ULTRASONIC TESTING
WHAT IS ULTRASONIC TESTING?
Ultrasonic Testing (UT) is a group of nondestructive examination (NDE) techniques that use short, high-frequency ultrasonic waves to identify flaws in a material. They generally work by emitting waves into a material and the returning waves are analyzed. If an impurity or a crack is present, the sound will bounce off of them and be seen in the returned signal.
By measuring these waves, the properties of the material and internal flaws can be identified. There are several physical parameters to understand such as propagation, reflection, refraction, attenuation of sound, responses from discontinuities, acoustic impedance, absorption, and sound characteristics.
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WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER A CAREER IN ULTRASONIC TESTING?
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UT is used for the inspection of castings, forgings and welds in manufacturing or inservice testing across all industry sectors. It has a high penetrating power, high sensitivity, highly accurate in determining reflector position and estimating size and shape, minimal part or specimen preparation, portable equipment provides instantaneous results, detailed images can be produced with automated systems.
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ULTRASONIC TESTING COURSE - LEVEL I (UT1)
The UT1 course will provide you with the basic theory and practical knowledge about ultrasound inspection. You will learn key concepts, mathematical relationships, the equipment required to perform the technique, the testing method, how to calibrate the equipment, and the procedures required.
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WHY SHOULD I STUDY UT1?
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This course is designed for people interested in making a career in Ultrasound Testing and Inspection. It is intended for operators, inspectors and technicians responsible for practical application of testing, inspection and writing techniques and instructions for detection of flaws in various types of material across all industry sectors.
UT1 is your first course in your career path. You will be able to set up the equipment, perform the tests, record them and classify the results. You should start to report the results.
Level 1 are technicians qualified to perform calibrations and tests with supervision and direction by higher level personnel.
UT Positions even at entry-level generally require specialized training. Also the career growth in the future looks bright for UT professionals since the NDT industry will continue to grow substantially. Also UT professionals can choose to spend the entirety of their career in this industry and maybe expand to other techniques as well. There’s unlimited room for advancement.
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WHAT WILL I LEARN IN UT-1?
UT1 Students will learn basic and key concepts regarding testing and inspection processes in relation to radiographic testing.
We will cover in detail the following topics:
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Introduction
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History of UT
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Applications of ultrasonic energy
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Basic Math review
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Basic Principles of Acoustic (sound waves, acoustic impedance, reflection, refraction)
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Equipment (instrumentation, transducer theory, couplants)
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Basic Testing Method (contact, immersion, air coupling)
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Testing Methods (contact, immersion, comparison of contact and immersion methods)
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Calibration (electronic and functional)
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Straight-Beam Examination to Specific Procedures
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Angle-Beam Examination to Specific Procedures
WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO AFTER TAKING THE CLASS?
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Understand and explain the basic principles and theoretical background of the method and the specific ultrasonic techniques.
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Be able to explain the specific requirements for the technique.
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Be familiar with the different procedures involved in the method and the parts tested.
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Explain the benefits of using this technique as well as the disadvantages of the test method.
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Demonstrate competence in basic inspection by detecting and characterizing flaws in components.
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Perform ultrasonic inspection tests in metals, plastics and composites.
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Be aware of the different types and products available in the industry for this method and be able to select the proper equipment and settings for each test.
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Follow the instructions given by Level 2 and Level 3 professionals.
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Be able to prepare a report showing the test results.
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Set up and calibrate UT equipment and decide on necessary items required to complete the job.
ULTRASONIC TESTING TRAINING - UT LEVEL II
The UT2 course will provide you with comprehensive theory and in-depth practical knowledge about ultrasound inspection. You will learn all about the NDT technique in detail and you will be able to perform and supervise tests, interpret and evaluate results according to applicable standards and procedures. Also the level II will learn to produce written instructions, determine the inspection technique to select, follow the process, and report defects as well as perform calibration checks and procedures.
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Why should I study UT2?
This course is designed for professionals interested in continuing their career in Ultrasonic Testing and Inspection. It is intended for operators, inspectors and technicians responsible for practical application of testing, inspection and writing techniques and instructions for detection of flaws in various types of material across all industry sectors. At this level Level 2 professionals would be able to be more independent and perform and supervise tests, as well as all the preparation and setup of the equipment. Also they are able to prepare, interpret and evaluate results.
UT2 is your intermediate course in your career path and is designed for those technicians who wish to progress their career into cutting edge UT method. It is intended for experienced technicians and engineers who are able to set up and calibrate testing equipment, conduct the inspection according to the standards and report. Usually they supervise and train Level 1 technicians.
