Vol. 13, No. 1

TNT · July 2015 · 1

The American Society forNondestructive Testing

www.asnt.org

FOCUSVol. 14, No. 3

CONTENTS

Focus: NDT Awareness Campaign .......................................1

Inbox ............................................. 5

FYI: Home NDT Home: Application of Leak Testing toResidential Structures .....................6

Tech Toon.......................................7

NDT Professional Connections …10

Practitioner Profile: James “Mac” McCoy….................12

Crossword Challenge: Leak Testing ..................................15

IntroductionAs of 9 June, ASNT member MarkStowers had driven 18 757 km (11 655 miles). But this has been notypical road trip. Stowers, the founder and director of Crossroads Institute inOklahoma City, Oklahoma, has embarkedon a seven month journey across thecountry (and possibly beyond) to spreadthe word of nondestructive testing (NDT).On the website of the self-described“NDT’er” the mission reads: “These fewshort months will be dedicated to all theunsung heroes of NDT that keep us frompotential catastrophic events. Loss of life,damage to the environment, anddestruction of property are never far fromthe minds of these important individuals.Without their careful attention to detail,one shudders to think of the possibilities.”

With the support of his local OKCSection, Stowers’s trip began on 6 April in his hometown of Oklahoma City, and will conclude on 26 October at the2015 ASNT Annual Conference in SaltLake City, Utah. Scheduled stops along theway include visits to local ASNT sectionmeetings and the ASNT InternationalService Center, as well as open houses atNDT facilities and presentations at topicalconferences.

InspirationMany manufacturers, technicians,academicians, and researchers arepassionate about NDT and getting theword out about a field that many in thegeneral public are not familiar with. Few,though, have taken this passion a stepfurther by literally bringing NDT to themasses. When asked what inspired thisgrand undertaking, Stowers said: “Thereare many things that have influenced me inmy NDT career; however, a few reallymade me stop and think.

“I started as a ‘hand’ (laborer/trainee) ata company that performed inspections oftubular goods and other items on rig sitesin rural Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. Ireally did not know very much at first, butI was in good physical shape and eager tolearn. I enjoyed the camaraderie, the scenictrips to remote locations, the tackling ofseemingly impossible jobs in the best andworst of weather, and the discovery ofhidden discontinuities and defects.

“Though, never far from the mind, therewas the real possibility of a catastrophicincident occurring should we not performour duties adequately. As I learned moreabout NDT, I started to realize how manyways and in how many industries thatNDT was employed. I was shocked. How

NDT Awareness Campaign

was it possible that I had never heard ofnondestructive testing? The thought of all those individuals, across the globe,performing such critical tasks truly awedme.”

He went on to comment, “Theimportance of the work that NDT’ersperform each day inspired me to dedicatemy life to trying to help wherever able.

“I started by trying to pass along what Ihad learned to those with whom I workedand who would someday replace me. Istudied for my ASNT NDT Level III (MT)while living in Colorado and working inOklahoma. There were times when I wouldbe gone for seven to ten days and home fortwo to three days. I spent a good portion ofmy time on the road between Houston,Oklahoma City, and Peyton. I often foundmyself in the position of explaining what Idid for a living. Most people that I ran acrossdid not know what NDT was.”

Thus, an idea took hold. Stowerscontinued: “I decided that I needed to findother NDT professionals. Through ASNTconferences, I began to meet fellowNDT’ers. At first, I only attended theeducational presentations. Eventually, I wasguided to the committee meetings. Ilearned, and continue to learn, a great dealby attending ASNT conferences. The staffand attendees were equally helpful. Thehelpfulness of all involved renewed myvigor to help. As ASNT is a volunteerorganization, I began volunteering. Ibecame active in the committee meetingsthat I attended, reviewed technicalpublications within my method, andhelped to form the ASNT OKC Section.

“I had started Crossroads Institute, anNDT training and consulting business inOklahoma City, in an attempt to helpothers get the best possible NDT educationfor the critical tasks ahead of them. Soon, Icame face to face with the reality that manyinspection companies were activelyinspecting even though they were notqualified and certified to do so. This tookmy breath away and caused me to redoublemy efforts. I worked diligently to help these

inspection companies, both small and large,understand the importance of qualificationand certification. I offered a complimentaryASNT membership to students and invitedeveryone to attend the local Section meetings.I spoke at local colleges and tech schools aboutNDT. I volunteered to chair the ASNT OKCSection, MT/PT Committee, and StudentInterests Committee.”

Still, Stowers felt like he could do more.“Thankfully, I am now in a position

within my career to be able to dedicate mytime and efforts to making as many peopleaware of NDT as possible.”

In response to what he hoped to achieve,Stowers replied, “I hope to let the nextgeneration of NDT’ers know that there is a noble profession available that provides acritical service while allowing them to earna very comfortable income. Furthermore, I hope to raise the awareness of theimportance of NDT as well as where to go to find out more about NDT.”

