AcNDTTech From United States of America, joined Jul 2008, 338 posts, RR: 0 Posted (4 years 9 months 2 weeks 2 hours ago) and read 2581 times:
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is a series of testing methods used to inspect parts, structures, welds, etc. without interfering with their serviceability. The methods are broken down into the types of discontinuities they can detect - surface defects and/or subsurface defects. NDT is used in just about every industry today. There are 5 common method that are used most often. These methods are Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Radiography (RT), and Eddy Current Testing (ET). Other methods include Leak Testing, Acoustic Emission Testing, Shearography, and Thermography. I have never used the last 4 methods, so I know very little about them. On the other hand, the first 5 methods that I mentioned, I have used for the past 18 years. I am fairly comfortable talking about each, and would appreciate comments on any or all. The reason that I say "fairly" is because technology is changing so fast in this field, that sometimes it's hard to keep up. I try to stay involved with learning what's new by visiting web-sites, participating in seminars, communicating with vendors, and keeping in touch with others that I have met in the field.
There is probably going to be somewhere between 10 -12 topics that I will be writing about in this series. The layout will go something like this:
Part 1 - NDT, What is it?
Part 2 - Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
Part 3 - Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
Part 4 - Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
Part 5 - Radiography (RT)
Part 6 - Eddy Current Testing (ET)
Part 7 - Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel
Part 8 - Various Codes and Standards
Part 9 - Other Methods
Part 10 - Current Advancements in Technology vs. 18 Years Ago
Part 11 - Career Opportunities
Part 12 - Miscellaneous
Again, anyone that has something to add, please feel free to do so. I'm not claiming to know everything, and I always enjoy learning new things - or old things that I haven't done before. One of the main reasons for writing these threads is because when people ask me what I do for a living, they have this puzzled look when I tell them that I'm an NDT Technician. Then when I say, "You know, x-rays and ultrasound like at the hospital." Then they look at me and say, "I never knew that they did that on airplanes." Well, they do it on a lot more than airplanes. I love being in the aerospace/aviation industry, and I can also say that I enjoy what I do in it.
AcNDTTech From United States of America, joined Jul 2008, 338 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (4 years 9 months 1 week 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 2497 times:
Quoting JetMech (Reply 2): We often used the developer from liquid penetrant kits to provide indication of oil leaks from engines!
I've also seen it used by mechanics to find fuel tank leaks in the wings. At first, I kept wondering where my developer was going after I would leave work, then one of them told me. I shouldn't have been surprised because it was a perfect application for developer - but I would have never thought about using it without penetrant. Just goes to show, in this field, I am always learning something new.
EMBQA From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 9286 posts, RR: 13 Reply 4, posted (4 years 9 months 1 week 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 2420 times:
Yea, we use it too... but only the stuff that has expired. Otherwise our NDT guy would kill us for taking his good supplies.
Just an FYI for those not in the loop... Developer is used in NDT for crack checking in the Dye Penetrant process. All it really is, is a very-very fine power enfused into a high flash off spray can. It sprays on like water, but dries to leave a white powered behind. After a part or item has been through the penetrant process, the developer is applied ad draws out the dye in any cracks and shows the Tech where they are. We use the expired stuff the same way in finding leaks else where. If you think a fluid line, fitting or fuel panel is leaking just get it really clean... spray on the developer and look for the leak. Works great on engines.....!!! We use the expired stuff because we only use it as a tool.... NOT to certify a part as the NDT Tech does.
[Edited 2008-08-10 08:43:30]
"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog"
Meister808 From United States of America, joined Jan 2000, 972 posts, RR: 1 Reply 5, posted (4 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 2389 times:
Quoting JetMech (Reply 2): We often used the developer from liquid penetrant kits to provide indication of oil leaks from engines!
yeah my mechanic used to do that on the engines in the C340 I was flying... he stopped because he would wind up tragically depressed every time he saw how much the thing was really leaking...
NDTTech... looking forward to the rest of 'em!
Meister
[Edited 2008-08-10 11:13:28]
Twin Cessna 812 Victor, Minneapolis Center, we observe your operation in the immediate vicinity of extreme precipitation
AcNDTTech From United States of America, joined Jul 2008, 338 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (4 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 2364 times:
Thanks......this is going to be a lot of fun. I'm really looking forward to hearing other's experiences too. I think that we can all learn a little from each other about this field. As an added bonus, it could even raise interest in someone that was interested in a career in aviation but didn't know what they wanted to do. This field has given me the opportunity to travel the world and get paid for doing so. BTW - right now, there are more openings in this field than there are people to fill them according to several industry related websites. I guess this is due to most of the world's economies being on the down side, it is cheaper to inspect and repair than it is to buy new.
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