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Review of the AINDT qualifying scheme for ndt personnel
Review of the AINDT qualifying scheme for ndt personnel K.N. Stanton
The Federal Council of the Australian Institute for Non-Destructive Testing (AINDT) established a qualifying scheme for Australian ndt personnel in 1971. This paper discusses why the scheme was established, how it operates and its progress to date.
Non-destructive testing has been used for a relatively short period to assess the quality of materials, components and assemblies and has been a significant tool for this purpose only in the past 30 years. The volume of ndt work in Australia has increased considerably in the past 15 years. New techniques have been introduced and the established techniques have been used in many new applications. Engineers and manufacturers have placed greater demands on the suppliers of ndt services with respect to quality of testing, promptness of testing and promptness of reporting. These developments have produced many pressures on the available ndt services, not the least being a requirement for more highly trained personnel. There are several important respects in which ndt differs from the other tests used for quality control purposes. The results of non-destructive tests are normally not available in numerical form but must be described by the use of words and sketches. For this reason it is difficult to define acceptance standards in precise terms and considerable judgement must be exercised when reporting test results. A substantial proportion of ndt is performed away from the headquarters of a testing service and it is not uncommon for field teams to operate many hundreds of kilometres from their base. This situation is not unique to Australia but probably no other country has so few ndt services covering such a large area. Sometimes test reports for field work are required by the client within a very short time from commencement of the test. These working conditions pose many problems, not the least being the need for a high level of competence in the senior field staff. It is understandable therefore that manufacturers, consulting engineers and statutory authorities have questioned the competence of Australian ndt services and have sought the support of the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA) and the Australian Institute for NonDestructive Testing (AINDT) in providing evidence of the competence of testing services and of their individual staff members. Mr Stanton is Deputy Registrar at the National Association of Testing Authorities, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
NDT INTERNATIONAL. DECEMBER 1977
Overseas
Most industrial countries have introduced schemes for the certification of personnel engaged in ndt. These schemes vary considerably in their objectives and in their modes of operation. Some of these schemes, as they appeared at the time when the AINDT scheme got under way, are briefly described below. The United States of America
The American Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) has issued a recommended practice 'Non-destructive Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification' and employment of ndt personnel qualified according to this document is written into many contracts in the USA. The scheme operates at three levels of qualification known
as NDT Level I, NDT Level II and NDT Level III. In all cases the certifying authority is the employer although outside agencies are frequently called in by employers for Level III examinations. The scheme covers all the more common ndt methods. ASNT has done much to promote ndt training and education in the USA and there is good correlation between these courses and the requirements to pass the ASNT certification examinations. The United Kingdom
The major certification scheme in the United Kingdom is known as the Certification Scheme for Weldment Inspection Personnel (CSWlP). It was developed under the aegis of the Welding Institute and the Non-Destructive Testing Society of Great Britain*. It is administered by a Management Board which is representative of trade associations, insurance companies, classification societies, inspection organisations, nationalised industries, Government departments and other bodies. The Board requires each candidate to participate in comprehensive oral, practical and written examinations. Generally
*now part of the new British Institute of NDT
287
certification is granted only for very specific applications of an ndt method such as the ultrasonic testing of fusion welded ferritic steels in thicknesses of 6 mm and above. Certificates of proficiency are issued to successful candidates. Each certificate is valid for a specific period ranging from one year to five years. Japan
The Japanese Society for Non-Destructive Inspection operates a personnel qualification and certification scheme. It is based on three levels which correspond to those used for the ASNT scheme in the USA. Tests are given in radiography, ultrasonics, magnetic particle and penetrant methods and certificates are endorsed accordingly. Oral and written examinations are held from time to time in Osaka and Tokyo. Over 1500 certificates for the highest qualification level had been issued up to the end of 1969. West Germany
The German Society for Non-Destructive Testing provides training courses at several levels and conducts examinations for personnel attending these courses. Nineteen courses and seventeen examinations were held in 1972/73. In effect, a qualification from the society necessitates passing the society's examinations and production of evidence from one's employer of 400 hours of testing time. The courses are provided at various places throughout West Germany to meet the needs of potential students.
