Weld defects identification

Most defects can be detected using one or more appropriate nondestructive testing techniques. However, in the absence of routine nondestructive testing inspections, identification of defects in installed equipment is generally limited to those that can be observed visually. Defects such as high residual stresses, microstructural defects such as sensitized welds in stainless steel, and laminations will normally remain undetected. Defects that can be detected visually have the following features ... 

Identification. Defects in welds due to laminations may be difficult to identify based solely on a visual examination. Typically, cracks from welding laminated metal cause jagged, stepwise tears in the base metal. The crack may propagate into the weld itself. 

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