Ultrasonic Testing Services

At Kova Engineering (Saskatchewan) Ltd., we deliver industry-trusted Ultrasonic Testing Services designed to detect, size, and characterize internal and surface defects in critical components. With over 30 years of experience, our certified ultrasonic inspectors apply advanced techniques to evaluate material integrity, prevent unexpected failures, and ensure safe, uninterrupted operations. From routine inspections to complex evaluations, we support clients across the oil & gas, mining, fabrication, construction, and utility sectors. Our approach is grounded in technical precision, regulatory compliance, and a deep understanding of operational risk—making our Ultrasonic Testing Services a key element of any asset integrity strategy.

Expertise in Ultrasonic Testing Services

Kova Engineering (Saskatchewan) Ltd. provides a full range of Ultrasonic Testing Services, leveraging advanced inspection technologies to assess material conditions and uncover subsurface flaws that are invisible to the naked eye. Our expertise covers conventional UT methods such as straight-beam and angle-beam (shear wave), as well as thickness testing and corrosion surveys. Each inspection is performed by qualified professionals using calibrated equipment to deliver accurate, reliable results.

Our team’s knowledge of relevant codes and standards—including CSA, ASME, API, and ISO—ensures all inspections meet industry and regulatory requirements. We interpret data in the context of real-world operating conditions. This allows us to provide actionable insights that support safety, maintenance planning, and life extension of critical assets. Our Ultrasonic Testing Services help to ensure the structural integrity and long-term performance of your equipment.

Advantages of Ultrasonic Testing Services

Deep Flaw Detection: Ultrasonic Testing (UT) can detect internal and subsurface defects—including cracks, voids, and inclusions—at various depths, making it ideal for evaluating structural integrity beyond the surface.
High Accuracy and Sensitivity: UT provides precise measurements of defect location, size, and orientation, allowing for accurate assessment of material condition and fitness for service.
Non-Invasive and Safe: As a non-destructive method, UT preserves the integrity of the tested component while using no harmful radiation—making it safe for operators and the environment.
Real-Time Results: Inspection results are available immediately, enabling fast decision-making for maintenance, repair, or continued operation.
Minimal Surface Prep Required: Only basic surface cleaning is needed to ensure proper coupling, making UT efficient to set up and execute across various environments.
Versatile Across Materials and Shapes: UT works on a wide range of solid materials—including metals, composites, and alloys—and adapts well to welds, castings, pipes, and complex geometries.

Shear Wave

Shear Wave Ultrasonic Testing is a powerful technique used to detect internal flaws, particularly those not oriented perpendicular to the surface. Unlike longitudinal waves, which travel in the same direction as particle vibration, shear waves propagate at an angle, with particle motion occurring perpendicular to the wave’s travel direction. This angular approach allows shear waves to detect planar defects like cracks, lack of fusion, or incomplete penetration, especially in welds and thick-walled components.

At Kova Engineering (Saskatchewan) Ltd., certified UT technicians use shear wave techniques for angle beam inspections, commonly with refracted angles of 45°, 60°, or 70°, depending on the application. These angles enable better coverage of weld joints and detection of defects that would otherwise go unnoticed with straight-beam methods. The ability to scan along the length of a weld and detect flaws oriented in various directions makes shear wave UT indispensable for industries like construction, mining, and oil & gas.

Shear wave inspection is typically done using a wedge attached to the transducer, which introduces the wave at the correct angle. The interpretation of the resulting echoes—based on time, distance, and amplitude—provides detailed insight into the presence and severity of subsurface anomalies.

Longitudinal Wave

Longitudinal Wave Ultrasonic Testing is one of the most fundamental and widely used UT techniques. In this mode, the sound waves travel in the same direction as the particles vibrate—straight through the material. This straightforward wave motion is ideal for identifying defects such as voids, inclusions, laminations, or delaminations located beneath the surface and aligned perpendicular to the probe face.

Kova Engineering (Saskatchewan) Ltd. utilizes longitudinal wave testing primarily in straight-beam inspections. This technique is especially effective for detecting flaws in materials with uniform thickness, such as plates, bars, castings, and forgings. It is also used for thickness measurements and corrosion mapping in service inspections. The direct path of the wave offers clear and reliable data, making it a go-to method for baseline and routine inspections.

Since the wave travels in a straight line, it is easy to interpret and suitable for automated scanning as well. Reflections from material boundaries and internal discontinuities help assess the depth and size of defects with high precision. In many cases, longitudinal wave UT serves as the first pass in inspection routines before switching to shear wave for more complex assessments.

Thickness Testing and Corrosion Survey

Thickness Testing and Corrosion Surveys are critical services within the scope of Ultrasonic Testing, enabling the assessment of material degradation over time. These inspections are vital in industries where corrosion, erosion, and material loss can compromise structural integrity and safety—such as oil & gas, mining, chemical processing, and infrastructure.

Kova Engineering (Saskatchewan) Ltd. provides reliable and accurate thickness measurements using ultrasonic straight-beam techniques. Certified inspectors use portable UT equipment to measure remaining wall thickness without requiring shutdowns or invasive procedures. This makes the process ideal for in-service inspections of pipelines, pressure vessels, tanks, structural components, and more.

By regularly monitoring material thickness, clients can track corrosion rates and determine whether components remain within safe operational limits. This data-driven approach supports proactive maintenance strategies, helping to prevent failures, avoid costly downtime, and extend equipment lifespan. Corrosion surveys also help to identify high-risk zones, prioritize repairs, and validate protective coatings or cathodic protection systems.

Whether part of a scheduled maintenance plan or emergency response, Kova Engineering delivers dependable data and expert analysis to ensure asset integrity.

Get Started With Ultrasonic Testing Services

Ensure the integrity of your infrastructure with expert Ultrasonic Testing Services from Kova Engineering (Saskatchewan) Ltd.
Contact Kova Engineering (Saskatchewan) Ltd. today and experience the difference precision testing makes in protecting your critical assets.

Get Started With Ultrasonic Testing Services

Why Choose Us for Visual Weld Inspection Services?

Over 30 years of proven experience delivering Ultrasonic Testing Services to industrial sectors across Saskatchewan.
Team of certified ultrasonic inspectors with advanced training in both conventional and advanced UT techniques.
Expertise in shear wave, longitudinal wave, thickness testing, and corrosion surveys to detect both surface and subsurface flaws with precision.
In-depth knowledge of CSA, ASME, API, and other industry standards ensures every inspection meets or exceeds regulatory requirements.
Equipped with modern UT equipment for high-resolution imaging, reliable flaw sizing, and data-rich reporting.
Fast turnaround times and flexible scheduling to minimize disruption to operations.

For trusted ultrasonic testing services, choose Kova Engineering (Saskatchewan) Ltd. – where quality and customer satisfaction are our top priorities.