Research Organisation

Alphabetical listing of research establishments and organisations who are Associate Members of BINDT.

A.E.S. Destructive and Non-Destructive Testing Limited
Address:Flat F, 2/F, Block 2, Kwai Tak Industrial Centre, 15~33 Kwai Tak Street, Kwai Chung, N.T., Hong Kong
Telephone:+852 2422 6898
Fax:+852 2419 1137
Contact:Ir Terrence C L Kwok, Quality Manager
Email Address:info@aes.hk
Web Address:www.aes.hk
Description:AES® was established in 1983 and now has services covering destructive and non-destructive testing on metallic materials, NDT and welder training, welder and welding procedure testing, proof load testing, QA/QC inspection and instrument calibration. AES® is certified to ISO 9001:2008 and is a HOKLAS/HKIAS accredited laboratory/inspection body for services as listed in the HOKLAS/HKIAS directories (services that are not listed in the directories are not specifically accredited by HOKLAS/HKIAS). AES® is also a Government (Hong Kong) Approved Specialist Contractor for NDT of welds.

Aberdeen NDE Centre Ltd
Address:Block 2, Unit 7, Souterhead Industrial Centre, Souterhead Road, Altens, Aberdeen, Scotland AB12 3LF
Telephone:+44 (0)1224 894422
Fax:+44 (0)1224 871514
Contact:Alex Lambie (Senior Lecturer) or Andy Anderson (Director)
Email Address:info@aberdeenndecentre.com
Web Address:www.aberdeenndecentre.com
Description:Aberdeen NDE Centre offers a wide range of services to the industry requiring NDT training, certification, consultancy and NDT Level III services.
Our Aberdeen-based centre will provide:
  • Level I, II and III training, examination and certification;
  • Company-specific NDT examinations and evaluations;
  • Advanced training programmes for qualified and non-qualified NDT personnel;
  • Development of new inspection techniques and industry applications;
  • Corrosion/erosion monitoring using conventional and advanced NDT systems;
  • Introducing non-intrusive and intrusive inspection applications;
  • NDT familiarisation/awareness programmes;
  • Competency assessments and evaluations;
  • Consultancy in NDE, including audits and reviews of company training needs;
  • NDT Level III services covering procedures writing, reviews and endorsements.

AWE Aldermaston
Address:AWE Aldermaston, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4PR
Telephone:01189 826932
Fax:
Contact:John Moggeridge
Email Address:john.moggeridge@awe.co.uk
Web Address:www.awe.co.uk
Description:AWE plc is contracted to the Ministry of Defence for all aspects of safety and performance of the United Kingdom's nuclear deterrent. As a result, AWE employs a wide range of scientific and engineering staff and has facilities dedicated to the design, manufacture and testing of conventional, nuclear and aerospace components. These areas are, in turn, supported by a team of NDE technologists.
The current NDE capabilities include radiographic facilities housing a 4 MeV Linac, 10 MeV Minac and conventional X-ray systems from 420 kV down to 50 kV. These systems can be used with our flat-panel and camera-based digital real-time radiography systems to produce digital and CT images, as well as conventional film radiography. In addition, we have a 160 kV microfocal cabinet system, also capable of producing CT images. We also have both ultrasonic and eddy current capabilities with XYZ computer-controlled immersion tank systems and a small robot and turntable for use with conventional eddy current probes.
Personnel within the NDE group at AWE are trained to ASNT Level II.

BSRIA Limited
Address:Old Bracknell Lane West, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 7AH
Telephone:01344 465600
Fax:01344 465626
Contact:bsria@bsria.co.uk
Email Address:bsria@bsria.co.uk
Web Address:www.bsria.co.uk
Description:BSRIA's engineering, technical and market research experts provide independent, objective and practical help in design, construction and occupancy of the built environment.

A member association with over 50 years' experience, we support industry through advice, testing, instruments, research and guidance to promote energy and water efficiency, best practice in construction and effective operation of buildings.

BSRIA's services include:
  • Airtightness testing: BSRIA offers nationwide airtightness testing, consultancy, design reviews and support services on all buildings for Part L of the Building Regulations – dwellings and non-dwellings.
  • Airtightness training: BSRIA runs a BINDT-accredited course in domestic airtightness testing, which is the first step towards becoming registered with BINDT as a domestic airtightness tester.
  • Acoustic testing: For Part E of the Building Regulations.
  • Instruments: BSRIA Instrument Solutions offers hire, calibration and sales of a comprehensive range of building services and construction instruments. We are a UKAS-accredited calibration laboratory. See www.bis.fm for further information.
  • Thermography: Infrared thermography can be used in a variety of applications, including detecting heat losses from buildings and checking electrical installations for excessive temperatures.
  • Condition monitoring: Including power quality, electromagnetic field (EMF), vibration and acoustic surveys.

Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering
Address:University of Strathclyde, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Royal College Building, 204 George Street, Glasgow G1 1XW
Telephone:0141 548 2886
Fax:0141 548 2950
Contact:Dr Anthony Gachagan
Email Address:ultrasonic-engineering@strath.ac.uk
Web Address:www.strath.ac.uk/eee/research/cue/
Description:CUE has conducted leading-edge research in the application of ultrasound for UK and overseas governments and a wide range of industrial companies. It is also a member of the UK Research Centre in NDE (RCNDE). In 2010, CUE established a Facility for Innovation and Research in Structural Testing (FIRST). The equipment and expertise associated with the FIRST laboratory are available to support feasibility studies, system trials and technology transfer activities. The equipment available includes motion tracking, robotic positioning, array imaging, acoustic microscopy and magnetic NDE.

CUE will meet the needs of ultrasonic end-users through:
  • Fundamental research programmes, consultancy and feasibility studies.
  • Transducer and systems design, development and characterisation.
  • State-of-the-art transducer modelling software, manufacturing and evaluation.
  • Prototype devices and instrumentation.
  • Training in all aspects of advanced acoustics.
  • Long-term partnerships with industry and academic groups.
The activities of the Centre cover the majority of the important topics associated with the application of ultrasonics to solve industrial NDE problems. Current research spans the acoustic spectrum from 5 kHz to 20 MHz, as well as encompassing interrelated areas from physics through materials technology, instrumentation and computing to prototype manufacture and application demonstrations. Notable examples of current projects include:
  • Design and fabrication of ultrasonic transducers and arrays.
  • Remote sensing agents for reconfigurable NDE scanning.
  • New flexible ultrasonic transducers and arrays for NDT and in-situ health monitoring.
  • Biologically-inspired systems.
  • Piezocomposite transducers for NDE of concrete.
  • Air-coupled ultrasound transducer systems.
  • Application of wideband coded sequences to maximise system SNR.
  • Wireless coupled sensors.
  • Calibration of acoustic emission sensors.
  • Transducers for high-temperature applications.
  • Single-crystal transducer arrays.
  • NDE of dirty parts using thermosonics.
  • Polymer engineering of piezocomposite fillers.
  • Multi-layer piezocomposites for high power transmission.
  • Surface displacement and beam profiling calibration of ultrasonic transducers.
  • High-performance software for 3D imaging, signal processing, visualisation and intelligent system evaluation of ultrasonic NDT data.
  • Intelligent systems for NDE.

Computerised Information Technology Limited
Address:20 Potters Lane, Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK11 3HF, United Kingdom
Telephone:+44 (0)1908 260082
Fax:+44 (0)1908 260084
Contact:Mr S C Sood
Email Address:scsood@btconnect.com
Web Address:www.cituk-online.com
Description:Manufacturer of digital computed radiography, radiographic film digitisation and electronic archive systems and specialist inspection services. Also supply turnkey bespoke system solutions for the oil & gas, nuclear, petrochemical and aerospace industries, as well as for shipbuilding inspection and rail track welds.

Doosan Babcock
Address:Technology and Engineering, Porterfield Road, Renfrew, Scotland PA4 8DJ
Telephone:0141 886 4141
Fax:0141 885 3338
Contact:Mr F J Hancock, Principal Engineer NDT Technology, Direct Tel: 0141 885 3894; Direct Fax: 0141 885 3700
Email Address:fhancock@doosanbabcock.com
Web Address:www.doosanbabcock.com
Description:With over 30 years' experience and 40 permanent staff based at Renfrew, Doosan Babcock provides services that encompass the full breadth of technology transfer, from research and development to the design and manufacture of specialised equipment and systems to providing site application. Its worldwide reputation is based on providing high-quality, high-integrity inspection, always with an eye to practical application.
The capability includes:
  • conventional and specifically developed ultrasonic and eddy current techniques (TOFD/phased array);
  • automated ultrasonic (MIPS/GUIDE) and eddy current inspections;
  • inspection qualification, including technical justification (ASME/ENIQ);
  • procedure and equipment validation;
  • inspection of austenitic and duplex welds;
  • inspection of complex geometry components;
  • defect fingerprinting, characterisation and sizing using semi-automated equipment;
  • high-temperature ultrasonic inspection;
  • fitness-for-purpose inspections;
  • provision of ISI services;
  • use of novel solutions, including the 'swimming' robot AIRIS, to provide ISI services to remote and difficult to access areas within NPP plant;
  • laser scanning to generate 3D as-built models of plant;
  • panoramic imaging;
  • offshore inspection services, including TOFD and laser scanning.
Doosan Babcock is accredited by UKAS and SWEDAC for automated UT inspections and by UKAS for manual UT, MT and PT inspections.
Doosan Babcock offers NDT consultancy covering:
  • advice on inspection problems;
  • feasibility studies;
  • troubleshooting;
  • independent third-party review of inspection procedures;
  • group sponsored projects;
  • computer modelling of inspection capability;
  • design for inspection;
  • NDT equipment evaluation;
  • strategies for fitness-for-purpose inspections and re-validation;
  • inspection qualification;
  • risk-based and non-invasive inspection.
In addition, a range of consultancy services is offered to operators who wish to implement condition-based maintenance strategies. Development and implementation of risk-based strategies for inspection and maintenance programmes is also available.