The role of N A T A in Australia
Before discussing the AINDT Qualification Scheme it is appropriate to consider the role played by NATA in ndt in Australia. Until recently NATA was the only organisation of its kind in the world. Therefore AINDT faced unique circumstances when it decided to establish a qualification scheme for ndt personnel in Australia. The prime purpose of NATA is to provide a reliable testing and measurement service for Australian industry by the accreditation, on a voluntary basis, of laboratories operating at a satisfactory level of performance. Thus NATA is concerned with the overall performance of a testing service rather than with the individual staff members as individuals. NATA was formed in 1947 and commenced accreditation of laboratories in 1949/50. Its operations cover all fields of testing. Initially its ndt field bore the now quaint title 'Industrial Radiography and Crack Detection'. This title was changed to 'Non-destructive Testing' in 1965. To gain NATA accreditation a testing service must satisfy these requirements: • the officer-in-charge and other staff engaged in technical supervision must have adequate knowledge and experience • the ratio of supervisory staff to operative staff must be satisfactory • the accommodation whether fixed or mobile must be adequate • equipment must be of a suitable standard and must be in satisfactory working condition
288
all aspects of management of the testing service must be satisfactory including staff supervision, test procedures, sample identification, recording and reporting. These requirements for NATA accreditation apply to all fields of testing. For most fields of testing there are institutes which provide the yardsticks for the recognition of technical qualifications and NATA is not posed with the problem of assessing the general level of theoretical knowledge of individual staff members. Staff competence is particularly important for ndt because of the subjective content of many of the tests and the inadequate definition of acceptance standards in some of the current codes and specifications. In the absence of an Australian scheme for assessment of the qualifications of ndt personnel, NATA in 1969 made a detailed analysis of the personnel employed in ndt throughout Australia. It examined also the qualification schemes operating in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Finally it decided to classify ndt personnel into four categories: Technologists
- those responsible for control of quality of ndt
Technicians
- those responsible for performance of ndt under the control of a technologist
Assistants
- those who perform routine testing work under the control and supervision of a technologist or technician
Other employees
- those who perform non-technical or unskilled work.
NATA decided also that a testing service must have a technologist to meet its requirements for registration. It recognised that a large testing service, or one using a wide range of ndt techniques, might need more than one technologist to achieve adequate control of the quality of its testing work. At this time NATA adopted fairly detailed statements of the attributes it would require of both technologists and technicians. In so doing it realised that its pronouncements might influence Australian educational authorities and those directly interested in training courses and qualifying schemes for ndt personnel. The attributes required of a technologist by NATA are: • sound knowledge of and experience in the use of relevant ndt techniques • knowledge of available materials, manufacturing processes and service conditions • experience and ability in the interpretation of data from relevant non-destructive tests • experience in the use of relevant codes and standards and the ability to prescribe suitable procedures in the absence of appropriate codes and standards • ability to prepare routine and critical reports • ability to control the quality of performance of ndt. A technologist should have a tertiary education, preferably in metallurgy or engineering, as well as training and experience
NDT INTERNATIONAL . DECEMBER 1977
in ndt. However NATA recognises that there are many competent technologists in Australia who have not had the advantage of a formal tertiary education. A technician must have a background of knowledge and experience sufficient for him to understand the reasons and purposes of the operations for which he is responsible. The attributes required of a technician by NATA are: • experience in performance of relevant non-destructive tests • experience in the use of relevant codes and standards and ability to apply appropriate codes and standards to the requirements of specific projects • experience and ability in interpretation of data from relevant non-destructive tests • ability to maintain job records and prepare written reports. NATA accredited laboratories have approved signatories, that is individuals who have been granted approval by NATA
to sign the test reports endorsed in its name. For the field of ndt, technologists are the prime approved signatories but signatory approval can be granted also for technicians for specific areas of ndt work.
Establishment of the A I N D T qualifying scheme AINDT is of recent origin. It began with a meeting of enthusiasts at the University of New South Wales in May 1963 and did not acheive formal existence on a Federal basis until August 1967. Almost from the beginning it took a keen interest in ndt education and sponsored training courses in New South Wales and Victoria. In September 1970 the Federal Council of AINDT set up an Education Committee under the leadership of Mr N. Ferguson to investigate and submit recommendations on the grading and qualification of ndt personnel in Australia. This committee tackled the project with commendable thoroughness and promptness and its detailed report was considered by the Federal Council of AINDT in September 1971. It recommended the adoption by AINDT of the three levels technologist, technician and operator - which had been adopted by NATA in 1969. With regard to the qualifying of ndt personnel the committee made the following recommendations. 1. The AINDT should act as a qualifying authority for ndt personnel - particularly operators and technicians. 2. In order to achieve a uniform standard, the A1NDT should accept the responsibility for setting, conducting and marking examinations on a national basis for each category of test and level of grading.
Australia presents ndt services with some problems not often found elsewhere; distance is one o f them, i t is not uncommon for ndt to be carried out by teams working many hundreds o f kilometers from their headquarters. This can be seen above as the Moonie-Sydney natural gas pipe disappears into the distance; the photograph below shows a section of the pipe being prepared for radiographic examination
3. The AINDT Federal Council should appoint a committee to be known as the AINDT Qualifying Board and comprising a Chairman (preferably a semi-permanent type appointment not necessarily a Federal Councillor), a Secretary (preferably the Federal Secretary), two Federal Councillors (preferably one having major experience in radiography, the other in ultrasonics), a representative from NATA. 4. The AINDT Qualifying Board should issue appropriate certificates based on the result of examinations conducted by AINDT having satisfied themselves that the applicants meet the qualification requirements. Where a course in ndt has been completed at an educational institution or elsewhere at a standard which the Board considers appropriate this could be acceptable in lieu of the Board's examination. 5. Certificates should specify the category of tests and level of grading for which the applicant has qualified and the period of validity. 6. Under conditions to be established by the Board, there should be provision for re-endorsement of certificates. NATA welcomed the decision of AINDT to set up a qualifying scheme for ndt personnel and has worked closely with AINDT to ensure that the activities of the two bodies are truly complementary. The new Qualifying Board held its first meeting in Melbourne in February 1972.
