| ABSTRACT: |
PROFICIENCY TESTING PROGRAMME IN ULTRASONIC TESTING
P.P. Nanekar, M.D. Mangsulikar and B.K. Shah
Atomic Fuels Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai India
In India, National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), under Department
of Science and Technology, is a recognized body to provide accreditation to the laboratories involved in
testing and calibration. One of the requirements of accreditation is their participation in the Proficiency
Testing (PT). NABL identified authors’ laboratory as a Nodal Laboratory to conduct this programme for the
laboratories engaged in providing services in the field of ultrasonic testing.
Test pieces containing artificial defects in the form of notches and side drilled holes were prepared from
AISI 304 stainless steel plates. A detailed procedure to be followed by all the participating laboratories for
carrying out ultrasonic examination was prepared by the Nodal Laboratory. The parameters of the defect
useful for evaluation were identified. Prior to proficiency testing, all the test samples were examined by two
teams of Nodal Laboratory to arrive at an “acceptable error band” while evaluating the results of
participating laboratory. A marking scheme was evolved to assess the results of examination of
participating laboratories. Qualified and Certified NDT personnel from seventeen laboratories participated in
this programme. Depending on the marks scored by participating laboratories, their performance was
categorized as Satisfactory, Questionable and Unsatisfactory.
This paper gives details of plate samples containing artificial flaws used during proficiency testing and the
procedure adopted for ultrasonic examination. The marking scheme evolved for assessment of test results of
various participating laboratories and the criteria followed for categorization of performance are also
discussed.
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