Services associated with assessing the condition of plant and predicting the remaining life of critical components include:
  • All Plant: a range of techniques is used to determine the condition of equipment, including thermography, metallography, visual inspection (camera, fibroscope) and performance benchmarking.
  • Rotating Machinery and Pipework Systems: for monitoring services, ranging from setting up databases and classifying machinery through to taking measurements and carrying out analysis and diagnostics.
  • High-Temperature Plant: remanent life assessment using replication techniques to evaluate creep fatigue damage. On-site services are backed up by metallurgical and chemical analysis facilities.
Doosan Babcock also carries out R&D in the fields of manual, semi-automated and fully-automated ultrasonic and eddy current methods. Specialist areas include: ultrasonic inspection of austenitic and duplex welds; development of ultrasonic and eddy current inspection techniques for difficult geometries and materials; phased array ultrasonics; hot ultrasonic inspection; TOFD technique; high-reliability computer-controlled fully-automated ultrasonic inspections; inspection qualification; computer modelling of inspection capability; consultancy; troubleshooting; and group sponsored projects.

E.ON New Build and Technology Ltd
Address:Technology Centre, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, Nottingham NG11 0EE
Telephone:+44 (0)2476 192313
Fax:+44 (0)115 902 4003
Contact:Dr Colin R Brett, Technical Head of Inspection Management
Email Address:colin.brett@eon.com
Web Address:www.eon-uk.com/about/eonnewbuildandtechnology.aspx
Description:E.ON New Build and Technology provides a comprehensive range of NDT, condition monitoring, metallurgical and plant life assessment services.

NDT Capabilities
With over 25 years of experience inspecting power plant, we have established a high-quality NDT service based on strong technical foundations, supported by metallurgical and assessment engineers who can advise on the significance of the results on future operation.
We can help you in the following areas:

NDT Contract Management: provision of a complete NDT contract management service during plant overhauls that is tailored to the needs of customers.

Audit and Surveillance of NDT Contracts: to ensure that NDT is carried out by qualified staff to approved procedures. This service includes advice on remedial actions and can be performed on site or in manufacturers' works.

Consultancy: our extensive experience of the application of NDT enables us to offer consultancy in inspection design and NDT procedure development.

Inspection Services: all inspection methods employed are carried out by staff qualified to the highest standards in NDT. Relevant background knowledge of the engineering and metallurgical nature of the inspection ensures that the optimum technique is applied.

Condition Monitoring Capabilities
E.ON New Build and Technology provides a comprehensive range of condition monitoring services – adding value through our extensive engineering expertise and the use of remote data acquisition and expert system analysis.
The condition monitoring services can be used to determine the health of turbines, transformers, generators and motors, heat exchange surfaces, fans, pumps, mills, gearboxes, insulation and linings.

E.ON New Build and Technology is accredited to BS EN ISO 9001 and 14001.

Eclipse Scientific
Address:97 Randall Drive, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2V 1C5
Telephone:519 886 6717
Fax:519 886 1102
Contact:Robert Ginzel
Email Address:info@eclipsescientific.com
Web Address:www.eclipsescientific.com
Description:Eclipse Scientific specialises in delivering advanced NDT solutions for complex inspections. We provide a range of ultrasonic inspection tools, training and support focused on assisting asset owners, engineering firms and NDT service companies with successful project completion. As third-party auditors we ensure procedural compliance and offer technical assistance. Working with AUT, TOFD, phased array and conventional UT methods, Eclipse will extend its diverse industry experience to support your project.

