2005 Conference

12th Annual NATL Conference

UWE

Bristol, UK

Sponsored by Panametrics-NDT (A division of RD Tech Inc.)

The 12th Annual NATL Conference was held at the University of the West of England, Bristol, UK on 23rd March 2005.

There were 12 Exhibitors and over 70 attendees. The 2005 Annual Conference was a change from previous years, not only a new venue, but it was scheduled to follow the ASNT Level III exams at the same centre. From the many e-mails and comments made by delegates and exhibitors, your Board of Directors made a good choice for timing and venue. Your comments are very welcome as it helps NATL to deliver the Memberships wishes and help us to plan future events. Some lessons have been learnt, ie poor sign posting on the campus, and will be remedied for future events.

I would like to thank the University Administrative Staff and Caterers for helping to make the event a success. The food and service was superb.

The conference unofficially started on Tuesday night with delegates, exhibitors and examinees discussing the technical merits of various ales and generally preparing themselves for a busy Conference day. As can be seen in the photographs below people enjoyed getting into the 'Conference' mood.

The Conference day started with the rush at the registration desk, ably manned by Mark Jenkinson, Dave Griffin, Stuart Turner and John Ellis, who signed Delegates in with plenty of time for them to enjoy coffee and biscuits before the main event.

Mark Jenkinson, John Ellis and Dave Griffin manning the Registration Desk.

The Conference started with a welcome from the NATL Chairman, John Whittaker,

who was followed by the Conference Sponsor John Skidmore of Panametrics-NDT.

The Regional Director, Stephen Lavender, welcomed delegates

and introduced the Conference Chairman, Mark Omrod, who then started the days business by introducing the first speaker, John skidmore of Panametrics-NDT.

The first speaker was John Skidmore of Panametrics-NDT. He gave a paper on Ultrasonic ad Eddy Current Phased Arrays. John discussed the many advantages offered by Ultrasonic Phased array and Eddy Current array technology - the most important being significant improvements in the probability of detection, reductions in inspection times and defect characterisation. He went on to explain these new techniques and how they have been applied in industry.

The next speaker was Stephen Lavender of Lavender International who gave a paper entitled 'Certification in Advanced UT Methods to SNT-TC-1A'. Stephens presentation covers the work he has been involved with through the Institute’s Working Groups for Time of Flight Diffraction and Phased Arrays which have led to the development of Accredited Training Programmes and PCN and SNT examination modules being created. The principles of Time of Flight Diffraction and Phased Arrays have been around for many years; only recently, however, has the processing speed of the computer caught up with the requirements of the software programmes to give acceptable presentations of results. Add on to this the ASME VII Code 2235 which allows the use of advanced ultrasonics systems (such as TOFD) to be used in place of radiography, then the technology started to make its mark in industrial use. With equipment manufacturers taking a key role in promoting the method, there came an increasing need for training and certification programmes. Back in January of 2000, PCN’s General Technical committee was requested to put together an Examination Programme for Time of Flight Diffraction and a working group was set up comprising experts in this field. A positive advantage for this document was the existence of BS 7706: 1993. In early 2004 a similar situation arose with respect to Phased Array. This lecture reviewed the rationale behind the two PCN products which have evolved from these Working Groups and propose how these may be adapted for use within an Employer’s Written Practice.

John Skidmore of PanametricsNDT, RD-Tech.

John Hansen, Dave Crinson and Peter Sinclair on the GE Inspection Technologies Stand.

David Topp of TSC Inspection Systems.

Dave Griffin and Paul Johnston of Argyll-Ruane Ltd.

John Bone of Baugh and Weedon Ltd.

Dr Trevor Holroyd of Holroyd Instruments Ltd.

Delegate Mark Stacey with Stephen Lavender and Alisa Hampshire of Lavender International.

James Boaden and Nick Ogilvie of Midas NDT Systems Ltd.

Mark Griffiths of Pruftechnik Non Destructive Testing.

Vic Galert of AEGLETEQ Ltd flanked by Jules Read and Dave Fielding of BAe Systems.

Tim Berry and Joe Buckley of Sonatest.

