance level (in foot-candles) required for general visual inspection per ASME standards?
- 25 fc
- 50 fc (Correct answer)
- 100 fc
- 150 fc
Correct answer: 50 fc
ASME standards require a minimum illuminance of 50 foot-candles (540 lux) for general visual inspection.
Question 2: During remote visual inspection (RVI), which tool is best suited for inspecting internal bores of small-diameter tubing?
- Rigid borescope (Correct answer)
- Flexible fiberscope
- Video borescope
- Dental mirror
Correct answer: Rigid borescope
Rigid borescopes provide superior image quality and are ideal for straight, small-diameter bores where flexibility is not required.
Question 3: What does the term 'depth of field' mean in the context of visual testing optics?
- The maximum magnification achievable
- The range of distances over which objects appear acceptably sharp (Correct answer)
- The field of view angle of a lens
- The minimum defect size detectable
Correct answer: The range of distances over which objects appear acceptably sharp
Depth of field is the range of distances within which objects remain in acceptable focus without readjusting the optic.
Question 4: Which discontinuity type is MOST likely to be missed during a direct visual inspection of a weld surface?
- Surface porosity
- Undercut
- Subsurface lamination (Correct answer)
- Overlap
Correct answer: Subsurface lamination
Subsurface laminations are internal discontinuities not visible at the surface, making them undetectable by direct visual methods.
Question 5: A pit gauge is used during visual testing primarily to measure:
- The length of a surface crack
- The depth of a corrosion pit (Correct answer)
- The width of a weld bead
- The height of a reinforcement
Correct answer: The depth of a corrosion pit
A pit gauge (or depth gauge) is specifically designed to measure the depth of corrosion pits and similar surface depressions.
Question 6: In visual testing, 'raking light' technique is most effective for detecting:
- Subsurface voids
- Surface roughness and shallow surface irregularities (Correct answer)
- Internal porosity
- Material composition changes
Correct answer: Surface roughness and shallow surface irregularities
Raking (oblique) light cast at a low angle creates shadows that highlight subtle surface irregularities and shallow discontinuities.
Question 7: Which personal protective factor is MOST critical when performing visual inspection inside a confined space vessel?
- Wearing anti-static gloves
- Atmospheric testing and continuous air monitoring (Correct answer)
- Using polarized lenses
- Applying sunscreen for UV exposure
Correct answer: Atmospheric testing and continuous air monitoring
Confined space entry requires atmospheric testing for toxic gases, oxygen deficiency, and flammable vapors before and during entry.
What is the minimum illuminance level (in foot-candles) required for general visual inspection per ASME standards?