Conventional NDT
Portable hardness testing
Hardness is the quickest field check that a weld and its heat-affected zone have the properties the design assumed. It confirms that post-weld heat treatment was effective, that sour-service hardness limits are met and that the right material was supplied, and it is required by many construction codes and owner specifications.
Methods used in the field
- Leeb rebound (ASTM A956): fast, suited to heavier sections and large components.
- Ultrasonic contact impedance (UCI, ASTM A1038): small indent, suited to weld caps, narrow HAZ and thin sections.
- Portable Brinell and comparison testers (ASTM E110) where the specification calls for them.
Where readings are taken
Readings are taken on the weld metal, heat-affected zone and base metal at locations set by the specification, with the surface prepared to the finish the method needs. Because portable readings are converted to a scale (HB, HV or HRC), the conversion basis and any material-specific correlation are recorded.
Why hardness is checked
- Post-weld heat treatment verification on alloy and carbon steel piping and vessels.
- Sour-service compliance: NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 sets hardness limits for weldments in H2S service.
- Material verification alongside PMI.
- Repair welds and hot-tap welds where hardening is a risk.
How we deliver it
Portable hardness testing is carried out to a written procedure approved for the scope, naming the code and edition, the equipment and calibration, the coverage and the acceptance criteria. The procedure and each technician’s certification are submitted for the client’s review before mobilisation.
Work is planned and supervised by ASNT Level III personnel; our founder holds ASNT NDT Level III in UT, RT, MT, PT and VT. Reports state the coverage achieved and any limitations, so the engineer reading them knows what was examined and what was not, and any reportable finding is raised the same day.
Governing codes and standards
- ASTM A956 (Leeb hardness)
- ASTM A1038 (UCI hardness)
- ASTM E110 (portable hardness testers)
- NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 (materials for H2S-containing environments)
- ASME B31.3 heat-treatment and hardness requirements
What you receive
- Hardness survey with locations, readings and converted values
- Comparison with the specified limits and a pass/fail statement
- Calibration records for the test block used
Industries served
- Refining and petrochemical
- Oil and gas (sour service)
- Power generation
- Fabrication and construction
Frequently asked questions
Which portable hardness method should be used on a weld?
UCI is usually preferred on weld caps and narrow heat-affected zones because its indent is small; Leeb suits heavier sections. The owner specification may name the method and the scale.
Talk to an inspection engineer
Send the equipment list or drawings, the inspection you need and your timing. Quotes are prepared for each scope and region.
Request a QuoteRequest an inspection quote (RFQ)
Tell us the asset, the method, where it is, the governing code, your dates, the size of the job and the report you need. We reply with questions or a quote. Affordable, accessible, fully customizable — no published pricing.
Or email the same details to info@atlantisndt.com. Mobilisation: North America; confirm your location in your RFQ.
Speak to an ASNT NDT Level III
Atlantis NDT provides ASNT Level III consulting, NDT training to ASNT SNT-TC-1A, inspection management software and independent report validation. Request a free consultation and we will return a tailored quote — affordable, accessible and fully customizable to your programme.