The A I N D T qualifying scheme to date Although the Education Committee of AINDT had done a very thorough job in defining the basic guidelines for the
NDT INTERNATIONAL. DECEMBER 1977
289
A submersible oil rig for the Bass Strait oil fields show a very different structure to be tested. Also, each of the ndt categories used by the A I N D T in the qualifying scheme for personnel, are represented in the examination of the welds on the rig. Below left shows magnetic particle testing, ultrasonics can be seen below centre and below right shows a pipe being prepared for a radiographic examination
scheme, there remained much work to be done by the new Board to translate these guidelines into a practical qualifying scheme. Australia differs in some important respects from the other countries that have qualifying schemes for ndt personnel. It is a large country with much of the demand for ndt coming from more remote areas. This situation poses very serious
290
problems for training ndt personnel and for the conduct of qualifying examinations. It makes it difficult and expensive to achieve uniform qualifying standards. Secondly Australia has an accreditation scheme provided by NATA for ndt services. Having regard to these circumstances, the Board decided to base the Australian scheme on the individual's general level
NDT INTERNATIONAL. DECEMBER 1977
of theoretical knowledge and practical ability rather than to follow the United Kingdom scheme which examines the individual in considerable depth on his ability to apply one ndt method to one specific type of application. Early in 1972, the AINDT Federal Council appointed three panels of ndt examiners known as 'Panels of Examiners', one each for radiography, ultrasonics and magnetic particlepenetrant methods. The main functions of these panels were to prepare the syllabuses for examination of applicants at each level, and to prepare the examination papers for each examination and mark the examination papers submitted by applicants. In its early days the Board realised that one of its main tasks would be to issue comprehensive information on the qualifying scheme so that potential applicants, employers and other interested parties would know the basic policy adopted by the Board and also so that potential applicants would be able to make a reasonable assessment of their prospects of success. The Board concentrated its initial efforts on a brochure which was issued to all members of AINDT in March 1973. This document set out the requirements for the three levels to be covered - the ndt technologist - the ndt technician the ndt technical assistant. It explained that the scheme would apply initially to the following methods - radiography, ultrasonics and magnetic particle-penetrant. The Board asked the three panels of examiners to give priority to the preparation of syllabuses for the examination of applicants at each of the three levels and to submit recommendations on the types of examination which should be required for each level. Documents containing this information became available to members of AINDT during 1973 and went a considerable way towards making the standards set by the Board known to potential applicants. However some communication problems remained relating to the knowledge required for the different levels for any one ndt method. It was decided that the panels should prepare some typical examination questions for each level, these questions to be available to all potential applicants on request.
standards and also permit representation on the panel of at least one member of each branch of AINDT. This was done in April 1977. In 1976 an enquiry was received regarding recognition in eddy current techniques and a small panel has been set up to study the feasibility of setting out syllabuses pertaining to eddy current methods of ndt and in carrying out examinations in this field. The Board considers that the key features of the qualifying scheme are that it provides a basis, uniform throughout Australia, for the assessment and recognition of the technical ability of the individual; that it provides industry, NATA, clients of testing services and statutory authorities with reliable evidence of the technical ability of ndt personnel; that it complements rather than duplicates the work of NATA in the field of ndt; that it operates in close relationship with the ndt courses operated by branches of AINDT and the courses operated by educational establishments in collaboration with branches of AINDT; and that it is open to both members and non-members of AINDT. It is not intended that every applicant will be required to sit for an examination conducted by the Board. The Board accepts the results of examinations conducted in conjunction with courses sponsored by AINDT branches and the results of examinations conducted by some Australian tertiary institutions. It gives sympathetic consideration to overseas qualifications submitted by applicants. The first application for qualification was received in mid 1973. Ninety five applications had been received by June 30 1977. Thirty seven applications have been from Victorian applicants, twenty nine from Queensland applicants, twenty three from New South Wales, five from South Australia and one from West Australia. The distribution of the ninety five applications between ndt methods and the three qualification levels is shown in Table 1. Table 1. The numbers of applications for the A I N D T qualifying scheme to June 1977
Method
Technologist
Technical Technician Assistant
All Levels
Radiography
13
21
2
36
Ultrasonics
11
27
not 38 applicable
• adoption of the term 'ndt technical assistant' in place of 'ndt operator' to make it clear that the scheme does not apply to the unskilled type of operator
Magnetic ParticlePenetrants
6
15
-
21
• exclusion of the 'ndt technical assistant' level for the ultrasonics method because of the special features associated with ultrasonics.
Totals
30
63
2
95
A number or organisations submitted valuable comments in 1972 on the Board's initial proposals and these comments led to two important changes in the qualifying scheme:
Other practical details including design of an application form, design of qualifying certificates and the setting of examination fees and application fees have required consideration.
Qualifying certificates were issued to the first group of successful applicants in August 1974. Sixty two qualifications have been granted up to June 30 1977. This does not include the results of examinations held in June 1977.
