Which non-destructive examination (NDE) methods may be used in developing a PQR?

• A. MPI, LPI, RT, UT
• B. Ultrasonic testing only
• C. Hydrostatic testing only
• D. Visual inspection only

Answer: (A)

In PQR development you verify the weld quality with nondestructive checks, and no single test catches every possible flaw. Different NDE methods detect different defect types, so using a mix is common and often necessary. Magnetic particle inspection can reveal surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic welds; liquid penetrant testing exposes surface-breaking flaws in many materials; radiographic testing looks inside the weld and surrounding metal for internal defects; ultrasonic testing can detect internal flaws and characterize weld geometry. Because these methods cover different modes of defect, together they provide a more complete evaluation than any one method alone. Visual inspection helps, but it cannot uncover hidden internal flaws, so relying only on it would not meet the requirements for proving weld integrity in a PQR.