Introduction and Background

In continuation of our commitment to bring the latest technologies with regard to both NDT techniques and equipment, the NDT Section of Saudi Council of Engineers and the Saudi Arabian Section of ASNT, are organizing the 2 nd Middle East Nondestructive Testing Conference and Exhibition at Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia from December 8-10, 2003. The oil, gas and petrochemical organizations have recognized that welding and corrosion related defects in materials cost billions of dollars every year, and can also cause catastrophic failures that result in serious injuries and loss of lives. The inability of detecting defects in materials due to lack of techniques and/or non-availability of appropriate equipment has been felt in many industries, especially in oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors. Due to its high operating temperature and pressure ranges, high humidity, corrosive atmosphere, high sulfur oil and gas products in some areas, and high corrosive petrochemical industries, Middle East and particularly the Arabian Gulf area experience various types of corrosion related problems. When taken in the context of magnitude of Gulf oil, gas and petrochemical production facilities and industry, the result is expression of keen interest in defect detection, sizing, identification and classification, preferably through nondestructive testing. Because of the broad approach necessary to resolve problems involving corrosion related defects, this Conference will present a diversity of papers covering a wide range of Nondestructive Testing (NDT) techniques and related topics. The Second Middle East Nondestructive Testing Conference is organized by the NDT Section of the Saudi Council of Engineers and Saudi Arabian Section-ASNT. The conference and exhibition will be held for three days, December 8, 9, 10, 2003.

Conference Theme

The theme for this conference is Nondestructive Testing Technologies for Innovative Solutions for the Safety and Reliability of Oil and Petrochemical Industries. This theme reflects the challenges faced by the nondestructive testing professionals. It will also focus on the latest innovative NDT solutions, methodology, techniques, certifications, training and equipment. The organizers of the conference wish to emphasize the role of existing and new NDT technologies in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries.

Conference Topics

Formal presentations, informal technical meetings, and panel discussions are planned. The program will include following topics:
• Pipelines NDT Technologies
• Boilers & Pressure Vessels NDT Technologies
• Safety, Reliability and POD (RTFI, FFS, RBI)
• NDT Codes and Standards
• New Techniques and Systems for Infrastructure Applications
• NDT Signal and Image Processing
• NDT for Coatings
• NDT Techniques and Applications (AE, ET, Guided and Surface Waves)
• Microwave NDT/Radar NDT
• NDT for Concrete
• Advanced Ultrasonic Techniques including Laser Ultrasonics

Call for Papers

Papers are invited from practicing engineers, research scientists and NDT professionals and experts. The author should submit an abstract along with the enclosed form for consideration by the Organizing Committee. The abstract should not be of more than 400 words and should clearly state clearly objectives, subject matter and conclusions to be presented in the full paper.

March 15, 2003	Final date for receipt of abstract
March 31, 2003	Advise acceptance of abstract
June 30, 2003	Draft paper due
September 15, 2003	Final date of receipt of full paper

Correspondence regarding all aspects of the abstracts or technical papers
papers should be sent to:
Mr. Scott D. Miller
Chairman, Technical Committee
P.O. Box 826, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
Tel: (+966) 3-872-0148
Fax: (+966) 3-872-0630
E-mail: scott.miller@aramco.com

Conference Language

The official Conference language will be English. Papers, visual materials, and other documents will be presented in English language.

Exhibition

Concurrently with the conference, an exhibition will be held at the conference venue. The exhibition is intended to provide an opportunity for companies, consultancy and research organizations to display and demonstrate their activities and services. The size of exhibition stands is 3 meters wide and 2 meters deep with 2.5 meter high. Stand fittings will consist of one octonary system stand, two fluorescent lights, fascia board in English, one AC power point, sufficient tables and chairs. An exhibition guide containing each exhibitor’s name and a brief profile of his company will be published and distributed to conference participants, VIPs and all visitors during the conference. The cost for one exhibition stand will be SR 4000.00 (US Dollars 1080). Exhibition space without stand fittings will cost SR 600/- or US $160 per square meter, minimum size being 6 square meters.

For further details about the Exhibition, please contact
Mr. Fathi E. Al-Qadeeb,
Chairman, Sponsorship & Exhibition Committee,
P.O. Box 826, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
Tel. (+966) 3 872-0262,
Fax: (+966) 3 872-0630
Mobile (+966) 5 5801957

Download Documents:

Full Conference Anouncement [307 KB]

Related Information:

• 1st Conference
  September 24-26, 2001 Gulf International Convention Centre, Bahrain