Piping inspection verifies that process and utility piping inside a plant complies with the applicable standards, both during fabrication and installation and throughout its service life. FKT NDT carries out piping fabrication and installation inspections and periodic inspections of existing piping in accordance with national and international standards and regulations.

Because piping is used in so many different applications, both its fabrication and its periodic inspection call for detailed expertise and experience. We provide this service with our specialised team and our inspection equipment and methods.

Which Piping Systems Are Covered

Process piping (chemical, petrochemical, food and energy plants)
Steam and condensate lines
Compressed air and industrial gas systems
Cooling and superheated water circuits
Fire protection and water lines

For long-distance lines between facilities, see our pipelines page.

Why It Matters: Standards and Legal Basis

A weld defect, the wrong material or corrosion loss in piping can mean a leak, an unplanned shutdown or an accident. Piping should therefore be checked against its design standard during fabrication and periodically once in service.

Periodic inspection of pressurised installations is an employer obligation under Türkiye’s Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment (2013). Inspections refer to the design standard; TS EN 13480 for industrial metallic piping and ASME B31.3 for process piping are the most widely used.

Fabrication and Installation Inspection

Review of material certificates and material traceability
Review of welding procedures and welder qualifications
Dimensional checks against isometric drawings
Visual inspection of welds and NDT to the required extent
Witnessing pressure tests and reviewing test records

For the general framework of shop and site inspections, see manufacturing and assembly process controls.

Periodic Inspection

In-service piping is inspected by document review, visual inspection, checks of supports and hangers, and checks of safety devices. A hydrostatic test is applied where appropriate; where the line cannot be shut down, wall thickness and corrosion loss are measured by ultrasonic inspection, and welds are examined by radiographic or surface methods where needed.

Report and Follow-up

The report lists the lines and sections inspected, methods applied, measurement results and any deficiencies. Each deficiency is stated with its location and a recommendation, making repair and maintenance planning easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between piping and pipelines?

Piping usually means the process and utility pipework within a plant, while a pipeline is a long-distance line carrying fluid between locations.

Which standard is used for piping inspection?

The standard the piping was designed to. Common examples are TS EN 13480 and ASME B31.3.

Which NDT methods are used on welded piping?

In addition to visual inspection, radiographic, ultrasonic, liquid penetrant or magnetic particle testing may be used, depending on the weld and material.

Do we have to shut down the plant for a periodic inspection?

A hydrostatic test requires taking the line out of service. Visual inspection and ultrasonic thickness measurement can usually be done in operation.

Piping