Nondestructive testing is a field that serves a wide range of industries. From renewable energy, to infrastructure, to manufacturing, NDT is crucial for the daily operations of industries that keep our world spinning.
As far as NDT’s reach is, there are also a lot of moving parts inside the world of nondestructive testing itself. There are four different levels of certification and numerous different methods of testing that vary depending on which field is being serviced and the nature of the specific job.
What you may not have known, however, is how different methods can be approached at different levels of certification.
Today on the blog, we’ve made the complicated parts of NDT simple by answering the FAQ: What are the requirements for level I liquid penetrant testing?
First and foremost, it is important to understand how liquid penetrant testing works.
Liquid penetrant testing is often chosen because it is fairly simple to implement, can be used on a variety of metal types, and the geometry of a part typically does not affect the ability to test. Especially for machines in tight spaces, liquid penetrant is a great option since it is highly portable.
Through this process, a property called capillary action is used to find discontinuities in a variety of materials. A low-viscosity liquid (the penetrant) is applied to the surface of a test piece. This capillary action allows the penetrant to enter fissures or voids open to the surface. Excess penetrant is then removed after a dwelling time, which exposes indications of a flaw or defect.
The lowest level of NDT certification, at this level, technicians are learning the basics of nondestructive testing and conducting tests under close supervision.
Particularly for those technicians at Level I limited, it is crucial that they are closely monitored by a qualified supervisor who can aid them as they continue to gain the hands-on experience they need out in the field, but without causing any problems due to their limited level of experience.
Once a technician has achieved Level I certification, supervision is lessened as these individuals are more experienced.
Since this method can be applied in a variety of situations and is fairly straightforward, it is a great option for technicians who are relatively new to the NDT field.
At any level, and for every method, NDT technicians should always focus on high-quality instruction for NDT certification courses.
At TXNDT, we make sure that each technician we train is fully prepared to enter the workforce. That training includes all of the most important methods, from magnetic particle testing, to liquid penetrant testing, and everything in between.
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.
But 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.
