Non-destructive testing of hidden defects through structural vibrations

Standing-wave defectoscopy

Diagnostics and monitoring of tanks and structures

A system for diagnosing tanks, buildings, and civil structures: sensors record structural vibrations, software processing identifies standing waves and natural mode shapes, and the engineer receives a map of defective zones, damage-development trends, and an estimate of residual life.

Inspection NDT
Method standing waves
Result defect map
Assessment residual life
Discuss an inspection Download the presentation
Инженер проводит диагностику резервуара с датчиком и измерительным оборудованием BiometricLabs

How the system works

The system records the asset’s natural and induced vibrations, normalises noisy data, splits the record into blocks, and builds an amplitude-frequency distribution along the structure under study. Changes in natural frequencies, amplitudes, and mode shapes help locate hidden defects and assess their development over time.

Sensors and vibration recording

Sensors are installed on the tank, building, or structure according to the inspection layout and record noise, microseismic, and vibration data without opening the structure.

Standing-wave identification

The software normalises the data, performs spectral processing, and identifies natural mode shapes that reveal anomalous zones and changes in structural stiffness.

Defect map and residual life

The output includes a map of defective zones, an estimate of residual life, and recommendations on where repair, monitoring, or additional instrumental inspection is needed.

Широкоформатная иллюстрация диагностики резервуара с картой дефектов и сигналами колебаний
  • Non-destructive testing: diagnostics without opening the asset or taking it out of service where regulations permit.
  • Suitable for tanks, buildings, bridges, supports, pile foundations, and industrial structures.
  • The method helps identify hidden defects that are not visible during visual inspection.
  • Monitoring shows how a defect develops and helps shift from planned repair to condition-based repair.

Technical specifications

Diagnostic method analysis of standing waves, natural frequencies, and amplitude-frequency distribution
Inspection type non-destructive testing and online condition monitoring
Assets tanks, buildings, structures, bridges, supports, and pile foundations
Input data structural-vibration recordings and noise and microseismic data from sensors
Processing normalisation, splitting the record into blocks, Fourier transformation, and spectrum averaging
Deliverables a map of defective zones, a report, residual-life assessment, and repair recommendations
Monitored indicators changes in frequencies, amplitudes, mode shapes, and local stiffness anomalies
Implementation format a one-off inspection, periodic monitoring, or continuous monitoring

Use cases and operating scenarios

The standing-wave method is applicable to initial inspection, periodic defectoscopy, and continuous monitoring of assets where hidden defects can lead to an incident or costly unplanned repair.

Tanks

Diagnostics of tanks and vessels

Inspection of a tank shell helps identify defective zones, assess damage development, and prepare repairs based on actual condition.

Pilot: defectoscopy of a fuel-oil tank at Salavat CHP plant
Buildings and structures

Hidden structural defects

Frequency-amplitude distribution makes it possible to identify settlement zones, loss of stability, local defect anomalies, and changes in stiffness.

Scenarios: industrial buildings, bridges, supports, and pile foundations
Continuous monitoring

Early warning of incidents

When frequencies and amplitudes change critically, the system may be used as an early-warning layer and a basis for an unscheduled inspection.

Objective: detect defect development before an incident

Documents and materials

Materials for an initial review, preparing an enquiry, and discussing the scope of supply with BiometricLabs engineers.

PDF / presentation

Download the presentation

Description of the system for diagnosing and monitoring tanks and structures, the standing-wave identification method, use scenarios, and project experience.
Asset to inspect

Get the questionnaire

A form for describing the asset type, geometry, material, operating mode, known defects, and accessible sensor-mounting points.
Commercial proposal

Request a proposal

We will prepare the scope of work, inspection or monitoring format, schedule, cost, and source-data requirements.
BL1
Non-destructive testing of hidden defects through structural vibrations

Standing-wave defectoscopy

Diagnostics and monitoring of tanks and structures

A system for diagnosing tanks, buildings, and civil structures: sensors record structural vibrations, software processing identifies standing waves and natural mode shapes, and the engineer receives a map of defective zones, damage-development trends, and an estimate of residual life.

Inspection NDT
Method standing waves
Result defect map
Assessment residual life
Discuss an inspection Download the presentation

How the system works

The system records the asset’s natural and induced vibrations, normalises noisy data, splits the record into blocks, and builds an amplitude-frequency distribution along the structure under study. Changes in natural frequencies, amplitudes, and mode shapes help locate hidden defects and assess their development over time.

Sensors and vibration recording

Sensors are installed on the tank, building, or structure according to the inspection layout and record noise, microseismic, and vibration data without opening the structure.

Standing-wave identification

The software normalises the data, performs spectral processing, and identifies natural mode shapes that reveal anomalous zones and changes in structural stiffness.

Defect map and residual life

The output includes a map of defective zones, an estimate of residual life, and recommendations on where repair, monitoring, or additional instrumental inspection is needed.

  • Non-destructive testing: diagnostics without opening the asset or taking it out of service where regulations permit.
  • Suitable for tanks, buildings, bridges, supports, pile foundations, and industrial structures.
  • The method helps identify hidden defects that are not visible during visual inspection.
  • Monitoring shows how a defect develops and helps shift from planned repair to condition-based repair.