Amusement rides load and unload their structure thousands of times a season, often outdoors. A small fatigue crack in a pin, axle or weld found late can end a ride or injure a rider. Nondestructive testing finds those cracks, and the corrosion behind many of them, while they are still small.
- Finds
- Fatigue cracks, corrosion, wear and damage in structure and mechanical components
- Typical use
- Pins, axles, shafts, wheel assemblies, restraints, welded structure and connections
What amusement ride NDT looks for
- Fatigue cracks in welds, structural connections and highly loaded parts
- Cracks in pins, axles, shafts and wheel assemblies
- Corrosion in structure exposed to weather
- Wear and mechanical damage
The methods used
- Magnetic particle testing for surface cracks in steel parts and welds
- Liquid penetrant testing for nonmagnetic parts and where MT cannot be used
- Ultrasonic testing for cracks that start beneath the surface, in pins, axles and shafts
- Visual testing throughout
Which parts are examined, by which method and how often, is normally set by the ride manufacturer. We work to the manufacturer’s requirements and the rules that apply in your state.
Who we inspect for
- Amusement and theme parks
- Fairs, carnivals and traveling ride operators
- Owners preparing rides for the season or for a state inspection
Codes and standards
Amusement rides are covered by the standards of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices, by the manufacturer’s requirements, and by state law, which varies from state to state:
- ASTM F770, the practice for ownership, operation, maintenance and inspection of amusement rides and devices
- ASTM F2291, the practice for design of amusement rides and devices
- ASTM F1193, the practice for quality, manufacture and construction of amusement rides and devices
- Manufacturer manuals and service bulletins, which usually specify the NDT
- For the NDT itself, ASTM E1444/E1444M or E709 (magnetic particle) and ASTM E165/E165M (penetrant)
Who does the work
Ride NDT is performed by technicians certified in each method under a written practice that follows SNT-TC-1A, or NAS410 for aerospace and defense work, with a Responsible Level III overseeing the program. Reports identify the ride, the component, the method, the procedure and the result, so they can go straight into your maintenance and inspection records.
Training
Midgard trains in the methods used on rides, including magnetic particle, penetrant, ultrasonic and visual testing, along with all the other major methods, at Level I, II and III, with examinations at your facility or ours. See training and certification.
Common questions
How often are amusement rides inspected?
Operators inspect rides daily before opening, and the manufacturer sets the intervals for periodic maintenance and NDT of critical parts. Many states also require an annual or pre-season inspection and permit, and some inspect traveling rides each time they are set up. Requirements vary by state, so check with your state’s ride safety program.
Which NDT methods are used on amusement rides?
Magnetic particle testing for steel parts and welds, liquid penetrant for nonmagnetic parts, ultrasonic testing for pins, axles and shafts where cracks can start beneath the surface, and visual testing throughout.
Who decides which ride parts need NDT?
The ride manufacturer, in its manual and service bulletins. ASTM F770 expects owners and operators to follow the manufacturer’s requirements, and some states add their own.
When is the best time to schedule ride NDT?
Before the season, or during scheduled maintenance, when parts can be reached or removed for examination. Finding a crack then means it can be repaired on plan instead of closing the ride mid-season.
Tell us the rides, the manufacturer’s NDT requirements if you have them, where the rides are, and when you need the work done. Call 1-844-MIDGARD, email contact@midgardscientific.com, or use the contact page.