During the week of 26-30 September 2011, the SGS tutors at the Shanghai facility received a ‘train the trainer’ session specific to UT nodes and nozzles. This was carried out by inviting to China Mr Dave Lavender, who is both a Co-Managing Director and also a very experienced trainer with Lavender International. Jason Scott, who set up the training centre for SGS, and Dave Lavender first met nearly 20 years ago. Jason later worked for Lavenders from 1997 to 2004, after which he joined SGS. This was a perfect opportunity to work together again.

Lavender International has announced new course dates in South Africa for 2012, in association with Pulse Inspection.

Does the need to buy insurance promote the advancement of the science and practice of engineering? This was the question considered by the West of England Branch members at its meeting on 12 October 2011. It seems that there may be no definitive, objective answer to the question, though of course you might disagree and hold a very firm view one way or the other (in which case, please get in touch). Either way, I think it is a question worthy of debate and it highlights the need, I believe, for BINDT to better engage with the insurance industry.

Applus+, the global inspection, testing, certification and quality control company, and one of the ten largest companies in the conformity assessment sector worldwide, has reached an agreement for the acquisition of the US company Kiefner & Associates, representing a new step in its expansion within the country.

One of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers has commissioned Yxlon International, the leading supplier of industrial X-ray inspection and computed tomography (CT) solutions, to build a high-energy CT system for a development centre in the USA. Once again, Yxlon is demonstrating the company’s great know-how in digital radiology for the tyre industry, while further strengthening its market position.

UK-based specialist pipe measurement technology company Optical Metrology Services (OMS) Ltd has successfully completed an on-site internal weld inspection survey for a major oil company. This is said to be the first time that a combination of laser, video and ultrasonic inspection methods has been used in a production environment to inspect the profile of root welds on pipes. The survey was carried out by OMS’s US-based operation.

Bill Brown, TWI’s Aberdeen Training Centre Manager, has recently been awarded a First Class BSc in Non-Destructive Testing by the University of Northampton. The University of Northampton has introduced two courses in non-destructive testing: the Foundation degree in 2007 and its BSc (Hons) top-up degree in 2009.

Further investment for Lavender International in its advanced ultrasonic training and examination programmes has resulted in the purchase of the Rapidscan equipment from Sonatest.

EADS Innovation Works and DolphiTech AS of Norway have signed a cooperation agreement for the development of an NDT system for composites inspection, based on an ultrasonic camera.

Over the last 15 years, Lavender International has helped many different athletes to succeed in their chosen sports. From archery, cricket, football, golf, footpath running and gymnastics to motor racing, the list is continuing to grow. The company has now turned its help towards table tennis and is supporting 49 year-old paralympian star Farrel Anthony, who is trying to fulfill his dream of competing in the 2012 London Paralympic Games.