Euroteck Systems UK Limited
Address:Units 6-7 Kepler, Lichfield Road Industrial Estate, Tamworth, Staffordshire B79 7XE, England
Telephone:+44 (0)1827 312455
Fax:+44 (0)1827 312548
Contact:Mr Collin Sampson, Managing Director
Email Address:sales@euroteck.co.uk
Web Address:www.euroteck.co.uk
Description:Based centrally in Tamworth, Euroteck Systems supplies industrial X-ray and magnetic particle inspection equipment, with comprehensive after-sales support from its large service team, having more than 90 years' combined experience in the NDT industry.
Real-Time X-ray Inspection Facility: Specialising in real-time radiography, DR and CR, Euroteck Systems' Inspection Division has five real-time X-ray systems, four Microfocus systems and the latest generation high-resolution DR and CR scanners, producing high-quality digital X-ray images. We can inspect castings and moulded parts from 60 kg down to microchips. Images can be provided on memory sticks, CD/DVD as stills or as movies showing the part being manipulated in real-time.
Our clients come from leaders in Formula 1, aerospace, automotive, electronic/electrical and sports industries.
X-ray, CR, DR and Real-Time Systems, CP, Portable & Microfocus: Euroteck is the sole agent for DURR, leader in CR/DR (computed and digital radiography) and supplier of compact film processors and green X-ray chemicals that are safe and have no transport restrictions. BOSELLO fully-automatic systems, X-RAY-WORX for Microfocus and ICM for portable equipment. Approved systems integrators for GULMAY and COMET high-stability constant potential X-ray from 100 kV to 420 kV. THALES image intensifiers and tubes. As systems integrators, we can provide a custom solution to meet your requirements using the best equipment available on the market today.
Magnetic Particle Systems: Euroteck Systems Ltd is the exclusive agent for TIEDE products from MAGNAFLUX, world leader in MPI equipment and consumables. We can provide fully automatic MPI systems using TIEDE's patented OPTO-TEC image recognition and QAP control and quality monitoring systems.
Calibration, Service and Repair: As one of the biggest NDT service companies in the UK, most makes of equipment can be supported by our skilled engineers.
On-site contract maintenance and calibration, equipment hire, refurbishment and second user sales.
The company is BS EN ISO 9001:2008 registered.

Imes Ltd
Address:Campus 3, Science and Technology Park, Balgownie Drive, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB22 8GW, UK
Telephone:01224 705777
Fax:01224 707952
Contact:Kevin Fraser, Technical Manager
Email Address:info@imes-group.com
Web Address:www.imes-group.com
Description:Imes Ltd provides a total service covering consultancy, design reviews, field engineering, inspection, document/certificate management and legal compliance in a range of lifting equipment operations. Imes Ltd has a wide experience of managing large-scale contracts for large asset volumes that are geographically spread within industries such as defence, nuclear, marine, oil and gas.
The goal is to achieve, for customers, the elimination of in-service failure and to ensure maximum asset utilisation in a wide range of both loose and fixed lifting items and process equipment.
Imes has a number of consultant engineers supplying expert services, such as defect assessment within lifting items, expert witness and design review.
Through a unique range of products, the company has the ability to apply, measure and monitor load and assess the performance of an asset's condition by utilising the following techniques:
  • Load, strain, pressure sensing, measurement and data logging.
  • AE, as a means of first point assessment for global monitoring and the source location of defective or highly-stressed regions.
  • NDT, including UT, TOFD, ET, VI, MPI and DPI to evaluate such highlighted regions.
  • Rope access service to complement the test and inspection work.
As part of Imes, Buchan Inspection is a specialist provider of third-party independent inspection, testing and advisory services for lifting equipment.
It is one of the few companies in the UK to gain ISO/IEC 17020 (EN 45004) UKAS for Lifting Equipment registration.
Imes engineers are qualified to at least ASNT Level II in the aforementioned disciplines, with the versatility to apply the technology to both field investigations as well as to in-depth laboratory type assessments when fatigue lives are to be addressed.
Imes prides itself on the ability of its engineers to respond to customer requirements with the provision of bespoke, cost-effective solutions.

Innospection Limited
Address:Unit 1, Howemoss Avenue, Kirkhill Industrial Estate, Dyce, Aberdeen AB21 0GP, United Kingdom
Telephone:+44 (0)1224 724744
Fax:+44 (0)1224 774087
Contact:Mr Andreas Boenisch
Email Address:info@innospection.com
Web Address:www.innospection.com
Description:Innospection is a specialist in electromagnetic inspection technologies, such as eddy current and saturation low-frequency eddy current (SLOFEC™), and has delivered advanced non-destructive testing solutions to the worldwide process industries, including the oil & gas (on- and offshore) industry, refineries, petrochemical and power plants, for over ten years.
Innospection offers the following advanced inspection services for:
  • Heat exchanger and boiler tubes
  • Pipelines
  • Storage tanks and vessels
  • Risers and caissons
  • Flexible risers
  • Subsea structures
  • Ship hulls.
In the subsea area, Innospection’s advanced submersible multiple technique inspection tools are customised for the condition assessment of risers, caissons and structures, including through neoprene coating and Monel cladding. Our marinised scanning units allow the smooth transition from the topside inspection directly into the splash zone and subsea terrains without a break in the continuity of scanning.
Innospection has developed the MEC-FITTM Flexible Riser Inspection Tool using its patented electromagnetic eddy current technology, which enables the detection of corrosion and cracks at the various armour layers of the flexible risers. Deployed from modern work-class ROVs, MEC-FITTM enables the flexible riser inspection to be operated from offshore installations.
The MEC-Combi Crawler inspection system has been developed to enable the inspection of subsea structures where the access from topside is not possible. Deployed from a work-class ROV operated from a support vessel, this tool supports the inspection and lifetime assessment of subsea structures ranging in size and complexity from small diameter risers, through caissons and pipes to platform legs and flat surfaces, such as ship hulls.
Headquartered in Aberdeen, UK, Innospection serves a demanding global market together with its subsidiary offices in Germany and the United Arab Emirates. An internal R&D team supports the company in the development of new technologies and customised inspection services and solutions.

