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China continuously undergoes rapid development in industrial manufacturing and related products, including aviation, steel structure, shipping, marine, petrochemical, pressure vessels and special equipment. During the manufacturing process of these products, the highest priority is placed on the quality of the components, including the weld joints, of which many are of the node, nozzle and ‘T’ configuration. Consequently, there is a demand for NDT personnel to determine the quality and lifespan of the products containing TKY weld joints and thus save costs (and possibly lives) which could arise from catastrophic failure, unplanned downtime or extended maintenance periods.

A new robotic arm scanner for the automated inspection of nozzle welds in nuclear reactors has successfully completed demonstration trials after two years in development.

Following a successful BINDT audit on 12 December 2011, ATH (NDT) Consultants has been approved by BINDT as an Approved Outside Agency to provide qualification of NDT personnel against EN4179 and Level 3 consultancy services.

Given that predictive maintenance and condition monitoring are core applications for FLIR Systems thermal imaging cameras, the company will be making another big splash at MAINTEC. Thanks to its policy of continuous development there is always something new on FLIR’s MAINTEC stands and 2012 will be no exception to this rule. Indeed, FLIR will launch several new products at the show.

Due to a high demand for its products and as part of its continued growth and expansion plan, AGR has recently recruited new hardware design and electronics engineers.

The UK’s aerospace sector is set to benefit from £6 million of government investment in collaborative research and development projects that encourage innovative solutions to some of the higher-risk challenges facing the industry. The projects will develop technology that will grow the sector and give the industry a competitive advantage in the global market.

So, why engage with NDT? Principally, the role of NDT is to augment and enhance the human senses. The vast majority of inspection of plant and equipment is carried out by suitably qualified and experienced people, who are able to visually examine those items, making use of their other senses as well as sight: ie aural – how the item sounds when operating; tactile – how the item feels when operating; and even olfactory – how the item smells when operating. Those of you who drive will have done this sort of inspection – you just know if your car doesn’t look, sound, feel or smell right!

Now in its 37th year, easyFairs MAINTEC – the only UK show dedicated to the industrial maintenance and asset management sectors – returns to Birmingham’s NEC from 28 February to 1 March 2012, to showcase the very latest technologies in the sector.

As part of an extensive refurbishment programme of its training facilities in Abington, UK, TWI has recently re-opened its much improved training radiographic facility. Whether coming for training or examination in general weld inspection or aerospace, candidates will find that both the X-ray and gamma bays have been updated and a brand new dedicated classroom built. Also available is the latest Viking gamma equipment and a new digital electronic wind out built to TWI’s specifications.

Applus RTD CEO Iain Light and Regional Director Neil Hannah recently presented Crystal awards at a special celebration event to 12 apprentices who had successfully completed a four-year ECITB (Engineering Construction Industry Training Board) programme. Alyson Morrow, HRD for Applus RTD North West Europe, is closely involved with the whole programme and also took care of the special celebrations, where the apprentices and their families were given a ‘time to remember’.