Addressing the Lack of Content for In-Service Nondestructive Testing
Thursday, October 19, 2023
In the world of nondestructive testing (NDT), the focus has shifted dramatically over the past two decades. Initially, NDT was primarily concerned with ensuring the quality of newly manufactured components and weldments. However, a seismic shift has occurred, redirecting NDT's attention to maintaining the integrity of assets well beyond their intended lifespan. This shift has led to a pressing issue: a lack of training content for in-service NDT professionals.
The Challenge
With assets lasting longer than expected in industries like oil and gas, aviation, and critical infrastructure, the need for advanced flaw detection in the in-service phase is greater than ever. But the available training content continues to revolve around traditional, new-product NDT applications. The evidence is clear:
Most NDT professionals are now focused on in-service activities instead of new assets.
Industry standards primarily emphasize new and cold NDT applications.
Traditional training content is based on legacy applications.
Examinations focus on new product applications.
Pass rates in in-service qualification demonstrations are alarmingly low.
In-service NDT is becoming increasingly important in regions with mature assets and an aging infrastructure.
Solving the Problem
To understand and close the gap on in-service training deficiencies, the NDT profession must first understand and acknowledge existing problems and make strategic modifications. End users should have a leading role, providing critical insights into damage mechanisms, examination techniques, and workforce size.
Engaging current employers and service providers is critical in executing, validating, and supplying crucial feedback on the quality and effectiveness of new in-service training content and requirements. Codes, standards, and regulatory bodies must be consulted in shaping in-service training requirements and implementation.
The solution involves several steps:
Engaging Industry Sectors: Each industry must define its unique training needs.
Gap Analysis: Evaluate the disparity between current training content and industry needs.
Effective Training Syllabi: Develop updated training outlines.
Revised Standards: Modify qualification and certification standards to reflect new content.
Practical Demonstrations: Implement quality assurance through practical demonstration requirements.
Continuous Improvement: Establish metrics to monitor and update in-service content.
Global Certification: Develop internationally recognized personnel certification requirements for in-service examination methods and techniques.
Conclusion
The challenge of providing adequate in-service NDT training content is significant but not insurmountable. It is ASNT’s responsibility to lead the way by initiating discussions and facilitating dialogue among stakeholders. To address this industry-wide problem effectively, collective engagement and open sharing of ideas are crucial. The field is continuously evolving, and preparing the workforce for these changes is essential. As the leader in the NDT profession, ASNT must remain proactive in creating a safer world through improved training.
