News Article

CNA holds demonstration of new ultrasonic technology


10/27/2009 9:54:57 AM


Non-Destructive Testing instructor, David Hermanutz, demonstrates the new ultrasonic phased array equipment located at the Port aux Basques campus. The system sends sound waves into metal objects, which are then reflected back displaying the defects and stresses in the metal.

College of the North Atlantic’s Port aux Basques campus demonstrated its new ultrasonic phased array on Friday, October 23.

Ultrasonic technology is one aspect of the Non-Destructive Testing Technician program. The system sends sound waves into metal objects, the sound waves are then refracted back displaying the defects and stresses in the metal.

“This new device will allow for 3D imaging, giving students the ability to see the defects in the metal,” stated NDT instructor David Hermanutz, who led the demonstration.

The new phased array uses the same technology as preceding ultrasonic equipment but incorporates more beams that penetrate the object at a number of angles to scan for more defects, and to provide a data record of the weld.

This is a growing field that the college is hoping to become certified in by the Canadian General Standards Board which is a subsidiary agency of Industry Canada. This technology is used extensively in Europe but it is still fairly new without national certification in Canada.

The industrial use of phased arrays as an NDT tool is relatively new in industry with a resultant lack of knowledge of its capabilities and application. The concept of phased array was received with great interest and several potential users have committed to further training and acquisition of the equipment units. For the longest time phased array equipment was almost exclusive to the medical profession and was considered too costly and complex for industry. However, recent advances in computer technology have provided a more beneficial software platform for innovative data gathering and analysis.

While many larger trade institutes offer this technology as part of their NDT training programs, the college is a leader with some of the newest and advanced technology in the country.

“We offer a 50-50 split in regards to how we train our students in the Non-Destructive Testing Technician program, 50 percent hands-on training and 50 percent classroom learning,” explained Jan Peddle, Port aux Basques campus administrator. “By doing this for nine months, as opposed to the traditional 13-weeks other institutions offer, the college offers a more complete learning environment. This benefits the learner as they enter the workforce and employers can be assured their new employee has encountered a number of NDT situations before walking on the work site.”

Newfoundland and Labrador is beginning to see an increase in the amount of NDT firms. With the introduction of large scale projects such as the Lower Churchill Project and the latest offshore explorations, the provincial demand for NDT technicians is expected to double in size over the next five to 10 years.

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For more information contact:

Roger Hulan
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
(709) 643-7938
roger.hulan@cna.nl.ca