Course providers

Visual testing is a non destructive testing method by which reflected or transmitted light from a test object is imaged with a light sensitive device (e.g. the human eye!). We can provide Visual Inspection training suitable for PCN/EN473/ISO 9712 levels 1, 2, and 3, ASNT Level 3. Alternatively we can provide training suitable for candidates working to a written practice based on SNT-TC-1A. .

Below is an example of a syllabus that is used for visual inspection training courses (we can make changes to a syllabus to satisfy the requirements of a specific written practice if necessary)

Level 1:

General Theory: - Introduction - Definitions - Fundamentals - Equipment (as applicable) - Employer-Defined Applications - Visual Testing to Specific Procedures - Safety Precautions.

Specific Theory: - Application of the Method and use of Codes, Specifications and Procedures, applicable to the Company, including the relevant control checks.

Level 2:

General Theory: General Theory: - Review of Level 1 - Vision - Lighting - Material attributes - Environmental and Physiological Factors - Visual Perception - Equipment - Employer-Defined Applications - Acceptance/Rejection Criteria - Recording and Reporting

Specific Theory: - Application of the Method to the Specific requirements of the Company, in particular making reference to those Codes, Specifications and Procedures used by the Company, including the relevant control checks.

This method involves applying a visible or fluorescent dye to the surface. The dye enters the discontinuities via capillary action. The method can be applied to any non-absorbent material with uncoated surfaces. We can provide Liquid Penetrant training suitable for PCN/EN473/ISO 9712 levels 1, 2, and 3, ASNT Level 3. Alternatively we can provide training suitable for candidates working to a written practice based on SNT-TC-1A. Below is an example of a syllabus that is used for liquid penetrant training courses (we can make changes to a syllabus to satisfy the requirements of a specific written practice if necessary)

Level 1

General Theory: - Principles of Penetrant Inspection - Equipment and Materials - Methods of Assessing Sensitivity and Control Testing - Preparation for Testing - Testing Technique - Post Test Procedures - Safety Precautions

Specific Theory: - Application of the Method and use of Codes, Specifications and Procedures, applicable to the Company, including the relevant control checks.

General Theory: - Testing Procedures - Detectability of Defects - Interpretation and Reporting - Post Test Procedures - Safety Precautions - Basic Production (Crude and Finished Products) - Basic Casting Production Methods (Finished Products) - Wrought Products Forming Processes - Basic Welding Processes

Specific Theory Application of the Method to the Specific requirements of the Company, in particular making reference to those Codes, Specifications and Procedures used by the Company, including the relevant control checks.

Magnetic Particle Inspection involves the magnetisation of a component, followed by the application of ferromagnetic particles. The particles align along discontinuities in the surface, or shallow sub-surface discontinuities. This method is used to test welds, castings, and forgings for surface or subsurface defects, however it can only be used on ferromagnetic metals. We can provide Magnetic Particle training suitable for PCN/EN473/ISO 9712 levels 1, 2, and 3, ASNT Level 3. Alternatively we can provide training suitable for candidates working to a written practice based on SNT-TC-1A.

High frequency sound pulses are emitted from a transducer above a sample. The sound waves propagate through the sample, and reflect at interfaces. The reflected waves are monitored using a detector above the sample. The thickness of the sample, and the depth and type of flaw can be ascertained using this method. The method can be applied to most materials if sound transmission is good. Quick high sensitive results are obtained. The testing is carried out from one side of the sample only.

We can provide Ultrasonic Testing training suitable for PCN/EN473/ISO 9712 levels 1, 2, and 3, and ASNT Level 3. Alternatively we can provide training suitable for candidates working to a written practice based on SNT-TC-1A. Ultrasonic Testing is separated into three specific product sectors for certification purposes, Welds, Wrought Products (Forgings), and Castings.

Advanced Ultrasonics: Lavender International is currently developing advanced ultrasonics techniques with our ultrasonics experts, in conjunction with several leading equipment manufacturers. In particular we offer training courses in Time of Flight Diffraction to SNT and PCN Levels 1, 2, and 3; and courses in Phased Array technology to SNT and PCN Levels 2 and 3. We are currently one of the very few training companies in the world offering such advanced ultrasonics training. Find out more about why you should choose Time of Flight Diffraction, Phased Array and learn about our research and development of Advanced Ultrasonics Techniques. A pre-requistite of these courses is an appropriate level 1 or level 2 UT certificate.

