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I N N O V AT I O N S • V O L . V I I I , N O. 1 • 2 0 1 6
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Ask anyone in the pipeline industry, and they’ll tell you there’s
a serious shortage of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technicians in
North America. A combination of stronger regulations for legacy lines
and new construction, plus a lengthy certification process, has created a
situation where demand for technicians outpaces supply.
As the name suggests, NDE provides pipeline owner/operators with
a way to validate inline inspection (ILI) findings and evaluate anomalies
without the risk of further damage. NDE technicians use magnetic
particles, radiography, and high-frequency soundwaves to locate
anomalies in pipelines. In addition, they can confirm the severity of
those anomalies – and that helps operators prioritize repairs and reduce
the need for costly multiple excavations.
But the success of NDE largely depends on the technician’s ability
to analyze results. And, the specific tools and technologies used to
conduct NDE can vary from company to company. To ensure accuracy,
it’s critical that technicians know how to use the equipment and how to
interpret the results of testing.
And the only way to guarantee that is through experience – lots of it.
All technicians must complete a combination of classroom and field
training to earn NDE certification. Classroom hours are more theory-
Addressing The
Nde Technician
Shortage
As Demand Outpaces Supply, the Oil and Gas Industry
Looks for Creative Solutions
F U T U R E T H I N K I N G