Although supervised by the Board and Federal Council, the panels of examiners had each independently set up their own syllabuses and examination standards. It was considered therefore, that having established the scheme, it would be advantageous to bring the three panels together as one panel, with the same overall functions, to ensure uniformity of
In 1975 NATA formally announced its recognition of qualifications granted by AINDT as evidence of the possession of adequate general knowledge of an ndt method. The AINDT Qualifying Scheme has reduced considerably the work involved in assessment of approved signatories for NATA registered ndt laboratories.
NDT INTERNATIONAL. DECEMBER 1977
291
The future of the AIN D T qualifying scheme The initial response to this scheme has been encouraging and the rate at which applications are being received has accelerated but it is too early to assess its long term impact on ndt in Australia. There have been only two applications for recognition at the Technical Assistant level and it may be some time before there is a substantial increase in this figure. The main demand has been at the Technician level, especially for ultrasonics. In view of the nature of ultrasonic testing, it is reasonable to expect that experienced technicians would seek public acknowledgement of their depth of knowledge and understanding of the method.
292
NATA has announced its support for the scheme and the Standards Association of Australia has acknowledged that the scheme is working satisfactorily and will promote the scheme in relevant specifications, but ultimate success will require support from other authorities including employers and statutory authorities. At this stage it is not clear to what extent they will grant recognition to the scheme. AINDT, SAA and NATA all draw on the time, the knowledge and the dedication of the small band of ndt technologists in Australia. We cannot afford to waste these human resources by duplication of activities. Therefore full recognition of the scheme by all interested parties is in the best long term interest of ndt in Australia.
NDT INTERNATIONAL
. D E C E M B E R 1977
Flaw Quai Test Wall Mea:
stection in wire, bar,seamless and welded tubing, round and square billet.
1control and sorting. ‘mass-produced and small parts. Id sheet thickness gauging. ring of materialsproperties and physical values
The alternating-field leakageflux method
Dangerous cracks in black steel bar
can test ferromagnetic bar of circular cross section and as-rolled finish non-destructively. As the bars are fed through continuously they are magnetized by a rotating alternating-field magnetizing yoke. Test probes sensitive to leakage flux and also rotating then scan the material surface on a spiral path. Defects such as longitudinal cracks, oblique cracks, scabs and voids are detected and evaluated.
cannot be missed if they are tested by the alternating-field leakage-flux method. Even with an as-rolled surface finish this method is capable of detecting 0.2 mm deep cracks with a signal-to-noise ratio which other testing methods can only achieve on bright-finish material.
Test piec:e (bar) 2 Alte rnati ng-field nagnetizing tage -flux test probes 3 Lea1
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testing
What can bo toatod? Drawn and rolled bar and wire of ferromagnetic, austenitic and nonferromagnetic materials, round or profile cross section, cold material up to approximately 800 C in the
diameter range 1 to 170 mm, hot material up to approximately 1200°C. e.g. hot wire, in the diameter range 1 to 65 mm using special transmltter systems.
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testmg
What can be tested? Prefereably drawn, bright rod and wire. ferromagnetic austenitic and non-ferromagnetic materials, round sectioned. diameters from 2 mm to 100 mm. How is testing carried out? By rotating probes and test pieces conveyed axially, test speeds up lo 1 m/s - with fixed probes the test pieces are conveyed by spiral line.
Where is testing carded out? Preferably on a finishing line conveyor.
wham Is tosthg CarTbd out7 Directly in the production line, on a finishing line conveyor or at the wire reeling machine; in the rolling line directly after the last roll stand in fhe case of hot wire testing.
Where is testing carried out? On a finishing line conveyor or directly in the production line, e.g. after the drawing machine, the centreless grinder. the peelmg machine or after the stralghtenlng machlne.
Which defects ara detected? Surface defects such as longitudinal cracks, oblique cracks, scabs, laps and voids.
Which dofects armdotectod? Defects in or near the surface of the material, such as longitudinal cracks, oblique cracks, scabs, inclusions, laps and voids.
Which defects are detected7 Surface defects such as longitudinal and diagonal cracks, scaling, laps and holes only.
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The Federal Council of the Australian Institute for Non-Destructive Testing (AINDT) established a qualifying scheme for Australian ndt personnel in 1971. This paper discusses why the scheme was established, how it operates and its progress to date.
