Planning guide · Published by Atlantis NDT

Mining component inspection: turn maintenance observations into a usable brief

Document component identity, loading history, repairs and access before selecting NDT for mining equipment.

Open the working brief Jump to the decision table ↓

Start with the decision you need to make

Use the component and the maintenance question as the starting point. A machine name alone does not identify material, geometry, examination area or the consequence of the suspected condition. Gather available manufacturer information, repair history and the observations prompting inspection. Distinguish a planned condition check from an investigation after an event. The responsible engineer should define how the examination evidence will be used and who can decide whether the equipment returns to service.

What to check and why it matters

Use these questions to reveal missing evidence before deciding the next step.
Decision area	Evidence to prepare	Question to resolve
Component identity	Record the component reference, material evidence, drawing revision and known replacements. Keep the component’s history separate from the machine’s operating log.	Does the historical report belong to the installed component?
Condition and history	Describe observations, loading or event context and previous repairs without diagnosing the damage from a photograph alone.	What question does the engineer need the examination to answer?
Access and return to service	Define preparation, accessible areas and the work window. Assign the decision on coverage limitations and the return-to-service process.	Who reviews the findings before operational decisions are made?

Illustrative example · Not a customer case study

Apply the questions to a real-world situation

Hypothetical maintenance request: an indication is suspected near a repaired attachment. The planner provides the repair record and identifies which surfaces can be prepared during the shutdown. The examination scope is reviewed around that location and history. If part of the area remains inaccessible, the report retains the limitation and the engineer decides what further evidence is needed instead of assuming the whole component has been cleared.

Prepare your working brief

Capture what is known and name the unresolved questions. You can use the worksheet without registering or sending information to Atlantis.

Component: Describe the component, identity and material evidence.
Observation: Record the event or visible condition prompting the request.
Repair history: List known repairs, replacements and available reports.
Access plan: Describe preparation, accessible areas and shutdown constraints.
Decision authority: Identify the engineering and operational review roles.

Create and download your brief →

When you need project-specific support

Discuss the mining component inspection scope. Confirm the current deliverables and fit for your requirement with the Atlantis team.

Explore ways to organize component inspection history. Confirm the current deliverables and fit for your requirement with the Atlantis team.

For a US enquiry, include the project state and time zone, the responsible employer or owner, and the documents governing the work. For other countries, include the relevant recognition or customer requirements. Delivery and availability are confirmed for the engagement.

Request an inspection scope review

Scope and further reading

This worksheet does not establish safe operating limits or authorize return to service. Use the manufacturer and responsible engineering requirements.

Continue with the detailed companion guide, Preserving Inspection History When Mining Components Move or Are Replaced, for a related evidence-handling workflow and its source references. The planning suggestions here are original discussion aids, not approved procedures or reproductions of standards.

Browse every guide in this resource library →