MISTRAS Group Ltd
Address:Norman Way, Over, Cambridge CB24 5QE
Telephone:01954 231612
Fax:01954 231102
Contact:Mr P T Cole
Email Address:info@mistrasgroup.co.uk
Web Address:www.mistrasgroup.co.uk
Description:Mistras Group Limited, formerly Physical Acoustics, is known for being a world leader in asset inspection and integrity management solutions.

Our specialised NDT and condition monitoring hardware product range includes systems for acoustic emission monitoring, ultrasonics, leak detection, vibration and structural health monitoring. Products include dedicated systems and a complete range of in-house NDT software.

Mistras is amongst the world’s leading providers of asset integrity and inspection solutions for storage tanks, pipelines, pressure vessels and other process plant. These services are designed to provide asset owners with access to a broad range of innovative inspection strategies, maximising information on the condition of the asset while minimising the effect on operation.

Inspection strategies for in-service assessment of storage tanks and pressure vessels include risk-based inspection, acoustic emission, large-area automated corrosion mapping and ultrasonic thickness measurements. Out-of-service inspections are supported by our engineering staff, providing API 653 and EEMUA 159 assessments, evaluation and repair guidance. All services are provided under our ISO 9001:2008 quality system.

Our ultrasonic and guided wave piping assessment methodologies help provide a complete package of inspection solutions for terminal operators, supporting API and conventional inspection.

With worldwide operations, Mistras is ideally placed to support anyone, anywhere, anytime.

NDT Consultants Ltd
Address:Middlemarch House, Siskin Drive, Coventry CV3 4FJ
Telephone:024 7651 1151
Fax:024 7651 1696
Contact:Dr D S Dulay, Managing Director
Email Address:sales@ndt-consultants.co.uk
Web Address:www.ndt-consultants.co.uk
Description:NDT Consultants Ltd is well placed for customers wanting specialised inspection services, both in its spacious laboratories adjacent to Coventry Airport and its UK and overseas sites. Its team of Level I, II and III engineers has a vast experience in all facets of industry, covering aerospace, automotive, petrochemicals, offshore, medical, steel production, ordinance and defence. NDT Consultants specialises in the five main technologies (UT, ET, PT, MT and RT) but supplements this with specialist applications and custom-designed technology and instruments for applications such as:
  • Eddy current heat exchanger tubing
  • Digital radiography
  • Ultrasonic camera
  • Long-range UT guided wave corrosion assessment
  • Quasar resonant inspection.
NDT Consultants has an extremely active Research & Development Department continuously developing and launching new products and technologies, bringing unique applications to the NDT industry and solutions to our customers' problems.

The company is well known and respected for its activities in training and qualification in the aerospace industries, both manufacture and maintenance and civil and military. Training and qualification for general engineering is also provided. Training may be conducted at NDT Consultants' facility or at the customer's premises at home or overseas. In addition to the standard training courses, special courses can be designed to meet customer's individual requirements for inspection, including circumstances where automated inspection creates high throughput.

The courses for the five major NDT methods, together with those for each inspection, have accreditation from BINDT for PCN and NAS 410/SNT-TC-1A schemes.

The Level III staff at NDT Consultants have between them almost one and a half centuries of experience in very diverse disciplines and industrial sectors. They are retained as Level III consultants for many aerospace manufacturers and specialise in auditing, approval of data cards and development of new techniques, for example for suppliers to companies such as Boeing, Airbus, Westland Helicopter, Rolls-Royce and Dowty Aerospace. In addition, their Level III services may be called on for other consultancy applications as diverse as offshore, petrochemical, manufacturing, utility distribution and defence/ordinance applications.

NDT Consultants Ltd is the sole UK appointed agent for Sherwin penetrants and magnetic particle consumables. They also supply other associated accessories, such as UV lamps, UV lamp change and mercury spillage kits, TAM panels, yokes and magnets, and new or reconditioned MPI benches. They are also one of the world's largest suppliers of magnetic flux indicators.


Operational Excellence (OPEX) Group Ltd
Address:18 Albert Street, Aberdeen AB25 1XQ
Telephone:+44 (0)1224 659600
Fax:+44 (0)1224 478831
Contact:Jon Gill
Email Address:service@opex-group.com
Web Address:www.opex-group.com
Description:Operational Excellence (OPEX) Group is a new company with a new market proposition. It's a proposition based not only upon knowledge, experience and commitment, but upon technology and innovation.
With a strong understanding of the business drivers of our clients: MORE output; MORE safety and reliability; LESS cost; and MORE value – all targeted at the areas that affect your business most, we create measurable value for you through our unique application of technology, process, knowledge and commercial acumen.
Our initial focus is on the delivery of an enhanced, reliability-focused condition-based maintenance (CBM) offering, supported with a world-class team of engineering and management professionals with over 100 years of experience in the oil, gas and energy sectors. With personnel and equipment available to mobilise immediately, we can respond quickly and effectively to any condition monitoring issue.
With a committed investment in research and development, our strategic aim is to innovate, develop and deliver a new integrated offering that supports our wider objective of delivering real operational excellence – optimising profit.
Operational Excellence is more than our name: it's our commitment.