Non-destructive testing has been used for a relatively short period to assess the quality of materials, components and assemblies and has been a significant tool for this purpose only in the past 30 years. The volume of ndt work in Australia has increased considerably in the past 15 years. New techniques have been introduced and the established techniques have been used in many new applications. Engineers and manufacturers have placed greater demands on the suppliers of ndt services with respect to quality of testing, promptness of testing and promptness of reporting. These developments have produced many pressures on the available ndt services, not the least being a requirement for more highly trained personnel. There are several important respects in which ndt differs from the other tests used for quality control purposes. The results of non-destructive tests are normally not available in numerical form but must be described by the use of words and sketches. For this reason it is difficult to define acceptance standards in precise terms and considerable judgement must be exercised when reporting test results. A substantial proportion of ndt is performed away from the headquarters of a testing service and it is not uncommon for field teams to operate many hundreds of kilometres from their base. This situation is not unique to Australia but probably no other country has so few ndt services covering such a large area. Sometimes test reports for field work are required by the client within a very short time from commencement of the test. These working conditions pose many problems, not the least being the need for a high level of competence in the senior field staff. It is understandable therefore that manufacturers, consulting engineers and statutory authorities have questioned the competence of Australian ndt services and have sought the support of the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA) and the Australian Institute for NonDestructive Testing (AINDT) in providing evidence of the competence of testing services and of their individual staff members. Mr Stanton is Deputy Registrar at the National Association of Testing Authorities, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
NDT INTERNATIONAL. DECEMBER 1977
Overseas
Most industrial countries have introduced schemes for the certification of personnel engaged in ndt. These schemes vary considerably in their objectives and in their modes of operation. Some of these schemes, as they appeared at the time when the AINDT scheme got under way, are briefly described below. The United States of America
The American Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) has issued a recommended practice 'Non-destructive Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification' and employment of ndt personnel qualified according to this document is written into many contracts in the USA. The scheme operates at three levels of qualification known
as NDT Level I, NDT Level II and NDT Level III. In all cases the certifying authority is the employer although outside agencies are frequently called in by employers for Level III examinations. The scheme covers all the more common ndt methods. ASNT has done much to promote ndt training and education in the USA and there is good correlation between these courses and the requirements to pass the ASNT certification examinations. The United Kingdom
The major certification scheme in the United Kingdom is known as the Certification Scheme for Weldment Inspection Personnel (CSWlP). It was developed under the aegis of the Welding Institute and the Non-Destructive Testing Society of Great Britain*. It is administered by a Management Board which is representative of trade associations, insurance companies, classification societies, inspection organisations, nationalised industries, Government departments and other bodies. The Board requires each candidate to participate in comprehensive oral, practical and written examinations. Generally
*now part of the new British Institute of NDT
287
certification is granted only for very specific applications of an ndt method such as the ultrasonic testing of fusion welded ferritic steels in thicknesses of 6 mm and above. Certificates of proficiency are issued to successful candidates. Each certificate is valid for a specific period ranging from one year to five years. Japan
The Japanese Society for Non-Destructive Inspection operates a personnel qualification and certification scheme. It is based on three levels which correspond to those used for the ASNT scheme in the USA. Tests are given in radiography, ultrasonics, magnetic particle and penetrant methods and certificates are endorsed accordingly. Oral and written examinations are held from time to time in Osaka and Tokyo. Over 1500 certificates for the highest qualification level had been issued up to the end of 1969. West Germany
The German Society for Non-Destructive Testing provides training courses at several levels and conducts examinations for personnel attending these courses. Nineteen courses and seventeen examinations were held in 1972/73. In effect, a qualification from the society necessitates passing the society's examinations and production of evidence from one's employer of 400 hours of testing time. The courses are provided at various places throughout West Germany to meet the needs of potential students.
The role of N A T A in Australia
Before discussing the AINDT Qualification Scheme it is appropriate to consider the role played by NATA in ndt in Australia. Until recently NATA was the only organisation of its kind in the world. Therefore AINDT faced unique circumstances when it decided to establish a qualification scheme for ndt personnel in Australia. The prime purpose of NATA is to provide a reliable testing and measurement service for Australian industry by the accreditation, on a voluntary basis, of laboratories operating at a satisfactory level of performance. Thus NATA is concerned with the overall performance of a testing service rather than with the individual staff members as individuals. NATA was formed in 1947 and commenced accreditation of laboratories in 1949/50. Its operations cover all fields of testing. Initially its ndt field bore the now quaint title 'Industrial Radiography and Crack Detection'. This title was changed to 'Non-destructive Testing' in 1965. To gain NATA accreditation a testing service must satisfy these requirements: • the officer-in-charge and other staff engaged in technical supervision must have adequate knowledge and experience • the ratio of supervisory staff to operative staff must be satisfactory • the accommodation whether fixed or mobile must be adequate • equipment must be of a suitable standard and must be in satisfactory working condition
288
all aspects of management of the testing service must be satisfactory including staff supervision, test procedures, sample identification, recording and reporting. These requirements for NATA accreditation apply to all fields of testing. For most fields of testing there are institutes which provide the yardsticks for the recognition of technical qualifications and NATA is not posed with the problem of assessing the general level of theoretical knowledge of individual staff members. Staff competence is particularly important for ndt because of the subjective content of many of the tests and the inadequate definition of acceptance standards in some of the current codes and specifications. In the absence of an Australian scheme for assessment of the qualifications of ndt personnel, NATA in 1969 made a detailed analysis of the personnel employed in ndt throughout Australia. It examined also the qualification schemes operating in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Finally it decided to classify ndt personnel into four categories: Technologists
- those responsible for control of quality of ndt
Technicians
- those responsible for performance of ndt under the control of a technologist
Assistants
- those who perform routine testing work under the control and supervision of a technologist or technician
Other employees
- those who perform non-technical or unskilled work.
