Defectoscopist - what kind of profession is this?

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Vehicles, gas installations, pipelines and various critical parts, elements and assemblies require careful monitoring to avoid serious accidents.

Diagnosis of the state of technical equipment is carried out by a specially trained professional - flaw detector. This article will be devoted to this worker.

Who is a flaw detectorist

And now we will tell you in more detail who a flaw detectorist is. To understand this, it is better to start with the words “defect” and “scope”. The first term means a malfunction, a lack of integrity. They are:

• chips;
• cracks;
• potholes;
• dents;
• gas inclusions;
• foreign impurities in the subject;
• lack of penetration;
• kinks and so on.

The word "scope" means inspection, which can be carried out in various ways. Thus, a defectoscopist is a specialist, a worker who studies the state of parts, assemblies and systems in engineering. This person is responsible not only for serviceability, but also for the lives, he alth of people,environment.

All methods for diagnosing the state of a technical device/element are described in the job description of a flaw detectorist.

How to get a profession

To become a professional, it is enough to have a specialized secondary education, for example, a technologist. But it is desirable that the profile is appropriate. Let's say a person goes to work as a defectoscopist by profession at a railway enterprise - a car repair plant. This means that it is desirable to have a speci alty related to the operation and repair of rolling stock.

The flaw scopist, as mentioned earlier, is a responsible employee, therefore, when applying for a position, you need to pass a medical commission, an interview with the management of the enterprise. In addition, you need to complete training at a specialized training center, successfully pass exams and get a work permit.

The employee is annually checked by the commission, auditors, and once every 2-3 years attends classes at the training center in order to improve their skills.

A defectoscopist, depending on the field of activity of the enterprise, has several categories. The smaller it is, the fewer types of control it can carry out. With the highest grade, the flaw detectorist must know absolutely everything about the work.

Fields of activity

Let's list the areas of activity in which there is flaw detection:

• railway transport (rolling stock, rail tracks);
• gas supply (gas pipeline, pipes);
• aviation and astronautics(airplanes, helicopters, rockets);
• military equipment;
• water transport;
• road transport (cars, buses, trailers);
• buildings, bridges and structures;
• heat engineering.

You can choose the area that you like the most. But it should be remembered that the defectoscopist is a very responsible profession that requires attention from a person in the first place.

Main job responsibilities

Each enterprise must have instructions corresponding to the profession. Without studying them, the employee has no right to start his activity. In addition, there must be a conclusion on suitability from an occupational pathologist.

And now let's look at the main points from the instructions of the flaw inspector, which says that the employee must:

• be qualified and have a work permit;
• have knowledge of non-destructive testing;
• be able to use special devices;
• be able to recognize and find defects both visually and with the help of instruments;
• fix found faults;
• treat the equipment and machinery provided with care;
• Check before starting work the condition of devices on special samples with defects;
• report to management about identified malfunctions;
• if there is dirt, paint on the surface of the part, clean it with special tools.

Employee should also be extremely careful when at workplace and observe general safety precautions.

How the work of a flaw inspector is assessed

The management is responsible for each employee, including the flaw detectorist. He has the right to conduct not only scheduled, but also unscheduled inspections. For example, a senior foreman can approach an employee at any time and ask about the state of a particular part. The flaw detectorist must assess the condition and take stock. In addition, management may ask theoretical questions.

Certification of flaw detectors is carried out, as a rule, at a strictly appointed time in the presence of a commission. Questions can be completely different:

• practical;
• theoretical;
• on labor protection.

Regardless of whether an inspection should be carried out soon, the employee must know his job perfectly.

Types of control

There are several ways to check details. First of all, a visual inspection can be carried out. It is enough if the defect is large and visible to the naked eye.

There is also destructive and non-destructive testing. The first is practically not used due to the fact that the part must be cut, compressed or fractured. As a rule, the integrity is violated, and the element cannot be restored.

Non-destructive testing is constantly used in flaw detection and is one of the most reliable methods. Modern appliances clearlyregister defects, have high sensitivity and penetrating power. The main task of a flaw detectorist is the ability to use instruments and decipher readings. In addition, a person must understand where cracks are most likely to form.

Defectoscopy methods

There are several non-destructive testing methods:

• Eddy current;
• ultrasonic;
• radiography;
• magnetic powder.

The first three are carried out using special electronic devices with sensors (transducers). The latter is an inspection with a mounted magnet with two poles and a suspension (kerosene and magnetic particles).

You have learned that flaw detection is a very serious profession. It is necessary not only to have knowledge, but also to have excellent eyesight, attentiveness. In addition, a person must love his job.