NE 110 – Introduction to NDT & QA/QC Definitions Prepared by: Chattanooga State Community College

What is NDT? NDT stands for NonDestructive Testing Definition: “the use of noninvasive techniques to determine the integrity of a material, component or structure” – Or, “testing that does not impair the future usefulness of a part” Sometimes referred to as NDE, for NonDestructive Evaluation (or Examination)

Some Uses of NDT NDT test methods may be used to determine: – the size, shape, or orientation of a flaw (such as a crack or porosity) – the thickness of a material or coating – the hardness of a material – the material composition (example, the carbon content in steel) – a material’s electrical conductivity

Who Uses NDT? NDT plays a vital role in assuring the safe operation of equipment and systems Industries that utilize NDT: – Airline and Aerospace – Automotive and Railroad – Construction – Hydroelectric, Fossil, and Nuclear Power – Textile and Manufacturing – Chemical and Petrochemical

What is QA? QA stands for Quality Assurance Definition: “all the planned and systematic activities implemented within the quality system, and demonstrated as needed, to provide adequate confidence that an entity will fulfill requirements for quality” – Typically a program established by a company to develop procedures to follow to assure that standards of quality are being met

What is QC? QC stands for Quality Control Definition: “operational techniques and activities that are used to fulfill requirements for quality” – The actual testing of products to uncover defects or to ensure a product meets design specifications – NDT is a subset of QC

Some Uses of QA/QC Technicians may perform quality audits, determine the root cause for a failure, or perform quality control testing according to written procedures QC technicians may be certified as: – Mechanical inspectors (pumps, valves, hangers) – Civil inspectors (soil, concrete, structural steel) – Electrical and I&C inspectors (conduit, cable, instrumentation) – Welding inspectors

Who Uses QA/QC? QA/QC technicians are needed in a wide variety of industries Some industries that utilize QA/QC: – Airline and Aerospace – Construction – Hydroelectric, Fossil, and Nuclear Power – Logistics and Supply – Medical and Pharmaceutical – Textile and Manufacturing – Chemical and Petrochemical

Assignments… Tour NDT and QA/QC lab View Intro to NDT video Read Techsolutions handouts 1 and 2; ASME BPVC Section V, Article 9 - Visual Examination