NATA decided also that a testing service must have a technologist to meet its requirements for registration. It recognised that a large testing service, or one using a wide range of ndt techniques, might need more than one technologist to achieve adequate control of the quality of its testing work. At this time NATA adopted fairly detailed statements of the attributes it would require of both technologists and technicians. In so doing it realised that its pronouncements might influence Australian educational authorities and those directly interested in training courses and qualifying schemes for ndt personnel. The attributes required of a technologist by NATA are: • sound knowledge of and experience in the use of relevant ndt techniques • knowledge of available materials, manufacturing processes and service conditions • experience and ability in the interpretation of data from relevant non-destructive tests • experience in the use of relevant codes and standards and the ability to prescribe suitable procedures in the absence of appropriate codes and standards • ability to prepare routine and critical reports • ability to control the quality of performance of ndt. A technologist should have a tertiary education, preferably in metallurgy or engineering, as well as training and experience
NDT INTERNATIONAL . DECEMBER 1977
in ndt. However NATA recognises that there are many competent technologists in Australia who have not had the advantage of a formal tertiary education. A technician must have a background of knowledge and experience sufficient for him to understand the reasons and purposes of the operations for which he is responsible. The attributes required of a technician by NATA are: • experience in performance of relevant non-destructive tests • experience in the use of relevant codes and standards and ability to apply appropriate codes and standards to the requirements of specific projects • experience and ability in interpretation of data from relevant non-destructive tests • ability to maintain job records and prepare written reports. NATA accredited laboratories have approved signatories, that is individuals who have been granted approval by NATA
to sign the test reports endorsed in its name. For the field of ndt, technologists are the prime approved signatories but signatory approval can be granted also for technicians for specific areas of ndt work.
Establishment of the A I N D T qualifying scheme AINDT is of recent origin. It began with a meeting of enthusiasts at the University of New South Wales in May 1963 and did not acheive formal existence on a Federal basis until August 1967. Almost from the beginning it took a keen interest in ndt education and sponsored training courses in New South Wales and Victoria. In September 1970 the Federal Council of AINDT set up an Education Committee under the leadership of Mr N. Ferguson to investigate and submit recommendations on the grading and qualification of ndt personnel in Australia. This committee tackled the project with commendable thoroughness and promptness and its detailed report was considered by the Federal Council of AINDT in September 1971. It recommended the adoption by AINDT of the three levels technologist, technician and operator - which had been adopted by NATA in 1969. With regard to the qualifying of ndt personnel the committee made the following recommendations. 1. The AINDT should act as a qualifying authority for ndt personnel - particularly operators and technicians. 2. In order to achieve a uniform standard, the A1NDT should accept the responsibility for setting, conducting and marking examinations on a national basis for each category of test and level of grading.
Australia presents ndt services with some problems not often found elsewhere; distance is one o f them, i t is not uncommon for ndt to be carried out by teams working many hundreds o f kilometers from their headquarters. This can be seen above as the Moonie-Sydney natural gas pipe disappears into the distance; the photograph below shows a section of the pipe being prepared for radiographic examination
3. The AINDT Federal Council should appoint a committee to be known as the AINDT Qualifying Board and comprising a Chairman (preferably a semi-permanent type appointment not necessarily a Federal Councillor), a Secretary (preferably the Federal Secretary), two Federal Councillors (preferably one having major experience in radiography, the other in ultrasonics), a representative from NATA. 4. The AINDT Qualifying Board should issue appropriate certificates based on the result of examinations conducted by AINDT having satisfied themselves that the applicants meet the qualification requirements. Where a course in ndt has been completed at an educational institution or elsewhere at a standard which the Board considers appropriate this could be acceptable in lieu of the Board's examination. 5. Certificates should specify the category of tests and level of grading for which the applicant has qualified and the period of validity. 6. Under conditions to be established by the Board, there should be provision for re-endorsement of certificates. NATA welcomed the decision of AINDT to set up a qualifying scheme for ndt personnel and has worked closely with AINDT to ensure that the activities of the two bodies are truly complementary. The new Qualifying Board held its first meeting in Melbourne in February 1972.
