We are delighted to introduce Mr. Frederic Reverdy, a distinguished expert in the field of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and ultrasound technology.
With a PhD from the University of Bordeaux in Composite Inspection using Laser-Ultrasonics, Mr. Reverdy brings over two decades of experience from his tenure at renowned institutions such as Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in France, and leading roles at M2M/Eddyfi and Ekoscan.
His extensive background spans various industries, including automotive, Oil & Gas, power generation, and aerospace, where he has successfully managed and delivered over 100 projects.
In this interview, Mr. Reverdy shares insights from his illustrious career, his passion for innovation, and his strategies for navigating the challenges of the NDT field.
Here’s an excerpt from the amazing conversation we had with Mr. Frederic Reverdy.
Hello Mr. Frederic Reverdy. Greetings of the day. Could you please introduce yourself to our audience?
My name is Frederic Reverdy. I got my PhD at the University of Bordeaux, France, in 2000 on the topic of Composite Inspection using Laser-Ultrasonics. I worked at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (USA) as a scientist from 2001 to 2005 working on projects for the automotive and Oil&Gas industries. I then went to the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) in France in the group that develops CIVA, the simulation software for NDT, as a project manager/head of laboratory working on projects for various industries (power generation, defense, Oil&Gas, transportation; aerospace…). I joined M2M/Eddyfi in 2015 as a product and application engineer. My role was to help develop products and promote them to customers. I recently joined Ekoscan, a company that provides ultrasonic solutions: probes, scanners and systems. My role is to help develop new products and advanced technologies.
… so, how did you decide to enter the Oil and Gas industry?
My first experience with the Oil&Gas industry was during my post-doc when I participated in a project to characterize clay under compaction for oil exploration. The idea was to measure the anisotropy of clay to be able to correct models to look for oil fields. Since then, I have looked at more standard applications for this industry such as corrosion mapping and weld inspection.
… you have been at the helm of bigwigs in the industry. What is the one difference you felt in every org you worked at? Could you please elaborate on the experience?
I have always been attracted by R&D and innovation and this has been my main driver when choosing a new job. I feel that businesses can effectively leverage innovation as a strategic tool to not only capture market share but also drive sustainable growth, foster customer loyalty, and maintain a competitive edge in their industry.
… can you elaborate on your experience with various ultrasound technologies like Conventional UT, TOFD, Phased-array, TFM, Laser Ultrasonics, EMAT, and Guided waves?
I started in NDT with laser ultrasonics during my PhD. The goal was to use laser sources to generate and detect ultrasound for the characterization of composite materials. I developed some EMAT probes to use them as sonar for sodium cooled nuclear reactors and also for some guided waves applications. I started using PAUT back in 2001 looking at automotive applications and have been using the technology ever since on pretty much all my projects. I first used TFM back in 2008 before it was available in real time. The idea at the time was to see the limit of the technology and see how it could be applied to various problems. It is good to see the technology now being used for real applications. I have used TOFD on many projects as a complementary technique to PAUT. Interestingly, conventional UT is probably what I have used the least throughout my career.
… how have you applied these technologies in different industries, and what challenges have you encountered?
I have used all these technologies on various projects. The main challenge I found is to convince customers to switch from a technology they know very well to something new especially if the new technology is not defined in standards. You have to be able to show a clear return on investment and ensure that the technology aligns with organizational goals, cost and industry standards.
… your LinkedIn profile mentions that you have successfully managed and delivered over 100 projects across multiple industries, so what strategies do you use to ensure successful project delivery?
When I start a new project, I always want to make sure that I don’t overpromise, you have to define clear, measurable objectives and ensure all stakeholders understand and agree on these goals. You also want to make sure that you have the proper tools and people. I have been lucky in the sense that all the companies I work for have provided me with the right equipment, being simulation software, probes, samples or systems and I feel that my colleagues have always been people I can rely on. Finally, communication is key. You need to have regular meetings with the customer and colleagues to provide updates, discuss progress, and address any issues.
Mr. Frederic, can you provide an example of a particularly challenging project and how you managed it?
A lot of the projects I work on involve developing new inspection strategies with custom probes and scanners. I remember one particular project for which I had to develop a solution to inspect brazed junctions of a satellite. The complexity was the geometry of the part and the material (silicon carbide). I used simulation (CIVA) to design custom PAUT probes that could fit the limited access; perform some test on mockups provided by the customer. When we were satisfied with the results, we developed a dedicated scanner to move the probe around the part, wrote the procedure and helped the customer during the inspection of the satellite.
… let’s take a few questions about your personal aspects… What drives your passion for working in the fields of ultrasound technology and industrial inspection?
I like meeting new people, learn from them and try to help them solve their technical problems. I guess that I’m naturally curious and intrigued by challenges and complexities and I like to come up with innovative solutions.
… how do you stay updated with the latest advancements and trends in your areas of expertise?
I typically do a lot of bibliography reading scientific articles and patents. But I think that the most important is to exchange with people, they will tell you about new products and technologies and then you can do your own research.
… what are your long-term career goals, and how do you see your skills and experiences contributing to them?
I just recently switched jobs, joining Ekoscan. My goal is to help Ekoscan develop new products and technologies that answer our customers’ requests. Phased array technology continues to evolve with advancements in hardware, software, and data processing techniques. I think that my professional experience and insights into the phased array technology can help define the specifications that will shape the next generation of phased array products.
Mr. Frederic, how do you unwind yourself? What activities do you like to do during your vacation?
I like to travel and visit other places and countries. I enjoy food so I like to go to restaurants and try new things.
… what is the one piece of advice you would give to young professionals and researchers aspiring to make a mark in the field of NDT?
The one piece of advice I would give is to be curious, to prioritize continuous learning and skill development. It is crucial to stay updated with the latest developments, techniques, and tools in the field. Engage in discussions to exchange ideas and learn from others.
Finally, what are your thoughts on OnestopNDT? Do you think our efforts to provide real, authentic and accurate content are helping the industry? Also, do you think our platform helps the community connect with like-minded people?
OnestopNDT's efforts to provide authentic and accurate content are indeed beneficial to the industry. By helping the community connect and share knowledge, the platform not only supports individual professionals but also contributes to the collective advancement of the NDT field.
