Inspection Trends

ASNT Opens Houston Facility

The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) recently established the ASNT Houston facility in Texas, which will offer nondestructive examination training courses, computer-
based certification testing, and a laboratory for in-house practical examinations. The opening aligns with ASNT’s strategic plan, particularly in expanding and improving its certification portfolio and implementing a regional growth strategy.

“ASNT’s headquarters has now moved to Houston,” said Paul Lang, ASNT Certification Services LLC executive director. “The new facility represents a transformative approach to serving the NDT industry. The choice of the area was deliberate, considering Houston’s location being the epicenter of ASNT’s largest industry — oil and gas — while also being a central hub for other industries, including aerospace and infrastructure.”

Apart from housing computer-based testing and practical examination laboratories, the facility will serve as a venue for in-person certification preparation courses. Initially, ASNT NDT Level III courses will be available, with plans to broaden the offerings to include Level II, ASNT 9712, and Industry Sector Qualification coursework. In addition, the facility will host outreach events, such as demonstrations and community gatherings, in collaboration with local trade schools, high schools, and the ASNT Greater Houston Section.

Bain Capital Acquires Evident

Bain Capital Private Equity, Tokyo, Japan, a global private investment firm, has acquired all shares of Evident Corp., formerly known as the Scientific Solutions Division of Olympus Corp. Closing of the transaction followed the receipt of necessary approvals from all relevant authorities and regulators in Japan and other jurisdictions.

“We are excited to have completed the regulatory approval process and successfully close this transaction. Looking forward, we are committed to working with the management team to realize attractive growth opportunities in product innovation and expansion into new global markets to create value for all stakeholders,” said Yuji Sugimoto, partner of Bain Capital Japan.

Yoshitake Saito, president and CEO of Evident, said, 
“In partnership with Bain Capital, we will further advance our goal to expand our position as a leading workflow solution provider in life science and industrial markets. We are convinced that this collaboration will strengthen us in serving our customers with world-class products and services.”

Evident manufactures microscopes for life science and industrial applications, videoscopes for remote visual inspection, and nondestructive examination equipment. 

CWB Group to Become Certification Body 

The Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB Group), a not-for-profit, industry-funded organization that administers third-party certification systems in Canada, will become a certification body for nondestructive examination (NDE) by early 2024. The organization will certify individuals to the Canadian standard CAN/CGSB-48.9712, Non-destructive testing — Qualification and certification of NDT personnel. The organization has a history of administering third-party certification systems in Canada, including the national visual welding inspector program under CSA W178.2.

The CWB Group will continue to work in partnership with the existing network of NDE training delivery organizations and examination delivery organizations to ensure the needs of Canadians are met.

“The CWB Group is excited to take on this new role and looks forward to continuing to support the Canadian industry. Our decision to become a certification body for NDT personnel is a result of industry professionals showcasing a need for it, and we are happy to comply. We are and always have been committed to helping the industry grow strong and be competitive now and in the future,” said Craig Martin, VP of Certification.

Previan Purchases Sensor Networks

Previan, Quebec, Canada, has bought Sensor Networks Inc. (SNI), State College, Pa., a provider of sensing tools and technologies for inspection and remote monitoring of 
safety-critical components. As a result of the transaction, SNI will officially become part of the Previan Group and see its nondestructive examination (NDE) solutions powered through the Eddyfi Technologies business unit.

All SNI’s people and technologies will be added to Eddyfi Technologies’ portfolio. The company will be responsible for promoting the Sensor Networks’ brand in major industries where it is well established, including energy, power generation, aerospace, defense, rail, and manufacturing. Within Eddyfi Technologies, SNI’s conventional and phased array ultrasonics probes, permanently installed ultrasonic examination corrosion monitoring systems, and remote visual inspection instruments will be added to the range and complement the offering of NDE technologies. 

What to Expect at the Inspection Expo & Conference (IEC) 2023

IEC 2023 will offer inspection professionals a unique opportunity to make connections and gain cutting-edge knowledge at the Renaissance Austin Hotel on November 8-10 in Austin, Tex.

During this three-day event, experts from the American Welding Society (AWS), the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), and the Nondestructive Testing Management Association (NDTMA) will join forces on presenting a comprehensive array of topics related to nondestructive examination (NDE); steel construction; and welding, coating, and corrosion inspection.

IEC will provide a convenient venue where attendees can meet with leading companies to exchange ideas, learn best practices, and discover new products and services centered around NDE. They’ll also learn from an array of top-notch education sessions covering topics such as inspection auditing, welder qualification, complex coating, mechanical testing, weld cracking, bridge infrastructure, metallurgy, heat treatment, robotics in NDE, inspection tools and equipment, and many more. 

Registration is open and includes access to the exhibit floor, keynote presentations, two breakfasts, two lunches, and a reception. Keynote speakers will include Greg “Boss” Wooldridge (a three-time leader of the Blue Angels) and Todd Niemann (principal engineer at Fickett Structural Solutions, who was the structural metals and bridge inspection engineer for the Minnesota DOT at the time of the I-35W bridge collapse in August 2007). The exhibit hall will be open for participants to meet with suppliers and see what’s new and what’s next in the inspection industry. 

Additionally, arrive a day early and attend the Update to the Codes event on November 7. The full-day program, presented by the industry’s most respected professionals and code committee members, will offer valuable insights and updates on codes by the American Petroleum Institute (API), AWS, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI). 

Visit aws.org/iec for the latest updates.