UT professional positions require specialized training and it is a well known technique in the NDT industry that is in a growth stage. There’s unlimited room for advancement.
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WHAT WILL I LEARN IN UT-2?
UT2 Students will learn the procedures of inspection techniques in detail, produce written instructions, record and report defects.
We will cover in detail the following topics:
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Review of Ultrasonic Testing Technique Course
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Evaluation of Base-Material Product Forms
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Evaluation of Weldments
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Evaluation of Bonded Structures
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Discontinuity Detection
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Evaluation
WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO AFTER TAKING THE CLASS?
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Be aware of the different types of equipment and products available to industry with regards to radiation methods to select the proper ones to perform each specific test. Define the limitations of application of the testing method.
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Set up and calibrate UT equipment.
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Review work that has been done by Level 1 technicians.
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Explain the theoretical background of the Method and the specific ultrasound techniques.
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Explain in detail the advantages and disadvantages of the ultrasound test method.
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Demonstrate competence by detecting and characterizing flaws in components
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Perform and supervise ultrasound inspects in metals, plastics and composites and translate NDT procedures into instructions adapting them to the actual working conditions.
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Supervise all tasks at, or below level 2.
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Report the results of non-destructive tests and be able to interpret performance results according to applicable standards and procedures.
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Write inspection procedures to be reviewed and approved by the Level 3 professional.
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Be aware of the different types of equipment available in the industry with regards to industrial ultrasonics.
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Be prepared to interpret performance results according to standards.
ULTRASONIC TESTING - LEVEL III - UT III
The UT Level 3 provides a comprehensive understanding of the UT theory and in-depth experienced practical knowledge at an advanced level. It prepares students to perform ultrasound inspection and provide guidance to NDT personnel at all levels. The student will learn thoroughly concepts, mathematical relationships and will be very knowledgeable about the terminology of radiographics. Ample time is allowed for demonstrations and hands-on lab exercises.
In this course the student will get prepared to demonstrate competence to perform NDT according to Ultrasound Testing Procedures. They will assume full responsibility for a test facility, validate the procedures, interpret codes and procedures and provide guidance and supervision to Levels 1 and 2.
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WHY STUDY UT3?
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This course is designed for NDT personnel, operators, inspectors, technicians and professions responsible for practical application of testing and inspection. With this course students will become better equipped to select and use the techniques and procedures at a high level. They will gain advanced knowledge of codes, standards and specifications and will do a deep dive into topics like materials, technology, equipment, and others. They acquire profound knowledge to report, interpret, evaluate and document testing results.
The UT Level 3 is designed for technicians and professionals who wish to progress their career into cutting edge RT methods with the possibility of supervision to level 1 and 2 technicians. This gives them a unique set of job opportunities in different areas, such as: consultants, leaders in the area and being responsible for inspection laboratories. They get employment in supervision or even management positions.
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN UT-3?
This course contains the following:
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Principles/Theory
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Principles of acoustics
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Equipment
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Materials
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Techniques/Standardization
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Interpretations/Evaluations
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Evaluation of weldments
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Evaluation of bonded structures
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Variables affecting test results
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Evaluation
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Procedures
WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO AFTER TAKING THE CLASS?
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Be aware of the different types of equipment and products available to industry with regards to radiation methods to select the proper ones to perform each specific test. Define the limitations of application of the testing method.
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Select the proper equipment and settings, set up and calibrate UT equipment.
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Review and supervise the work that has been done by Level 1 and Level 2 technicians.
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Explain the theoretical background of the Method and the specific ultrasound techniques.
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Explain in detail the advantages and disadvantages of the ultrasound test method and supervise others in the selection of this method.
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Demonstrate excellent competence by detecting and characterizing flaws in components
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Perform at a high level of performance ultrasound inspections in metals, plastics and composites and translate NDT procedures into instructions adapting them to the actual working conditions.
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Supervise all tasks at, or below level 3.
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Report the results of non-destructive tests and be able to interpret performance results according to applicable standards and procedures.
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Write and approve inspection procedures and detailed instructions.
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Be able to prepare a report showing the test results.
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Define the limitations of application of the testing method.
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Translate NDT standards and procedures into NDT instructions adapting them to the actual working conditions.
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Analyze the project situation and provide results required.
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Be prepared to interpret performance results according to applicable standards, specifications or procedures.
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They will acquire practical knowledge of applicable materials, fabrication, process, and product technology.
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Students will get prepared to assume responsibility for a test facility.
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Provide guidance for NDT personnel at all levels.
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They are able to assume full responsibility for a test facility.