Time of Flight Diffraction (ToFD) method of ultrasonic inspection is a very sensitive and accurate method of detecting defects in welds and other product sectors. The enhanced measurement accuracy enables engineering maintenance to be optimised in order to increase the operational life of critical components.
Conventional ultrasonic testing is often able to give an approximate idea of size of defects and in many cases the information provided is adequate for determining whether or not a defect is acceptable in terms of a code or standard. In some situations, it is necessary for the information to be more detailed and accurate in terms of sizing to be used in a fitness for service assessment. ToFD may be the best test method for providing information at the level needed for integrity analysis.
General, specific and practical training is provided and daily formative assessments are used to monitor progress and a final summative assessment is utilised to assess the success of the training programme and to issue a proof of training document. Following the successful completion of the training programme, candidates will be eligible to write the qualification examination conducted by the Personnel Certification Body, where after industrial experience of 9 months in this application; can be gained towards personnel certification.
A proper understanding and competence relating to conventional Ultrasonic testing is mandatory, hence the access condition of UT II certification for this advanced NDT method.