Advanced Linear Phased Array Techniques for the Power Industry

Traditionally, nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of power plant components has largely involved basic NDE methods such as magnetic particle inspection (MT), liquid penetrant inspection (PT) radiography (RT), and manual ultrasonic (MUT) inspection.  This has been the case in both fossil plants and nuclear plants.  Advanced inspection approaches, including application of advanced technologies and automated implementation, have only been considered for critical applications where detection requirements and/or implementation conditions dictated such an approach.  Over recent years, however, there has been a significant move toward the use of advanced NDE Techniques owing largely to the demand for higher and higher unit reliability and a corresponding reduction in forced outage rates, and by the simultaneous reduction in the cost of computer-based digital data acquisition systems.  High tech NDE is becoming more readily available, more recognized for the attendant improvements realized through its use, and a more economic/cost beneficial tool to possess. 

This year’s course will not only include presentations on the integration of critical plant component damage mechanisms with quantitative ultrasonic techniques but will also provide extensive training on the fundamentals and applications (including hands on demonstrations) of the emerging Linear Phased Array Technology.  Specifically, linear array UT is rapidly becoming a more important technique for the critical inspection of generator rotors, turbine disks, header ligaments, girth welds, tube welds, Class 1 welds and other access or geometry constrained applications.  In addition, Linear Phased Array Technology is beginning to replace RT as the acceptance standard for many critical welds during outages to improve production rates and shorten outage durations. Structural Integrity Associates has played a major role in providing innovative solutions and is a recognized leader in the deployment of this technology in the electric power industry.

Lectures will be supplemented with hands-on demonstrations where possible. Participants are encouraged to bring descriptive information on particular problems that need effective solutions. While it likely will not be possible to perform trial inspections because some component-specific equipment is normally required, these problems and possible solutions can be used for discussion purposes.

COST:
$995 per person for the Advanced Linear Phased Array Techniques for the Power Industry course.  Please note that attendance at this course is limited to electric utility personnel. This price includes a copy of all course materials, continental breakfast, morning break, lunch, afternoon break, and dinner each full day.

LOCATION:
Attendees are responsible for their own transportation and hotel accommodations.

INSTRUCTORS

Laney Bisbee - President at SI, received his BS in Materials Science and Engineering, University of North Carolina. He has over 20 years experience in failure analysis and condition assessment of process and power generation systems and equipment. He is experienced in field inspection and engineering evaluation of fossil and nuclear power plant components along with application of advanced nondestructive examination techniques. His expertise includes application of codes related to power plant operation and maintenance, with particular emphasis on inspection, defect assessment and repair, including weld procedures and welder qualification.

Larry Nottingham - a Senior Associate at Structural Integrity Associates, received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and completed extensive graduate coursework in Metallurgical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. He has over 34 years of experience in power plant engineering and NDE. Mr. Nottingham's expertise is in the time-of-flight diffraction technique and phased array ultrasonic technologies, including annular and linear arrays. He has been instrumental in expanding these technologies to a number of new applications.

Allen M. Porter - Senior Consultant at Structural Integrity Associates, received his MS in Material Science from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.  Mr. Porter has over 23 years of experience in NDE applications and development in power generation and aerospace industries and is a Level III in eddy current and ultrasonic testing.  He is part of the Structural Integrity applications and development team based in Charlotte, NC where he spends most of his time developing and enhancing phased array techniques for power plant applications.