Supplementary Courses: We also offer a PCN UT Supplementary Course, Critical Sizing. A prerequisite to Critical Sizing is UT Welds. Critical Sizing is available at both PCN levels 1 and 2. As with all courses at Lavender International, the sylabus can be tailored to individual needs, and will depend upon which certification programme the training is aimed towards (e.g. SNT, PCN, NAS410).

This method consists of radiographic film being placed under a sample. The sample is then exposed to radiation, the radiation passes through the sample, and exposes the film. Discontinuities in the sample affect the exposure of the film. Most materials can be tested by radiographic inspection, e.g. welds, castings, composites etc. Radiographic testing provides a permanent record and provides a high sensitivity of testing.

There are two types of course available under radiography, Radiographic Testing and Radiographic Interpretation.

The radiographic testing course is for NDT personnel wishing to carry out radiographic testing, this course incorporates interpretation of the radiograph in addition to the techniques used to create the radiograph.

To carry out radiographic testing, a basic radiation safety certificate must be obtained. We can provide training for PCN/EN473/ISO 9712 levels 1, 2, and 3, ASNT Level 3. Alternatively we can provide training suitable for candidates working to a written practice based on SNT-TC-1A. Radiographic Testing is separated into two specific product sectors for certification at levels 1 and 2; Welds, and Castings.

When a magnetic field cuts through metal, a current is induced. If a magnetic field cuts a wire in a closed circuit, a current is induced round the circuit. However if a magnetic field cuts through a sample of metal that is not connected to a circuit, an 'Eddy Current' is produced. This eddy current is localised in the metal, and has a flow pattern. The flow pattern is disturbed by discontinuities from the surface to a shallow depth of penetration. The method is quick and very sensitive. No contact with the metal is required. All metals may be subject to this form of testing.

We can provide Eddy Current training suitable for PCN/EN473/ISO 9712 levels 1, 2, and 3, and ASNT Level 3. Alternatively we can provide training suitable for candidates working to a written practice based on SNT-TC-1A. Eddy Current Testing is separated into three specific product sectors for certification purposes: Welds, Wrought Products (Forgings), and Tubes. ET Wrought Products must have been completed before commencing ET Tubes. .

Ultrasonic Phased Array originated as early as 1959 when Tom Brown at Kelvin and Hughes filed for a patent of an annular dynamically focussed transducer system. This system latterly became known as phased array. During recent years arrays have evolved from 4 piezoelectric elements to electronic beam manipulation using up to 512 individual piezoelectric elements in one transducer housing. Thus facilitating a complex electronic manipulation of the acoustic wave fronts.

Until the past decade industrial application of ultrasonic phased array technology has been rather scarce. Undoubtedly most of this has been down to a lack of computing power that is required for rapid excitation of the multiple element transducers and the need to process large data files that scans produce. Phased array technology is the ability to modify electronically the acoustic probe characteristics. Probe modifications are performed by introducing time shifts in the signals sent to and recieved from individual elements of an array probe. Any ultrasonic techniques for flaw detection and sizing can be applied using phased-array probes.

Phased array provides high speed electronic scanning without moving parts, improved inspection capabilities throguh software control of beam characteristics, inspection with multiple angles with a single electronically controlled probe, many configurations; P/E, T/R, TOFD and Tandem, and greater flexibility for inspection of complex geometries (optimized focusing and optimised beam angle). Phased array can be used for the following applications; raw material production, aircraft, naval, power generation, petrochemical and anything else that currently applies pulse-echo testing.

Lavender International can provide Ultrasonic Phased Array training suitable for PCN/EN473/ISO 9712 levels , 2, and 3. Alternatively we can provide training suitable for candidates working to a written practice based on SNT-TC-1A.

We provide 4 Materials Evaluation courses, these include: Hardness Testing of Metals Conductivity Testing of Wrought Heat Treatable Aluminium Alloys Acid Etch Inspection of Steel Anodic Flaw Detection of Aluminium Alloys

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Correspondence courses are available at level 2, in the following topics:

• Product Technology

• Liquid Penetrant Testing

• Electromagnetic Testing (Eddy Current)

• Magnetic Particle Testing

• Ultrasonic Testing

• Radiographic Testing

These courses are suitable for someone wishing to go direct to level 2. They only cover the theory of the courses. We credit a set number of hours training for anyone successfully completing a correspondence course. These hours can be counted towards minimum training hours required for a PCN certificate.

Other courses may be on offer that are not listed. Contact us with your enquiry at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it :