NDT Inspector – Job Profile

What does a NDT Inspector do?

In offshore wind projects, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) inspectors play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, integrity, and longevity of wind turbine structures.

The NDT inspector is a key member of the QAQC team and typically works as a contractor. NDT Inspection is often combined with Coating and Welding Inspection into a hybrid role covering all 3 functions.

The primary NCT responsibilities include:

Inspection and Testing

NDT inspectors utilize various advanced techniques to examine offshore wind turbine components without causing damage. These methods include:

• Ultrasonic Testing (UT): Used for detecting internal flaws and measuring material thickness.
• Magnetic Particle Inspection (MT): Employed to find surface and near-surface defects in ferromagnetic materials.
• Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT): Applied to detect surface-breaking flaws.
• Radiographic Testing (RT): Used for volumetric inspection of welds and components.
• Eddy Current Testing (ET): Utilized for detecting surface and near-surface flaws in conductive materials.

Specific Offshore Wind Applications

In offshore wind structures, NDT inspectors focus on several critical areas:

• Structural Weld Inspection: They examine nodal welds on jacket-style substations and turbines to identify cracks and defects resulting from dynamic loading.
• Grout Integrity Assessment: Inspectors use techniques like Acoustic Resonance Technology (ART) to detect issues in grouted connections, such as voids or structural variations.
• Corrosion Mapping: They assess the corrosion rates of steel foundations or floaters, which are particularly vulnerable in harsh marine environments.
• Flooded Member Detection: NDT inspectors use advanced techniques to identify water ingress in subsea structures, which could indicate through-wall defects or cracked welds.
• Foundation Inspection: They examine the integrity of monopile and jacket foundations, which are critical for the stability of offshore wind turbines.

Reporting and Documentation

NDT inspectors are responsible for:

• Recording and documenting inspection findings accurately.
• Creating comprehensive reports assessing the condition of inspected components.
• Maintaining detailed records for future reference and audits.

Equipment Management

Inspectors must:

• Set up and calibrate NDT equipment to ensure accurate measurements.
• Maintain inspection equipment in good condition, ensuring timely recalibration or testing.

Safety and Compliance

NDT inspectors in offshore wind must:

• Ensure all inspections comply with industry standards and safety regulations.
• Assess personal qualifications to verify compliance with work scope and client requirements.
• Communicate findings to appropriate personnel and, when required, to clients at field locations.

By performing these crucial tasks, NDT inspectors contribute significantly to maximizing the lifespan of offshore wind assets and preventing potential failures that could lead to unplanned shutdowns or revenue loss.

What essential training and qualifications does a NCT inspector need.

To become an NDT inspector in offshore wind environments, several key training programs and certifications are essential:

Technical Qualifications

NDT inspectors in offshore wind typically need:

• Level II or III certification in various NDT methods, including:
  • Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
  • Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
  • Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
  • Visual Testing (VT)
  • Radiographic Testing (RT)
  • Eddy Current Testing (ET)
• Completion of a 2-year technical program or equivalent experience

Industry-Specific Certifications

• Global Wind Organisation (GWO) certification: This is crucial for understanding the specific safety requirements and challenges in the wind energy sector
• IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) certification: Essential for performing inspections at height on wind turbines

Safety and Compliance Training

• Offshore safety training, including survival and emergency response courses
• Understanding of relevant regulatory codes and standards in the offshore wind industry

Specialized Skills

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, such as P&IDs and isometric drawings
• Knowledge of wind turbine components and common failure modes
• Familiarity with drone-based inspection techniques, as these are increasingly used in the industry

Additional Qualifications

• Certified Wind Turbine Inspector (CWTI) course: This comprehensive program covers wind turbine technology, inspection techniques, and industry regulations
• NDT Renewables Apprenticeship: Specialized programs like this offer hands-on experience in the wind energy sector

Continuous Professional Development

The offshore wind industry is rapidly evolving, so ongoing training is crucial. This may include:

• Advanced NDT techniques specific to composite materials used in turbine blades
• Familiarity with emerging technologies like robotics and IoT for remote inspections
• Understanding of data analytics for predictive maintenance strategies

By acquiring these qualifications and continuously updating their skills, NDT inspectors can effectively meet the unique challenges of the offshore wind environment and contribute to the safety and efficiency of wind energy operations.

Offshore Wind NDT Inspector Job Description

The Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Inspector plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, integrity, and longevity of offshore wind turbine structures through advanced inspection techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct various NDT inspections, including Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Dye Penetrant Testing (PT), and Radiographic Testing (RT)
• Perform inspections on critical components such as turbine blades, towers, foundations, and subsea structures
• Assess the integrity of welds, grouted connections, and steel foundations
• Carry out corrosion mapping and flooded member detection on subsea structures
• Interpret and analyze inspection results to identify defects or anomalies
• Prepare detailed inspection reports and communicate findings to relevant stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, codes, and safety regulations
• Calibrate and maintain NDT equipment to ensure accurate measurements

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years experience in NDT inspection, preferably in offshore environments
• Level II or III certification in multiple NDT methods (UT, MT, PT, RT) according to EN 473 / ISO9712 or equivalent standards
• IRATA rope access certification (Level 1 minimum, Level 2 preferred)
• Familiarity with offshore wind turbine components and common failure modes
• Strong understanding of relevant codes and standards in the offshore wind industry
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to work in challenging offshore environments and willingness to travel

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with advanced NDT techniques such as Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD)
• Familiarity with drone-based inspection techniques
• Knowledge of data analytics for predictive maintenance strategies

Work Environment

• Offshore work on wind farm sites, often in remote locations
• May involve working at heights and in confined spaces
• Typical rotation of 3 weeks on / 3 weeks off, with 12-hour shifts

The successful candidate will join a dynamic team at the forefront of renewable energy, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the offshore wind sector. This role offers opportunities for professional development and the chance to work with cutting-edge NDT technologies in a rapidly evolving industry.