UT and SS

admin

Okay my NDE friends... I must have UT performed on my SS vessel. I hear that this is a tricky NDE procedure. Anything you can pass along to ensure my vendor knows what the heck he is looking for would be helpful. Thanks!
Reply:What are they looking for? The vendor will need to know this. You should have been given spec's for the UT with the contract (either the clients spec or a reference to a standard) that will tell you method, where they are UT'ing, what they are looking for, acceptance criteria, etc. It should all be spelled out. If not, you will need to have it spelled out before the UT contractor can do a thing. You will want to get copies of the contractors current credentials (ASNT cert, eye test, and procedure certs for the operator/reader, etc), if the contractor is using their own procedure, you may need a copy of the qualification for it, if they are using a standard procedure, you need the reference for it and may need the acceptance. Make sure thay HAVE a procedure for that matches the requirements, or you will pay way too much to have they qualify, write, or purchase one.What code is this being built to? The customer should have provided specs.Just going to a contractor and saying "I need this UT'd" does little good. I'd love to get a job like that... Slap the UT thickness gauge on a flat spot, record the thickness, and call it done. Presumably, they are looking for specific types of flaw in specific locations, and a good vendor will tell you when thay CAN'T do what you want, either because they arn't equipped to or because the technology is available.
Reply:Sorry... I wasn't specific enough. I know everything that you have told me. The vessel is to Sec 8 Div 1. The UT procedure is cut and clear. Everything has been approved by the customers inspection agency. I have heard recently that UT on SS is tricky for the "inspector". I am asking if anyone is fimilar with the UT process from an inspector aspect. I have done all my upfront work on the project. Thanks for your response.
Reply:Ok... I may see my shops inspector today (he's only in when needed) I'll ask him. He's due in, but exactly when is the question. We arn't him primary gig, so he comes in when needed.