Organization of Testing; Staff and Training Problems

Abstract

Where the same testing problems for identical or very similar specimens occur frequently, it is recommended that the head of the testing department works out a test specification so that the tests can be carried out by a trained examiner. From service experience and information gained from destructive tests, the nature, size and position of flaws will be generally known, so that non-destructive tests can then concentrate on these. The specification should include: designation of the specimen with a sketch, instructions on whether and where the surface should be prepared, type of couplant, setting of instrument and choice of probe for each testing procedure, together with indication of scanning patterns for suspected flaw positions as well as reference to possible echoes which could be confused with flaw echoes. In the case of mass tests, the examiner can, as a rule, be relieved of the necessity of preparing individual reports since on the evidence of the flaw echoes he can quickly make his own decision whether a given specimen should be rejected or not. In the case of more costly test pieces a preliminary sorting out of doubtful specimens is advisable after which these can then be submitted to the more experienced head of the testing department for final decision.