General

Eddy Current is a “clean” technique because no liquids are used. However, before the start of the examination the surface should be cleaned: welding spatter, grease and dirt should be removed and the surface roughness should not be too great. Preferably, the coating/paint layer is removed, except when determining the thickness of these non-electrically conductive layers.

In the case of eddy current, a probe with a coil is used to which an alternating current is applied. This creates a variable magnetic field, which in contact with a conductive material, generates (induces) eddy currents in the material that’s being tested.

These eddy currents generate an opposite magnetic field, which will result in a balance coil and object. If a defect is present, the path of the eddy currents will be disrupted, causing a balance change.

The change will be displayed on a screen, which is called an indication. The direction, speed, shape and altitude of the signal will be interpreted by the operator. The assessment will be made on the basis of the required standard and/or specification. The indication shall be assessed in accordance with the required standard, resulting in acceptable or unacceptable.

For the eddy current test, different type of probes can be used. A distinction is made between the frequency, the number of coils and the coil configuration. For each application, the best probe choice and device setting should be made in order to perform an optimal examination.

The operator must have detailed knowledge of the object.The geometry and composition of the object are crucial in order to perform the testing correctly.

Scope/Products/Sectors

Surface testing of and (just) below the surface for defects. It can also be used for conductivity measurements, thickness measurements and coating thickness measurements.

The testing can be applied to all electrically conductive materials, but it is particularly applied to the following products:

• Determining condition of pipes in heat exchangers (‘Tubing’);
• Multi-layered constructions for defects or interruptions;
• Thickness measurements in metals;
• Conductivity measurements for the purpose of heat treatment;
• Detecting intercrystalline corrosion;
• During the in-service phase of industrial and aircraft constructions and components, detecting fatigue cracks without removing the coating;
• Pipes, fittings and/or welding of, for example, all types of steel, Aluminium and Titanium in the petrochemical and/or food industry;
• Highly strained aircraft components, such as fan and/or turbine blades, made of Titanium;

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Training Information Level 1 (WELDS ONLY)

This training is limited to Level 1 welds only. Should you wish to receive certification that covers all aspects of the eddy current at level 1, you can always contact us. 

For whom

The training is set up and intended for (oncoming) NDT inspectors/operators for whom a qualification and/or certification is required. The training also gives an insight into the working method of the eddy current welding testing, so that the student can perform the work under the supervision of a level 2 or 3 inspector/operator.

The following components are recommended for course participants:

• A VMBO/MBO-3 prior education or similar.
• Basic knowledge of mathematics.
• Interested in engineering and electrical engineering.
• Technical English, to be able to read work instructions.

Structure

The training includes both a theoretical and a practical part. The training time will be divided 40/60 between the theoretical and practical part. During the training, under the supervision of experienced NDT specialists, the student will lay a foundation for future work.

The objectives

• Familiarize the student with the basics and the pros and cons of eddy current welding testing.
• Be ableto perform eddy current weld examination, under supervision, using various techniques and report the findings.
• Reading and interpreting work instructions and/or detailed procedures (mainly in English).
• Drafting of test reports (test parameters and findings).

Content of the training

Basic knowledge of the NDO methods | Material defects (defectology) focused on welding | The certification process and system | Basic principle of eddy current testing | Electricity | Factors affecting eddy currents welding testing | Process steps while performing eddy current weld testing and interpretation of the obtained images | Equipment and probes while running the eddy current welding test | Process and quality controls | Safety, environment and health

Practical information

Training duration ISO 9712:
5 days including exam, certification process done via Hobéon SKNDO.

Training duration SNT-TC-1A or EN 4179:
5 days including exam, only exam report. Final certification will have to be done by the company through its own Written Practice.

Exams:
The training meets and can be completed with an exam(-s) in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9712 or according to the requirements of the Written Practice of the own company (SNT-TC-1A and/or EN4179). The exam consists of a theoretical (general and specific) part and a practical part. Both the training and the exam(-s) are tailored to the relevant industrial sectors (e.g.: Testing before and during use (including manufacturing), aviation or railway maintenance.)

Costs (Excluding VAT):

In order to be able to provide you as well as possible, we believe that a suitable quotation is desirable. Below is an overview of the different options:

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Training Information Level 2

For whom

The training is set up and intended for (oncoming) NDT inspectors/operators for whom a qualification and/or certification is required. In addition, the training gives a detailed insight into the research, this is supporting information for each work planner, QC/QA & quality manager.

