Ultrasonic Testing

Our Ultrasonic testing capability is utilised across the railway network to detect defects which could result in service failures and critical health and safety breaches.

Our Services Contact us

Worker in high-visibility clothing uses diagnostic equipment beside railway track in low light.

Precision accuracy to ensure Britain’s trains keep moving

Using industry–leading equipment, our team of experts are trained to test every inch of a surface to identify any flaws that require immediate remedial work. Hand-held devices are used by our highly–trained Ultrasonic Rail Flaw Detection Operatives (URFDO) to ensure the precision required to meet Network Rail Standard NR/L3/TRK/055.

Portable testing device connected by cables to a rail, used for ultrasonic inspection on track.

Comprehensive Ultrasonic testing capability

Our Ultrasonic testing services provide support for:

Flaw detection and identification for track and asset
Defect removal
Rail head damage
Vertical Longitudinal Splitting (VLS)
Significant rail corrosion
Lipping on rail adjustment switches
Areas of rolling contact fatigue (RCF)

Our robust and compliant approach

NRL’s experienced in-house compliance team ensure our operatives have the relevant minimum action codes (MAC) to proceed with the correct course of action depending on the type of defect identified. This is backed up by our stringent health and safety procedures and quality management system which is externally audited by RISQS.

Ultrasonic inspection delivery includes:

L2/TRK/001 M06 – Visual Inspection & ultrasonic testing of rails
L2/TRK/001 M07 – Management of Rail Defects
NR/L3/TRK/2416 – Rail Testing using Train based Sperry – Equipped ultrasonic
NR/L3/TRK/055 – Work instructions for Ultrasonic Rail Testing
NR/SP/TRK/057 – Rail Failure Handbook
NR/SP/TRK/1110 – Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel

Other services we provide

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Rail Maintenance

Our Grinding services are also available through a tailor-made Rail Maintenance programme that can be created specifically to meet your operational needs. Our team will work with you to identify the right balance of asset inspection and proactive maintenance within an agreed framework.

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Private Track

Private Track operators look to us to share the decades of expertise we’ve established whilst operating up and down the UK. Working with them to inspect and maintain their independent infrastructure.

Grinding

Our specialist team provide a range of Grinding services to ensure the safety and integrity of the UK’s rail infrastructure.

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Asset Inspection

Our asset inspection services provide an external audit to help our clients proactively manage their infrastructure maintenance requirements.

Worker in high-visibility clothing kneels beside a rail using a hand tool on track fittings.

Demonstrating safety in everything we do

Having worked trackside for two decades, we always understand the need for everyone to undertake their work with safety as the key priority.

Our approach to safety

Trusted project management expertise

Our management team ensure the safety and competent delivery of our services to the highest of standards. Experts in their fields, they’re trusted by our clients to deliver their projects, working alongside their core team.