Frequently Asked Questions

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About 3PI

  • 3PI is a New Zealand-based independent specialist inspection service. We offer comprehensive NDT solutions and quality assurance services across a diverse range of industries, including but not limited to  energy, dairy, manufacturing and construction.  Although based in New Zealand, our operations have expanded to include the Pacific Islands and Australia.

  • 3PI works across all industries, including energy, dairy, manufacturing, construction and other industries of all sizes in New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Australia.

  • Yes, wherever you’re based in New Zealand, we can provide inspection services at your site.

  • 3PI is different from other inspection companies because we offer a full suite of inspection services orientated towards solving problems, not just identifying them. And as a locally based company able to be more responsive.

  • Yes, 3PI can assist you with both one-off inspections and ongoing inspection programmes.

  • There are a range of reasons why an independent inspection company may be required, whether due to construction codes, industry best practice or regulatory requirements. Whatever the reason, 3PI can help.

  • Yes, 3PI can support you at multiple worksites throughout New Zealand. We can also work at your sites in Australia and the Pacific Islands.

  • Contacting us is easy. Either use the contact form on this website or call us on 0064 3 386 0097 or Email: info@3pi.co.nz

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

  • Non-destructive testing is the process of inspecting materials, components or welds for defects, flaws or imperfections without permanently altering or damaging the equipment during evaluation.

  • Non-destructive testing (NDT) is essential for safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. Many construction codes mandate specific NDT procedures, while on-stream and off-stream inspections serve as critical components of preventative maintenance and regulatory compliance. By identifying potential vulnerabilities before they lead to failures, NDT can help prevent costly unplanned downtime and ensure safe, continuous operation. At 3PI, we provide expert guidance to help you meet the standards and regulatory requirements applicable to your industry.

  • Our NDT Division works across all industries including energy, dairy, manufacturing, construction  and other industries of all sizes in New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and Australia.

  • We provide the full range range of NDT options, so whatever your requirement are we can assist: Ultrasonic Testing (UT, LRUT, PAUT), Radiographic Testing (RT), Computed Radiography (CR), Eddy Current (ET), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL), Dye Penetrant Testing, (PT, DPI, LPI), Visual Inspection (VT), Remote Visual Inspection (ROV, UAV, Borescope), Positive Material Identification, Hardness Testing, Vacuum Box Testing, Rope Access, Eddy Current Array Testing (ECA), Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD), Internal Rotary Inspection (IRIS), Remote Field Testing (RFT), Near Field Testing (NFT), Pulse Eddy Current Testing (PECT).

  • 3PI are accredited by IANZ to ISO 17020. In New Zealand, many NDT inspections are required to be performed by technicians who hold ISO 9712 certification, an internationally recognised standard for NDT personnel. 3PI's technicians hold a broad range of ISO 9712 certifications across multiple NDT methods, enabling us to provide qualified personnel for a wide variety of inspection applications.

  • NDT inspection is a highly specialised role. You should evaluate a provider based on their experience, reputation, ability to be flexible in how, when and where they can work with you, their ability to respond to complex situations, and knowledge. 3PI is able to work with a large number of different NDT testing platforms, making us a one-stop shop. Because we can cover all the bases, our clients find working with us is smooth and easy.

  • Ultrasonic testing is a volumetric method of  inspection using sound waves. Many techniques have been developed on this concept ranging from thickness testing to detecting internal defects or flaws.

  • Phased array is an advanced ultrasonic testing technique that uses multiple transducer elements and manipulation of the sound beam to create detailed images of internal structures.

  • Radiographic testing is another volumetric method of inspection using  X-Rays or gamma rays to capture an image of the internal structure of a component.

  • The best NDT testing method depends on the exact application and its size, shape, and accessibility. Experience is needed to know which is the most appropriate. In some cases, it might be necessary to use several different methods to perform a comprehensive test.

  • Yes, NDT can be used to detect internal corrosion. The success of detection depends on many factors. We can help match the best method for a specific corrosion case.

  • In most cases, NDT can be performed without shutting down operations.

  • The frequency of NDT inspections depends on the applicable standard, codes, and your level of acceptable risk.

  • Yes, NDT can help prevent equipment failures.

Asset Integrity & Risk Management

  • Asset Integrity Management is consistent monitoring of a facility to gauge the pace of deterioration in an asset, which is then used to plan a maintenance schedule. The objective is to prolong the life of the plant and to monitor its integrity.

  • The objective of a Risk Based Inspection programme is to identify common damage mechanisms that could affect equipment and evaluate the probability of failure against the consequences of failure. By ranking equipment according to risk it focuses inspection and maintenance activities.

  • Risk-Based Inspections can reduce maintenance costs by identifying potential damage mechanisms and risk ranking equipment according to the probability and consequence of the equipment failing. This allows targeted maintenance schedules to be developed in response.

  • Asset Integrity Management can extend the life of equipment by gauging the pace of deterioration in an asset, which can then be used to plan a targeted maintenance schedule.

  • By employing Asset Integrity Management and Risk-Based Inspections, we can assist you in making a proactive maintenance plan.

  • Common causes of industrial equipment failures are lack of understanding of relevant damage mechanisms,  lack of a developed preventative maintenance plan, no formalised inspection plan,, changing processes or conditions without updating integrity operating windows , and poor manufacturing and construction.

  • An inspection program improves workplace safety by identifying potential equipment issues before they become hazards. Regular inspections help ensure equipment remains safe, reliable, and compliant with relevant safety requirements.

  • When you’re looking for an asset integrity provider you should consider their experience, knowledge of your field, qualifications and accreditations.

