Increased productivity is a tremendous benefit of the information that nondestructive testing can provide. When under inspection by an NDT technician, an asset’s holistic health can be determined and critical information for efficiency can be gleaned. Based on this information, asset owners can make decisions for repair or maintenance.
While nondestructive testing can be used for regular inspection and increased efficiency, it is also a crucial component in maintaining the safety of critical assets. Here, we explore how testing for flaws with ultrasonic testing can save lives in the future.
Ultrasonic testing is a nondestructive testing method that uses soundwaves to travel below the surface of a component and test for flaws.
Ultrasonic testing works a lot like SONAR. Just like ultrasound at a doctor’s office, sound waves travel through the object under inspection and if these waves hit an object with a different acoustical impedance, this sound will reflect back to the sending unit and display on the screen.
In addition to revealing inconsistencies in an asset which significantly compromises safety, ultrasonic testing can reveal key characteristics of an asset’s properties, like part thickness, which can often be a sign of adequate safety due to proper part function.
There are a number of different risks associated with failures to test for safety. While a small crack or fissure may seem like a small issue, it can have disastrous-- and even lethal-- results.
In the utility field, pole failures are a frequent issue. Poles that have structural issues, faulty welds, or other signs of damage are constantly exposed to the elements and at a high risk for falling over. Not only can a down power line be an issue, but a utility pole that falls on a passing vehicle or person is certain to be deadly.
Nondestructive testing is also critical for maintaining the aerospace industry. It goes without saying that NDT is needed to verify the structural integrity of aircrafts, but nondestructive testing can also ensure that the instruments used by pilots to operate their planes are functioning properly as well. Without this critical inspection, these instruments could malfunction and lead to disaster.
Especially as we are still suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever that NDT used in the medical field is precise and thorough. Whether it is testing medical equipment, or maintaining assets that manufacture PPE, any small flaw could result in producing faulty equipment or a production delay that puts human lives at risk.
The stakes are high when it comes to nondestructive testing. Even the smallest flaws can have disastrous results. Even so, nondestructive testing can be the one factor that keeps assets functioning properly and saves lives.
Becoming an expert technician starts with high caliber training at an NDT school like TXNDT. Since the requirements of an NDT technician can change from job to job, the expert instructors at TXNDT ensure that all prospective technicians are qualified to take on whatever their next job throws at them.
From introductory NDT courses to NDT level 3 certification, we take an active approach to educating all of our students and encourage all prospective technicians to take an active role in their own learning.
If you or your staff are looking for ways to expand your skills and broaden your career opportunities through nondestructive testing courses, consider NDT certification. Don’t trust just any NDT school. If you’re looking for a top-tier experience, give us a call today at 281-231-0001 or check out our website for more information.
