And therefore NDT prices are under pressure, and competition is heavy. From an activity that has to be done because it is required by the code, to a solution to a problem that can improve safety, enhance quality and save money. Examples will cover maintenance inspection such as corrosion detection in piping and tanks, but also routine weld inspection. Introduction Non-destructive testing in its present form has been carried out, by specialised service companies and manufacturers, for decades. R ntgen Technische Dienst bv in The Netherlands was established more than 60 years ago, in 1937, and that year marked the beginning of radiographic inspection of welds in The Netherlands.
Similar situations exist in other countries.
NDT has a very important formal status. Requirements for performance of NDT, acceptance criteria and requirements for personnel qualification are implemented in codes and standards. The NDT procedure is part of the contract. During the many years that NDT methods have been used in industry a well-established situation has evolved, enabling the use of NDT for the evaluation of welds against Good Workmanship Criteria on a routine basis, thus maintaining workmanship standards and minimising the risks of component failure. In addition, NDT plays an important part in industrial maintenance.