The A I N D T qualifying scheme to date Although the Education Committee of AINDT had done a very thorough job in defining the basic guidelines for the
NDT INTERNATIONAL. DECEMBER 1977
289
A submersible oil rig for the Bass Strait oil fields show a very different structure to be tested. Also, each of the ndt categories used by the A I N D T in the qualifying scheme for personnel, are represented in the examination of the welds on the rig. Below left shows magnetic particle testing, ultrasonics can be seen below centre and below right shows a pipe being prepared for a radiographic examination
scheme, there remained much work to be done by the new Board to translate these guidelines into a practical qualifying scheme. Australia differs in some important respects from the other countries that have qualifying schemes for ndt personnel. It is a large country with much of the demand for ndt coming from more remote areas. This situation poses very serious
290
problems for training ndt personnel and for the conduct of qualifying examinations. It makes it difficult and expensive to achieve uniform qualifying standards. Secondly Australia has an accreditation scheme provided by NATA for ndt services. Having regard to these circumstances, the Board decided to base the Australian scheme on the individual's general level
NDT INTERNATIONAL. DECEMBER 1977
of theoretical knowledge and practical ability rather than to follow the United Kingdom scheme which examines the individual in considerable depth on his ability to apply one ndt method to one specific type of application. Early in 1972, the AINDT Federal Council appointed three panels of ndt examiners known as 'Panels of Examiners', one each for radiography, ultrasonics and magnetic particlepenetrant methods. The main functions of these panels were to prepare the syllabuses for examination of applicants at each level, and to prepare the examination papers for each examination and mark the examination papers submitted by applicants. In its early days the Board realised that one of its main tasks would be to issue comprehensive information on the qualifying scheme so that potential applicants, employers and other interested parties would know the basic policy adopted by the Board and also so that potential applicants would be able to make a reasonable assessment of their prospects of success. The Board concentrated its initial efforts on a brochure which was issued to all members of AINDT in March 1973. This document set out the requirements for the three levels to be covered - the ndt technologist - the ndt technician the ndt technical assistant. It explained that the scheme would apply initially to the following methods - radiography, ultrasonics and magnetic particle-penetrant. The Board asked the three panels of examiners to give priority to the preparation of syllabuses for the examination of applicants at each of the three levels and to submit recommendations on the types of examination which should be required for each level. Documents containing this information became available to members of AINDT during 1973 and went a considerable way towards making the standards set by the Board known to potential applicants. However some communication problems remained relating to the knowledge required for the different levels for any one ndt method. It was decided that the panels should prepare some typical examination questions for each level, these questions to be available to all potential applicants on request.
standards and also permit representation on the panel of at least one member of each branch of AINDT. This was done in April 1977. In 1976 an enquiry was received regarding recognition in eddy current techniques and a small panel has been set up to study the feasibility of setting out syllabuses pertaining to eddy current methods of ndt and in carrying out examinations in this field. The Board considers that the key features of the qualifying scheme are that it provides a basis, uniform throughout Australia, for the assessment and recognition of the technical ability of the individual; that it provides industry, NATA, clients of testing services and statutory authorities with reliable evidence of the technical ability of ndt personnel; that it complements rather than duplicates the work of NATA in the field of ndt; that it operates in close relationship with the ndt courses operated by branches of AINDT and the courses operated by educational establishments in collaboration with branches of AINDT; and that it is open to both members and non-members of AINDT. It is not intended that every applicant will be required to sit for an examination conducted by the Board. The Board accepts the results of examinations conducted in conjunction with courses sponsored by AINDT branches and the results of examinations conducted by some Australian tertiary institutions. It gives sympathetic consideration to overseas qualifications submitted by applicants. The first application for qualification was received in mid 1973. Ninety five applications had been received by June 30 1977. Thirty seven applications have been from Victorian applicants, twenty nine from Queensland applicants, twenty three from New South Wales, five from South Australia and one from West Australia. The distribution of the ninety five applications between ndt methods and the three qualification levels is shown in Table 1. Table 1. The numbers of applications for the A I N D T qualifying scheme to June 1977
Method
Technologist
Technical Technician Assistant
All Levels
Radiography
13
21
2
36
Ultrasonics
11
27
not 38 applicable
• adoption of the term 'ndt technical assistant' in place of 'ndt operator' to make it clear that the scheme does not apply to the unskilled type of operator
Magnetic ParticlePenetrants
6
15
-
21
• exclusion of the 'ndt technical assistant' level for the ultrasonics method because of the special features associated with ultrasonics.
Totals
30
63
2
95
A number or organisations submitted valuable comments in 1972 on the Board's initial proposals and these comments led to two important changes in the qualifying scheme:
Other practical details including design of an application form, design of qualifying certificates and the setting of examination fees and application fees have required consideration.
Qualifying certificates were issued to the first group of successful applicants in August 1974. Sixty two qualifications have been granted up to June 30 1977. This does not include the results of examinations held in June 1977.
Although supervised by the Board and Federal Council, the panels of examiners had each independently set up their own syllabuses and examination standards. It was considered therefore, that having established the scheme, it would be advantageous to bring the three panels together as one panel, with the same overall functions, to ensure uniformity of
In 1975 NATA formally announced its recognition of qualifications granted by AINDT as evidence of the possession of adequate general knowledge of an ndt method. The AINDT Qualifying Scheme has reduced considerably the work involved in assessment of approved signatories for NATA registered ndt laboratories.
NDT INTERNATIONAL. DECEMBER 1977
291
The future of the AIN D T qualifying scheme The initial response to this scheme has been encouraging and the rate at which applications are being received has accelerated but it is too early to assess its long term impact on ndt in Australia. There have been only two applications for recognition at the Technical Assistant level and it may be some time before there is a substantial increase in this figure. The main demand has been at the Technician level, especially for ultrasonics. In view of the nature of ultrasonic testing, it is reasonable to expect that experienced technicians would seek public acknowledgement of their depth of knowledge and understanding of the method.
292
NATA has announced its support for the scheme and the Standards Association of Australia has acknowledged that the scheme is working satisfactorily and will promote the scheme in relevant specifications, but ultimate success will require support from other authorities including employers and statutory authorities. At this stage it is not clear to what extent they will grant recognition to the scheme. AINDT, SAA and NATA all draw on the time, the knowledge and the dedication of the small band of ndt technologists in Australia. We cannot afford to waste these human resources by duplication of activities. Therefore full recognition of the scheme by all interested parties is in the best long term interest of ndt in Australia.
