Ultrasonic Thickness Testing — Why It Matters for Ageing Assets

Across the Humber region and beyond, industrial assets are getting older. Storage tanks, pipework, pressure vessels and structural steel that have been in service for decades are still expected to perform safely — and that's where ultrasonic thickness testing earns its keep.

What is ultrasonic thickness testing?

Ultrasonic thickness testing (UTT) uses high-frequency sound waves to measure the remaining wall thickness of a material from one side, without any damage to the component. A probe sends a pulse through the material, and the time taken for the echo to return gives an accurate thickness reading — typically to within a fraction of a millimetre.

Ultrasonic thickness checks on a port crane

Why does it matter for ageing assets?

Corrosion and erosion are silent processes. A tank shell or pipe wall can lose thickness year on year with no visible sign until it's too late. Regular thickness surveys reveal:

Corrosion rates — comparing readings over time shows how fast material is being lost, allowing remaining life to be calculated.

Problem areas — localised thinning at water lines, dead legs, supports and welds can be identified and monitored before they become failures.

Compliance evidence — standards such as EEMUA 159 for storage tanks rely on thickness data to set inspection intervals and justify continued operation.

When should you test?

There's no single answer — it depends on the asset, its contents, its environment and its history. As a rule of thumb, any asset over 10 years old without recent thickness data is overdue a baseline survey. From there, corrosion rates determine the right interval.

The cost of not knowing

An unplanned failure costs many times more than a planned inspection — lost production, emergency repairs, environmental cleanup and regulatory scrutiny. A thickness survey is one of the cheapest forms of insurance an asset owner can buy.

Get a clear picture of your assets

Testa provides ultrasonic thickness testing across Hull, Grimsby and nationwide. Our PCN certified inspectors deliver accurate readings and clear, detailed reports — giving you the data to make informed decisions about your assets. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.