Table of Content
- Introduction
- NDT Technician Roles and Responsibilities
- NDT Technician Duties and Responsibilities
- Calibrate and Maintain Equipment
- Conducting Test of Items
- Interpretation of Test Results
- Preparation of Reports
- Developing Processes and Procedures
- Levels of an NDT Technician
- Job Roles for an NDT Technician
Introduction
Non-destructive Testing has become a regular practice in manufacturing since the 20th century and is still a rapidly growing field as compared to other technologies.
Day by day more and more research has been undertaken by NDT engineers to make the method most reliable to fulfill the testing and get the desired results.
In the current industrial environment, many people are not aware of Non-destructive Testing, not even the basics even though it plays an important role in manufacturing critical components over a wide range of industries automobile, aircraft, aerospace, Pressure Vessels, piping, Valve Manufacturing, Petroleum, and many more.
Hence there is a need to spread among the people in the manufacturing industry.
Moreover, NDT is a great field for Learning and growing in today’s rapidly growing industry.
NDT Technician Roles and Responsibilities
NDT Technicians utilize a variety of technologies to inspect products and materials for internal and external discontinuities.
This is a highly technical role requiring familiarity with one or more Methods of NDT and a keen eye for detail, data interpretation, and imaging analysis.
Most NDT technicians achieve levels of certification, and some technical schools offer associate’s degrees in Non-destructive Testing Technology from various codes such as ASNT, PCN, etc.
NDT Technician Duties and Responsibilities
The NDT technician’s responsibilities vary depending on their field and the Type of NDT Testing technology they utilize, but most are trained in various methodologies.
Calibrate and Maintain Equipment
For reliable and precise readings and results, we were required to calibrate the NDT Equipment to get a reference result. Hence, NDT test methods use standard reference materials for calibration of test equipment.
NDT Technicians need to ensure the accuracy of test results and prevent damage to materials by properly calibrating and maintaining their equipment, this means they have to test the equipment before the inspection.
Conducting Test of Items
The main responsibility of an NDT Technician is to conduct the material test using a wide range of NDT methodologies and technologies.
The main objective is to identify material discontinuities, such as incomplete welds, corrosion, gaps, cavities foreign material inclusions, etc.
Interpretation of Test Results
NDT technicians interpret test results to assess materials and decide if the test piece is fit for use.
This can include Non-destructive Evaluation of the radiographs obtained from the RT test, indications made visible after performing liquid penetrant or Magnetic Particle Testing, echo obtained during Ultrasonic testing, etc with respect to the applicable code or standard.
Preparation of Reports
Once the evaluation and interpretation of test findings have been completed these findings NDT Technicians develop, update, and issue documentation related to the tests they have performed.
These reports generally outline the procedures used, testing parameters and results of the tests, and any recommendations for manufacturing NDT Professionals or engineers. These reports are permanent records stored for future reference.
Developing Processes and Procedures
NDT Technicians need to understand the customer requirements, product service requirements, inspection, and test plan capable enough to examine required parameters to ensure that the part will perform to its desired levels.
NDT technicians are required to understand customer requirements, product requirements, and test plan procedures.
NDT technicians may develop NDT Test Procedures, policies, manuals, etc.
Levels of an NDT Technician
NDT Technicians need to get certified at different levels depending on their academic, training, Experience, and knowledge requirement providing them an exponential growth in their career.
1. NDT Level I
An individual having sufficient technical knowledge and skills to be qualified to properly perform specific calibrations, specific Non-destructive Testing, and specific evaluations for acceptance or rejection determinations according to written instructions and to record results.
The NDT Level I receives instruction and supervision from a certified NDT Level II or III individual. Hence NDT level l can only perform tests but doesn’t have the authority to interpret test findings and to sign/issue test reports. Get more information about NDT Level I Course Fee and Duration at OnestopNDT
2. NDT Level II
A person with sufficient knowledge and skills to set up and calibrate equipment and to interpret and evaluate results with respect to various codes, Standards, and specifications.
The NDT Level II should be thoroughly familiar with the scope and limitations of the NDT Methods for which qualified and should exercise assigned responsibility for on-the-job training and guidance of trainees and NDT Level I personnel.
The NDT Level II is authorized to interpret test findings and sign/issue test reports.
3. NDT Level III
An individual with sufficient knowledge and skills to be capable of developing, qualifying, and approving procedures, establishing and approving techniques, interpreting codes, standards, specifications, and procedures, and designating the particular NDT Methods, techniques, and procedures to be used.
The NDT Level III is responsible for the NDT operations for which qualified and assigned and should be capable of interpreting and evaluating results in terms of existing codes, standards, and specifications.
NDT Level III is authorized to train and certify NDT Level I, II, and III Personnel only in methods he/she is certified as NDT Level III and approve the NDT Test Procedures.
Job Roles for an NDT Technician
1. Freelance NDT Technician
Most of the time it is not possible for the manufacturers to train and maintain persons and types of Equipment of NDT. Hence they hire subcontract the NDT activities to TPI or a freelance NDT Service Provider.
2. NDT Engineer in QA/QC Department
Trained and Experienced NDT Technicians are often hired by Organizations as NDT engineers so they can get required suggestions regarding the NDT test of products, review, and verification of the NDT Tests carried out by NDT subcontractors.
Moreover in some articles of CODE Manufacturers are made responsible for the review, interpretation, evaluation, and acceptance of the test results to assure compliance with the requirements of the referencing Code Section.
3. Third-Party Inspectors
Third-party inspector (TPI) is the inspection and testing activities by the third party that is an expert in NDT Methodologies.
TPI can conform to acceptable codes and ITP procedures.
The Third Party Inspection people provide technical control, testing and inspection, assessment, and approval services and must not be involved in the design, procurement, fabrication, or construction.
A highly skilled and Experienced NDT Technician can become a Third-party Inspector. But only NDT knowledge is not enough to be a Third-party Inspector.
One needs to have Sound soft skills, In-depth knowledge of the manufacturing codes and documentation, and Experience in NDT Test Methods.
One of the most important criteria is that a TPI must have experience in various industries and exposure to various codes.
NDT is an integral part of the Oil and Gas Industries and petrochemical industries, along with several other industries some of which are;
- Aerospace & Defense
- Airframe Structures
- Biomedical & Medical Devices
- Building & Construction
- Civil and Heavy Construction
- Heavy Equipment
- Hydro, Solar, and Wind Power Generation
- Infrastructure Development
- Manufacturing
- Missile & Space
- Nuclear Energy
- Oil, Gas, & Chemical
- Power Generation
- Primary Metals & Mining
- Rail & Light Rail
- Shipping & Maritime
- Turbine & Engine
References:
1. Quora
2. ANDT