QinetiQ
Address:QinetiQ, Farnborough, Hants GU14 0LX
Telephone:01252 396206
Fax:01252 397491
Contact:E Anne Birt
Email Address:eabirt@qinetiq.com
Web Address:www.qinetiq.com
Description:The QinetiQ Non-Destructive Evaluation and Health Management Group provides practical and implementable solutions for a range of materials problems across industries from aerospace to land and petrochemical to manufacturing.
Internationally-recognised experts provide a breadth of techniques, including ultrasound, radiography (real-time, film and microfocus), eddy current (including pulsed), MPI, dye penetrant, microwaves, ultrasonic guided waves, visual, low-frequency vibration, mechanical impedance and thermography.
Working at the leading edge of the technology, QinetiQ is continuously pushing back the limitations of the different techniques.
The following services are offered:
  • Research – Working with customers on key problem areas to develop novel techniques and approaches.
  • Consulting – Providing the client with a solution to a specific problem, employing QinetiQ's wide range of skills and experience.
  • Andscan® family of products – A family of products based around a software visualisation programme but including an R-theta data collection arm and other hardware.
  • Automated analysis – Based upon the PinPointTM software programme; automatic analysis and sentencing of NDE data initially for use in composite aircraft manufacture, but the enhanced 3D imaging capabilities will also aid in-service repairs.
  • Health management – Ultrasound guided wave technology based upon QinetiQ's inter-digitated detectors is being developed to provide in-service monitoring of high-risk components or structural elements.
  • Training – Tailored courses on Andscan and Trecscan (transient eddy current NDE system).


Rolls-Royce Power Engineering plc
Address:PO Box 2000, Raynesway, Derby DE21 7XX
Telephone:01332 632414
Fax:01332 622949
Contact:Mr Noel Habgood, Principal NDT Engineer
Email Address:noel.habgood@rolls-royce.com
Web Address:www.rolls-royce.com
Description:Rolls-Royce Power Engineering plc forms part of the nuclear sector of Rolls-Royce plc. Its inspection teams specialise in the development and implementation of manual, semi-automated and fully-automated NDE capabilities for application on nuclear steam raising plant components. Many of these capabilities support nuclear safety cases and are therefore subjected to the rigours of inspection qualification via the company's type 2 ENIQ qualification body.
Particular areas of expertise include: preparation of inspection documentation (including technical justification in support of inspection procedures); conventional and phased array ultrasonic examination of components manufactured with complex geometry and 'difficult' materials; scanning acoustic microscopy of surface coatings; eddy current inspection of heat exchanger tubing, austenitic cladding and surface coatings; X- and gamma radiography; remotely-operated dye penetrant methods; remote visual inspection and high-definition replication of surfaces (resolution 0.2 µm).
Rolls-Royce Power Engineering is accredited by UKAS for UT (manual and auto), RT, ET, MT, PT and VT.

Sonomatic Ltd
Address:Marsham House, The Village, Birchwood Park, Warrington, Cheshire WA3 6GN
Telephone:01925 414000
Fax:01925 655595
Contact:John Pitcher, Products or Peter Conlin, Inspection Services
Email Address:info@vsonomatic.com
Web Address:www.vsonomatic.com
Description:Sonomatic is a multi-disciplined engineering design, development, manufacturing and application services organisation, providing innovative solutions to clients' challenges in the field of non-destructive testing.
Sonomatic has over twenty years' experience of providing 'state-of-the-art' products and services, with the main focus on the use of ultrasound. The company's core product is Microplus, a multi-channel digital data acquisition and imaging system that can execute a broad range of applications using various techniques. In addition, Sonomatic offers procedure development, consultancy and training. Sonomatic is the forerunner in the application of time-of-flight diffraction and has continued to provide a consistent quality of service to its customer base. Sonomatic maintains the competency and expertise that makes it the market leader in this field. This statement is validated by the consistency of results from client trials and round robin exercises.
In order to maximise the benefit of inspection to clients, Sonomatic also offers a range of consultancy services related to equipment integrity. Non-intrusive inspection assessment, planning and evaluation is a major activity within this area.
Sonomatic is the leading provider of NII services in the North Sea and their extensive experience in this area helps clients realise the benefits of an effective approach. Integrity support services also cover development and implementation of integrity management plans, these being based on an in-depth understanding of the role of inspection in the safe and efficient management of equipment. Fitness-for-service assessments are provided for clients and robust solutions are provided through detailed analysis based on high-quality inspection data provided by Sonomatic Field Services. A range of statistical analysis methodologies has also been developed and these ensure that the value of inspection data, as used in the integrity management process, is maximised.