NDT INTERNATIONAL
. D E C E M B E R 1977
Flaw Quai Test Wall Mea:
stection in wire, bar,seamless and welded tubing, round and square billet.
1control and sorting. ‘mass-produced and small parts. Id sheet thickness gauging. ring of materialsproperties and physical values
The alternating-field leakageflux method
Dangerous cracks in black steel bar
can test ferromagnetic bar of circular cross section and as-rolled finish non-destructively. As the bars are fed through continuously they are magnetized by a rotating alternating-field magnetizing yoke. Test probes sensitive to leakage flux and also rotating then scan the material surface on a spiral path. Defects such as longitudinal cracks, oblique cracks, scabs and voids are detected and evaluated.
cannot be missed if they are tested by the alternating-field leakage-flux method. Even with an as-rolled surface finish this method is capable of detecting 0.2 mm deep cracks with a signal-to-noise ratio which other testing methods can only achieve on bright-finish material.
Test piec:e (bar) 2 Alte rnati ng-field nagnetizing tage -flux test probes 3 Lea1
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The FORSTERROTOMAT@AC tests fully automatically and continuously directly after the manufacturing process. Its main application is for testing at the finishing stage. At travelling speeds up to 2 m/s, bar between 15 and 120 mm diameter can be completely scanned. High testing @Registered trade-mark
In Laisen 70
Postbox 925
speeds can also be achieved with large diameter bar by using multi-channel scanning systems with 4 to 12 probes. The very high flaw sensitivity, even with rough-finish material, good flaw display repeatability and high testing capacity of the ROTOMAT AC are the guarantee of reliable and economic testing.
D-7410 Reutlingen
1
Telephone
07121/2051
INSTITUT DR.FtiRSTER
Testing rod and wire Various
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They cannot
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of technical
non-destructive
comprehensively
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Zest equipment for each testing
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F&?STER
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requirement.
111 ___.__.-. Rctatlng dtsc with leakage-flux
DEFECTOMATC 2.820 compacr eddy current tester for the automatic testing of bar end wire at up to approximately
lest probes and alternatmg-field magnebfq c01ls
Tmnsmltter 8yatom for the OEFECTOMATC for ferromagnetic bar and wire at up to woximately 800 C
CIRCOGRAPHexternal rotating head
WC
ROTOMAT@AC
DEFECTOMATW
CIRCOGRAPH’
Alternating-field testing
Eddy-current
Eddy-current
leakage-flux
What can be tarted? Primarily black steel bar with asrolled finish, round cross sectron. diameter between 15 and 120 mm How is testing mrrted out? By rotating alternating-field magnetizing yoke and multichannel test probe systems. axial conveymg of the test pieces through the tester, tesbng speeds up to 2 m/s with complete scannmg
testing
What can bo toatod? Drawn and rolled bar and wire of ferromagnetic, austenitic and nonferromagnetic materials, round or profile cross section, cold material up to approximately 800 C in the
diameter range 1 to 170 mm, hot material up to approximately 1200°C. e.g. hot wire, in the diameter range 1 to 65 mm using special transmltter systems.
How b testlng urrlul out? With full-circle LMD through-type eddy-current coils: full-circumference testing of mainly round sections; with saddle coils: for
partial tertlng of the circumference -at Increased sensltivlty prlmarlly proflk sections; testing speed8 up to 70 m/s.
testmg
What can be tested? Prefereably drawn, bright rod and wire. ferromagnetic austenitic and non-ferromagnetic materials, round sectioned. diameters from 2 mm to 100 mm. How is testing carried out? By rotating probes and test pieces conveyed axially, test speeds up lo 1 m/s - with fixed probes the test pieces are conveyed by spiral line.
Where is testing carded out? Preferably on a finishing line conveyor.
wham Is tosthg CarTbd out7 Directly in the production line, on a finishing line conveyor or at the wire reeling machine; in the rolling line directly after the last roll stand in fhe case of hot wire testing.
Where is testing carried out? On a finishing line conveyor or directly in the production line, e.g. after the drawing machine, the centreless grinder. the peelmg machine or after the stralghtenlng machlne.
Which defects ara detected? Surface defects such as longitudinal cracks, oblique cracks, scabs, laps and voids.
Which dofects armdotectod? Defects in or near the surface of the material, such as longitudinal cracks, oblique cracks, scabs, inclusions, laps and voids.
Which defects are detected7 Surface defects such as longitudinal and diagonal cracks, scaling, laps and holes only.
r RegIstered trade-mark
F6RSTER lest equipment contains evaluation units suited to the Zest in hand; oscillograph, recorder, printer, monitoring umls for automatic
sorting
statistical
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units-for
A//necessary, purpose-built conveyor and sorting mechanicals are available for all Zest equipment. Detailed information, by quoting “Rod and Wire”, form:
MSTITUTDRFORSTERDept. VWS GmbH & Co. KG Postbox 925 D-7410 Reuzlingen 7 Telefon 0 77 27/20 57 W. Germany