  • Yes, 3PI specialises in creating customised inspection programmes for our clients.

Pressure Equipment & Compliance

  • PECPR refers to the Pressure Equipment, Cranes, and Passenger Ropeways Regulations 1999, which require safety inspections of specified equipment to ensure it remains safe and compliant.

  • PECPR regulations apply to specified pressure equipment, cranes, and passenger ropeways. This generally includes pressure vessels, piping, boilers, air receivers, refrigeration vessels, heat exchangers, industrial cranes, and passenger ropeways such as cable cars, ski lifts, and gondolas. Applicable standards include AS/NZS 3788 and AS 4343.

  • A Certificate of Inspection is an annual safety inspection.

  • The inspection of pressure vessels in New Zealand generally requires CBIP-certified inspectors. However, different endorsements are needed depending on the type of item being inspected, so please contact us to discuss your situation.

  • Please call or email us. Once we establish the operating parameters of your equipment, we can advise on the appropriate inspection requirements. Commonly pressure vessels require inspection by a certified inspector.

  • It depends on the particular situation, but usually pressure vessels must be inspected at least once a year.

  • It depends on the type of equipment and operating conditions. We will assess areas requiring inspection - both internally and externally -NDT may also be recommended.

  • Yes, a visual inspection can identify corrosion inside a pressure vessel, if there is no internal access an NDT method can often be employed externally to detect the corrosion.

  • Yes, 3PI can help your business meet its WorkSafe requirements.

  • Yes, 3PI can assist you with meeting your PECPR compliance requirements.

Piping, Tanks & Industrial Assets

  • We have API 570 inspectors available for piping inspections.

  • Inspection methods depend on the tank's construction, service, and contents. We work to API 653 where applicable and use visual inspections, ultrasonic testing (UT) with robotic tank wall crawlers, MFL floor scanners, vacuum box testing, drones, and other non-destructive testing (NDT) methods as required.

  • Corrosion can be detected through a variety of methods and techniques. Each situation is unique so we can offer advice on an individual case. We can even detect corrosion under insulation (CUI) with out the need to remove the lagging.

  • Yes, NDT can be used on live piping.

  • Your business can extend the lifespan of its piping and tanks with a well-designed inspection and maintenance plan.

  • There are a range of different factors that could lead to asset deterioration. 3PI has the expertise to assist with identifying a strategy to navigate deteriorating assets. NDT combined with a well-planned inspection program can detect hidden defects.

  • Yes, inspections can most definitely help prevent costly equipment failures by detecting problems before they elevate to become failures.

Cranes, Lifting Equipment & Structures

  • Cranes governed by PECPR regulations must be inspected annually.

  • It typically involves a visual inspection using an appropriately qualified inspector under the government regulations.

  • Regular crane inspections help ensure cranes remain safe to operate , comply with regulatory requirements, and identify defects before they lead to equipment failure or safety incidents.

  • 3PI inspect lifting equipment and lifting structures if they meet the definition of a crane.

  • The most common crane defects include cracks, corrosion, and defective safety systems such as load sensors.

  • Yes, crane inspections can help reduce downtime and safety risks

Rope Access, Drone & Remote Inspections

  • Rope access inspections are inspections by technicians who are trained to carry out work while fully suspended. We perform a variety of different inspections by rope using a range of NDT methods. Its usually faster + better economically than erecting scaffolding and provides access to places that would be difficult to inspect by other means.

  • Drone inspections have a range of benefits, including lower cost, speed, accessibility, and safety. They eliminate the need for scaffolding and can give access to places where humans can’t fit or go safely. For example, drones can be used under wharfs to inspect wharf lines, inside storage tanks, culverts and in tight spaces.

  • Drones can be ideal for carrying out inspections in difficult-to-access structures.

  • ROV (remotely operated vehicle) inspections are used underwater. 3PI ROVs can be used in the sea and in water storage tanks.

  • Yes, remote inspections by 3PI drones and ROVs can help reduce and even eliminate shutdown costs.

  • Yes, remote inspection technologies can reduce inspection costs.

Inspection Planning & Maintenance

  • How often industrial equipment should be inspected depends on its use, its age, its location and the applicable government regulations.

  • Yes, inspections by 3PI can reduce maintenance costs by identifying what needs to be addressed before an item fails.

  • Yes, by identifying problems before they become catastrophic failures, inspections can help you avoid emergency shutdowns.

  • Yes, inspections can be completed during planned shutdowns, and it’s often an ideal time to carry them out.

  • Yes, in most cases inspections can be carried out while your equipment remains operational.

Working with 3PI

  • To request an inspection quote, please get in touch by phone, email or by using the contact form on this website.

  • Yes, 3PI provides detailed inspection reports and recommendations based on our inspections and testing.

  • Yes, 3PI is very experienced in providing assistance with compliance audits.

  • 3PI can recommend the best inspection method by speaking to you and evaluating the equipment to be tested. In some cases, several different test methods might need to be used to conduct a thorough inspection.

  • The cost of an industrial inspection by 3PI depends on a range of factors including complexity, location, and access. To find out more, please get in touch.

  • Please provide as much information as possible, including a description of the asset or issue, its location, and any relevant operating details. Photos are also very helpful. If you're unsure what information is needed, get in touch, we're happy to help.

  • We have multiple locations and technicians based throughout New Zealand, allowing us to respond quickly to inspection requests. Scheduling depends on the asset location, technician availability, and any specialist equipment required. Sometimes situations arise that require urgent assistance, and we are happy to work with clients to help address time-critical inspection requirements wherever possible.

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