Sonomatic Ltd
Address:Units 1&2, Energy Development Centre, Claymore Drive, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB23 8GD
Telephone:01224 823960
Fax:01224 823871
Contact:Mark Stone
Email Address:info@sonomatic.com
Web Address:www.sonomatic.com
Description:Sonomatic is a multi-disciplined engineering design, development, manufacturing and application services organisation, providing innovative solutions to clients' challenges in the field of non-destructive testing.
Sonomatic has over twenty years' experience of providing 'state-of-the-art' products and services, with the main focus on the use of ultrasound. The company's core product is Microplus, a multi-channel digital data acquisition and imaging system that can execute a broad range of applications using various techniques. In addition, Sonomatic offers procedure development, consultancy and training. Sonomatic is the forerunner in the application of time-of-flight diffraction and has continued to provide a consistent quality of service to its customer base. Sonomatic maintains the competency and expertise that makes it the market leader in this field. This statement is validated by the consistency of results from client trials and round robin exercises.
In order to maximise the benefit of inspection to clients, Sonomatic also offers a range of consultancy services related to equipment integrity. Non-intrusive inspection assessment, planning and evaluation is a major activity within this area.
Sonomatic is the leading provider of NII services in the North Sea and their extensive experience in this area helps clients realise the benefits of an effective approach. Integrity support services also cover development and implementation of integrity management plans, these being based on an in-depth understanding of the role of inspection in the safe and efficient management of equipment. Fitness-for-service assessments are provided for clients and robust solutions are provided through detailed analysis based on high-quality inspection data provided by Sonomatic Field Services. A range of statistical analysis methodologies has also been developed and these ensure that the value of inspection data, as used in the integrity management process, is maximised.

Sonovation
Address:Elschot 30, 4906 Oosterhout, Netherlands
Telephone:+31 (0)162 425588
Fax:+31 (0)162 424343
Contact:Alex McLay
Email Address:info@sonovation.com
Web Address:www.sonovation.com
Description:Sonovation is a company that concentrates on the application of advanced ultrasonic technology and pulsed eddy current.
Included in this is service work using sampling phased array, conventional phased array and time-of-flight diffraction methods. Much of this technology can be applied online at high temperatures and flaw sizing/monitoring has been carried out at 475 degrees centigrade.
To augment this technology, Sonovation has a highly-qualified R&D team, which has completed several significant technical advances in complex geometry inspection, including beam simulation in exotic material inspection and software aids for procedure preparation and reporting formats.
In addition, Sonovation has an accredited training school, which specialises in phased array, TOFD and critical sizing courses. Examinations in accordance with EN 473 (PCN) and ASNT SNT-1A certification are available. Bespoke courses can also be tailored to suit clients' needs.
The pulsed eddy current technology is licensed from Shell Global Solutions in Amsterdam and we have now gained several years of experience in its use for thickness measurement through insulation and other surface layers.

Tata Steel R, D & T
Address:Swinden Technology Centre, Moorgate, Rotherham, South Yorkshire S60 3AR
Telephone:01709 820166
Fax:01709 825337
Contact:Mr C J K Lester, Principal Technologist (01709 825228)
Email Address:clive.lester@tatasteel.com
Web Address:www.tatasteel.com
Description:Research services are available in the form of testing, consultancy and feasibility studies.

The design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of purpose-built inspection systems can also be provided on a turnkey basis in the following area: eddy current surface defect detection; computerised development facilities are available for multi-frequency eddy current evaluation in the 1 kHz to 10 MHz range in various probe configurations.

Pilot facilities are available for the development of automatic in-line inspection systems.

Ultrasonic internal defect evaluation systems are available for specialised applications, for example the assessment of inclusions and hydrogen-induced cracking.

Further research and development services are also available, primarily metals-related but potentially applicable to non-metals, in the following areas: failure mechanism investigations, physical property determination, welding and corrosion performance, and comprehensive X-ray stress analysis techniques.

Swinden Technology Centre offers a wide range of services drawn from the collective expertise of a 500-strong multi-disciplined workforce of one of the world's premier metallurgical laboratories. These services are available on a contract basis to organisations outside Tata Steel.

TWI Ltd
Address:Corporate Headquarters: Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6AL, UK
Telephone:01223 899000
Fax:01223 891630
Contact:Keith Malone
Email Address:trainexam@twi.co.uk
Web Address:www.twi.co.uk
Description:Also: www.twitraining.com

TWI NDT
TWI has been at the forefront of non-destructive testing (NDT) of fabricated structures for more than 40 years. The NDT Technology Section is a group of engineers, consultants and technicians dedicated to the development and successful implementation of the full spectrum of non-destructive testing. TWI's aim is to provide cost savings and reliability assurance to customers through the development of innovative inspection solutions and by interfacing with related technologies, such as engineering critical assessment, risk-based inspection strategies, reliability analysis and repair procedure development.

