Nondestructive Examination and Hydrostatic Testing
John R. MacKay, James T. Pillow · ASME Press eBooks · 2011
There are several related terms applied to Code construction that are somewhat imprecisely used. These are examination, inspection, and testing. Within the context of Section I, examination usually describes activities of the manufacturer; inspection refers to what the Authorized Inspector does; and testing refers to a variety of activities, usually of the manufacturer. Some confusion arises from the fact that nondestructive examination (NDE) includes activities defined as examinations, but which are often called tests. NDE is an indispensable means of assuring sound construction, since when properly used, these examinations are capable of discovering hidden flaws in material or welds.