The following components are recommended for course participants:

• A MBO-4 prior education or similar.
• Basic knowledge of mathematics.
• Interested in engineering and electrical engineering.
• Technical English, to be able to read standards, specifications & procedures.

Structure

The training includes both a theoretical and a practical part. The training time will be divided 40/60 between the theoretical and practical part. During the course, the student will lay a foundation for his future work under the guidance of experienced NDO specialists.

The objectives

• Familiarize the student  with the basic principles and technical background of eddy current testing.
• Be able to perform eddy current testing using different techniques and interpreting research results.
• Be able to draft a thorough work instruction in order to direct a level 1 operator.
• Reading and interpreting procedures and/or specifications (mainly in English).
• Assess whether the identified indications meet the acceptance criteria.
• Drafting of test reports.

Content of the training

Basic knowledge of the NDO methods | Material defects (Defectology) | The certification process and system | Physical basic principle of eddy current testing | Electricity | Factors affecting eddy currents | Test methods and Image analysis | Equipment and probes while running the eddy current test | Interpretation of obtained research results | Process and quality controls | Safety, environment and health

Practical information

Training duration ISO 9712:
13 days including exam, certification process via Hobéon SKNDO.
PLEASE NOTE: 3 additional days for “Tubing” or “ACFM”

Training duration SNT-TC-1A or EN 4179:
13 days including exam, exam report only. Final certification will have to be done by the company through its own Written Practice.

Exams:
The training meets and can be completed with an exam(-s) in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9712 or according to the requirements of the Written Practice of the own company (SNT-TC-1A and/or EN4179). The exam consists of a theoretical (general and specific) part and a practical part. Both the training and the exam(-s) are tailored to the relevant industrial sectors (e.g.: Testing before and during use (including manufacturing), aviation or railway maintenance.)

Costs (Excluding VAT):

In order to be able to provide you as well as possible, we believe that a suitable quotation is desirable. Below is an overview of the different options:

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Training Information Level 3

For whom

The course is set up and intended for (the oncoming) NDT specialist for whom a qualification and/or certification is required. The course also provides an insight into the working methods of the testing.

The following components are recommended for course participants:

• An MBO-4/HBO prior education or similar.
• Knowledge of mathematics and physics.
• Interested in engineering and electrical engineering.
• Technical English, to be able to interpret standards.
• Preferably having already completed the BASIC module with a positive result or be in possession of a level 3 certificate in another method.

Structure

The training includes both a theoretical and a practical part (writing a technical procedure). The training time will be divided 80/20 between the theoretical and practical part. During the training, under the supervision of experienced NDT specialists, the student will lay a foundation for future work.

The objectives

• Familiarize the student with profound physical knowledge (electricity and magnetism) of eddy current testing.
• Be able to explain the emergence of eddy currents and the variables/factors that affect it.
• Distinction and possibilities of the various probes, equipment and associated test techniques within the eddy current.
• Special/new applications within eddy current testing.
• Reading and interpreting certification related standards and/or procedures (mainly in English).
• Be able to draft a thorough procedure in order to direct a level 2 operator.

Content of the training

Physical principle of eddy current testing, in particular electricity and magnetism | Generation of eddy currents | Factors affecting eddy currents | Probes & probe designs and accompanying equipment | In-depth phase analysis and evaluation of results | Application possibilities & latest electromagnetic techniques | Interpretation of codes, standards and/or specifications | Process and quality controls | Safety, environment and health

Practical information

Training duration ISO 9712:
7 days including exam, certification process via Hobéon SKNDO.

Exams:
The training meets, and can be completed with an exam(-s) compliant with the requirements of ISO 9712. The theoretical exam consists of 3 parts:

• Part D: Principles, general knowledge level 3 of the method
• Part E: Techniques & Specifications
• Part F: Procedure Writing

Both the training and the exam(-s) are tailored to the relevant industrial sectors (e.g.: Testing before and during use (including manufacturing), aviation or railway maintenance.)

Costs (Excluding VAT):

In order to be able to provide you as well as possible, we believe that a suitable quotation is desirable. Below is an overview of the different options:

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