TWI Training & Examination Services
TWI offers a range of courses. In conventional NDT, courses include VT, PT, MT, ET, UT, RT and RI. Advanced NDT courses cover automated and manual phased array UT, long-range UT, TOFD, ACFM, digital radiography and thermography.
Inspection-based courses include welding inspection, welding supervision, plant inspection, piping and tankage inspection, painting and coatings, cathodic protection, risk-based inspection and fitness-for-purpose assessment.
The training and assessment is accredited by BINDT, CSWIP, AWS and BGAS-CSWIP.
Our Level 3 staff also offer outside agency services to customers who require CSWIP employer-specific or SNT-TC-1A certification and technical support.
Training and certification services are offered at our comprehensive facilities at Abington, Aberdeen, Middlesbrough, Rotherham and Port Talbot, or at other locations worldwide.

TWI Technology (SE Asia) Sdn Bhd
Address:No 8 Jalan TSB10, Sg Buloh Industrial Park, 47000 Sg Buloh, Selangor, Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Telephone:+603 615 73526/7/8
Fax:+603 615 72378
Contact:Noorhaslinda Binti Ahmad Nasir
Email Address:inquiry@twisea.com
Web Address:www.twitraining.com
Description:TWI (SEA) offers courses in ultrasonic testing, radiographic interpretation, magnetic particle inspection, penetrant inspection, eddy current inspection, welding and senior welding inspector and paint inspector.
TWI (SEA) offers ASNT NDT Level III consultancy, training and examination based on company requirements. ASNT Level III examination is offered all year round in MT, PT, RT, UT, ET, LT, IR, AE, NRT, VT and VA.
TWI (SEA) is located near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The training and examination centre is accredited by BINDT and offers examinations in PCN, AWS/CSWIP, ASNT, ACCP, CSWIP and BGAS/CSWIP. A full programme of courses is currently available in Miri, Singapore, Australia (Perth), Thailand (Laem Chabang), Hong Kong, Manila, Brunei and Indonesia.
Training and certification is also available by special arrangement in other South East Asian countries.

TWI Technology Centre (North East)
Address:Aurora Court, Riverside Park, Middlesbrough TS2 1RY
Telephone:+44 (0)1642 216320
Fax:
Contact:Stephen Wisniewski
Email Address:twinorth@twi.co.uk
Web Address:www.twitraining.com
Description:Comprehensive NDT, welding technology training and examinations, including:
  • ACFM technology
  • Manual ultrasonic testing
  • Long-range ultrasonic testing
  • Automated ultrasonic testing
  • Digital radiography
  • Eddy current testing
  • Magnetic particle and penetrant testing
  • Manual phased array ultrasonic testing
  • Radiographic testing and interpretation
  • Welding inspection
  • Welding technology qualifications
  • Practical welder qualifications
  • Plastics welder training
  • Plant inspection
  • Tank inspection.
TWI Technology Centre (North East)'s underwater facility provides a complementary suite of courses to CSWIP and Lloyd's certification. The diving centre is designed to meet the needs of the offshore industry.
The training and examination centre is accredited by BINDT and offers examination for PCN, CSWIP, ASNT, AWS and British Gas approvals.

University of Warwick
Address:Ultrasonics & NDT Group, Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL
Telephone:02476 573877
Fax:02476 692016
Contact:Steve Dixon
Email Address:s.m.dixon@warwick.ac.uk
Web Address:www.warwick.ac.uk/staff/S.M.Dixon
Description:Ultrasonic propagation, ultrasound interactions with defects. Non-contact generation and detection of ultrasound, particularly using either EMAT or laser-based techniques.
We are studying the alternative methods of generating ultrasound without contact with the test-piece. We have a range of pulsed lasers for generation and laser interferometers for detection in addition to miniature EMATs. Industrial applications are investigated on hot or rough or thin or moving components.

Vibrant NDT Ltd
Address:Neocol Works, Smithfield, Sheffield S3 7AR
Telephone:+44 (0)114 273 8066
Fax:+44 (0)114 272 9842
Contact:
Email Address:wlchoong@vibrantndt.co.uk
Web Address:www.vibrantndt.co.uk
Description:Process Compensated Resonance Testing (PCRT) is a resonance-based, comparative inspection technique. PCRT is capable of finding multiple intrinsic defects in a single test. Test components are resonated on piezoceramic transducers. The resonant fingerprints of individual components are then compared using the Mahalanobis-Taguchi and the VIPR pattern recognition algorithms. The ASTM Standard E2534-10 provides the guideline for this technique.
No test interpretations are carried out by the operator. Sentencing of parts' integrity status is carried out wholly by the taught algorithms, typically in seconds, for example 20 seconds for a complete inspection of an aero turbine blade. This capability is approved for commercial aerospace usage by the FAA.
Test data can be stored electronically throughout a component’s lifetime for 'cradle-to-grave' condition monitoring at MRO service intervals.