Chris Nunn and Gail Long of Testrade Ltd.

After Coffee in the Exhibition area, the Delegates returned to the lecture theatre for the next presentation.

The next presentation was titled 'Acquisition of a New PFD Facility' given by Tim Rickets of AugustaWestland Transmissions Ltd. In his paper, Tim described the position of Westland Transmissions Ltd within Agusta Westland and the application of PFD to a range of typical helicopter components. He explained the reasons for the acquisition of a new PFD facility, its design, procurement, construction, commissioning and acceptance testing. He explained the problems that arose, lessons that have been learned and provided recommendations for the avoidance of similar problems.

Tim's presentation ended the morning session and everyone returned to the Exhibition area for Lunch.

Returning after a very enjoyable lunch, Delegates heard a presentation 'NADCAP Ongoing' given by Phil Ford of Performance Review Institute UK. In his presentation, he discussed why, even though Nadcap has been in Europe for over four years, there is still confusion in the Aerospace sector as to exactly what “Nadcap” is and who “PRI” are and why there are not more registrars or similar offering Nadcap accreditation. He addressed this “confusion” by giving a very brief history of PRI and Nadcap and explained what data is collected by e-auditnet during the audit process and how it is used. He then outlined cycle time, failure policy and escapes. Metrics were shown covering failed compliances, supplier time, staff time, delegation and supplier merit and, finally, he discussed the base line checklists and whether the bar is being raised, and if so, whether this helps the aerospace industry. Phil Ford of PRI receiving his Speakers Gift from Mark Ormrod after his presentation.

The next presentation was from our regular guest Speaker, Tom Dalton of Royal & Sun Alliance, and was entitled 'The Baffling Case of the Exploding Fire Extinguisher'. Tom Dalton is a Chartered Engineer and Professional Member of the Institute of Materials. He has practised as a Metallurgist for over 28 years in a variety of industries and has been employed by Royal and Sun Alliance (formerly National Vulcan) for 14 years, where his primary role is the investigation of metallurgical failures in support of the insurance business. Tom's presentation was like a Sherlock Holmes mystery with lots of 'dead ends' and 'false trails' and explained in a way that it could have been written as a novel. There was a short break for afternoon tea and a final browse round the exhibition before the final presentation and the award ceremonies.

The final presentation was from Mark Ormrod of Royal and Sun Alliance and was entitled 'ASNT vs PED' Mark presented the 'pro's and con's' of conforming to the new regulations on Pressure Equipment as issued by the EU, and proved to us all that the easiest way of meeting the requirements was not through ASNT but the EU alternative route.

After Mark's presentation it was time for the NATL Awards Ceremonies. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Jim Wheeler of JWC NDT Consultancy Services. Mark gave us a potted history of Jim's life in NDT and also a humorous selection of 'Wheelerisms'.

The Technician of the Year Award went to Keith McCarthy of Corus Tubes for his outstanding efforts in his work in NDT after being originally trained as a welder.

The ASNT Annual Honorary Membership went to Stuart Turner in recognition of his contribution within the field of NDT and for his support to the NATL Section.

After the awards, Jules Read, last years winner of the raffle, gave a short speech to try to dispel the rumour that by placing an order for new equipment with the Raffle Sponsor had somehow influenced last years result!!

1st Prize (Bottle of champagne) went to Joe Buckley of Sonatest.

2nd Prize (Box of Chocolates) went to Ray Epps of Sigma Aerospace.

3rd Prize (Document Case) went to Mark Stacey of Timken Alloy Steel.

There was a short Open Section Meeting where the attendees were asked for their views and comments about the running of the section, the conference, the conference venue, the wall planner and proposed visits. Members were asked to consider visits to their companies and to let the NATL directors know so visits can be arranged. The meeting was told that the NATL is there for the benefit of the membership and would strive to help members but that it is a 'two way street'. The Directors need feed back from the members to be able to know their requirements. The meeting was reminded that the next meeting was a Technical Visit to Jaguar Cars on the 12th May and places were still available. After the Section Meeting it was time to say farewell and hope that everyone found the Conference rewarding and to wish everyone a safe journey home.