Embracing new technologies

I recently came across a brief article relating to a medical application of ultrasonic phased array technology where a very thin flexible array had been developed that would be semi-permanently attached to the skin. This would then be periodically activated with the aim of seeing how the underlying wound tissue is healing as the transmission of sound improves as the muscle becomes whole. It was a brief article and did not seem to be very clear about whether the individual elements were linked or whether they were there as multiples to cover a larger area/volume. By being a semi-permanent attachment, it could be considered to be more of a condition monitoring application rather than non-destructive testing (NDT), but I would think that the medical world will have its own terminology for it, especially if it becomes an accepted technology.

This had me wondering how this technology could be used in our world of NDT and CM; typically, we would be looking for a component failing rather than healing. I did consider whether it could be used in additive layer manufacturing but concluded that it would be very limited, if it could even be used at all. Another application I mulled over was composite manufacturing and this seemed to have more possibilities at both the manufacturing stage and subsequent in-service applications. As with many things medical, the images showed a flimsy component, giving it the necessary flexibility, but would that work in an industrial application?

If there were to be industrial applications, would there then need to be a suite of ISO standards developed around this and, additionally, a certification option?

The BINDT Terahertz User Group continues to meet and is very active in a positive way. This group could be used as a model for the introduction of new technologies, as there is a recognition that potential users need to be aware of the technology and what it can possibly do.

I find that some people are reluctant to embrace new technologies, which includes myself to an extent; however, there are advantages in using better and more efficient testing technologies. The world can be a safer and more efficient place by embracing newer technologies and there is usually a person out there who has embraced it and is capable of getting the best results from it. There are also situations where the older technologies are more appropriate in the right hands. How much easier is it to take a photograph on a mobile phone to show a surface-breaking flaw against drawing a sketch on a piece of rough paper to then re-draw it on the report back at the office? The problem arises when phones and cameras are not allowed on site.

PCN is currently reviewing all documents to bring the scheme in line with the latest issue of ISO 9712 or to exceed it as industry requests. The task is challenging, to say the least, and the team is working hard to complete it. There will be improvements and changes and not all changes will be desired by all; however, PCN has to make these changes or the scheme will not remain UKAS-accredited.

BINDT is also looking at its website with the aim of a significant refresh, which will be an important project requiring planning and testing before its launch. More information will be forthcoming on both of these projects as they progress.

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