PlanningPlanning for a trip of any length can be time consuming and stressful, butcoordinating a seven month journey withnothing more than a truck/trailer (Figure 1)

and list of scheduled stops requires extraattention to detail, to say the least.

“There are many aspects of planning atrip like this,” said Stowers. “Each piece ofequipment must be chosen carefully forusefulness and space requirements. Helpmust be enlisted for coordination andlogistics. Availability and location of visitsmust be carefully studied. Above all, onemust realize that no matter what one doesto prepare, there will be unforeseenobstacles to overcome along the way.”

The ExhibitWhat exactly goes into a mobile NDTdemonstration trailer (Figure 2)? Stowersexplained, “The trailer is set up to providegeneral information about NDT throughdigital media, to provide an introduction toweb resources for more specific informationabout NDT, and to demonstrate NDT viamagnetic particle testing (MT).”

The following list gives a generaloverview of the trailer’s capabilities:� Smart TV

A smart TV plays NDT videos, examplesof NDT flaws, and an “Introduction toNDT” presentation. The screen can bemirrored via onboard smartphone and

FOCUS | NDT Awareness Campaign

2 · Vol. 14, No. 3

Figure 1. Truck and trailer.

Photo credit: David Blosser

tablet to help further explain whenspecific questions are posed and explored;the screen is also mirrored for remotevideo conferences with notable NDT’erswhen available.

� ComputersTwo dual touchscreen laptops are set upfor the use of those visiting to exploreNDT.

� ProjectorsThere are two projectors onboard forNDT presentations at small and largeevents. One projector is conventionalwhile the other is a wireless pocket sizedprojector that doubles as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

� Magnetic Particle Testing EquipmentThanks to the sponsorship of Magnaflux,the onboard MT equipment has beenupgraded to better demonstrate NDT inaction. The demonstrations aim to showhow, as one method of NDT, MT is usedto find hidden flaws.

� CamerasThree wireless GoPro cameras areonboard to help viewing of practicaldemonstrations, broadcast events, andallow attendees to record their thoughtsand stories.

� Reading MaterialsThanks to ASNT, the trailer is alsostocked with hard copy and digitalinformation about NDT for attendees totake with them.

� Extra AmenitiesFor convenience, the trailer is equippedwith a coffee pot, a refrigerator full ofwater bottles, and an onboard restroom.

The Road So FarAt the time of his interview, Stowers was lessthan a month into his journey, but alreadyhe had made a number of stops.

“So far, I have attended the Miami ValleySection (West Chester, Ohio), ChicagoSection (Elmhurst, Illinois) (Figure 3a),OKC Section (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma),and St. Louis Section (Maryland Heights,Missouri) (Figure 3b). I also visited ASNT(Columbus, Ohio) twice for advice andguidance.”

Events are coordinated in advance andentail opportunities to network and shareknowledge.

“At the section meetings, thus far, I haveintroduced myself, let the section know

TNT · July 2015 · 3

Figure 2. Mark Stowers demonstrates the trailer’s capabilities and gadgetry.

4 · Vol. 14, No. 3

about the NDT Awareness Campaign, and offered to make the truck and traileravailable for NDT outreach within theirrespective areas,” said Stowers. “At eachmeeting that I attend, I infallibly meetfascinating and helpful individuals. Everyperson has a different story with thecommon bond of NDT.”

He added, “Along with learning from theconversations held at the meetings, I learnthrough the technical presentations.”

People Along the WayIn his mission statement, Stowers speaks ofthe “unsung heroes of NDT,” many ofwhom he has already had the chance tomeet, who come from a broad spectrum ofindustries and experience levels.

“I have met a diverse assortment of NDT’ers,” began Stowers. “Thetechnician that started as an intern whilein high school, the student enrolled in the local college’s NDT program, thebeginning technician who has learned one method and has a hunger to learnanother, the NDT instructor with thechallenging task of training our nextgeneration of NDT’ers, and thetechnician that just became an ASNTNDT Level III with all the responsibilitiesthat the designation entails. I have mettechnicians who work within aerospace,manufacturing, energy, research,equipment supply, and so on.”

FOCUS | NDT Awareness Campaign

Figure 3. Section meeting visits: (a) Chicago Section; and (b) St. Louis Section.

(a)

(b)

TNT · July 2015 · 5

Student OutreachA major component of the NDT AwarenessCampaign is student outreach. Across allendeavors students are the future, but in afield like NDT where the current job forceis aging, it is especially important to appealto younger generations to fill in the gaps aspositions become available and advancingtechnologies necessitate new breeds ofpractitioner. As part of his efforts, Stowershopes to reach out to students, especiallythose involved with science, technology,engineering, and mathematics programs.

“At each section visited, an offer is madeto coordinate to speak about NDT at localhigh schools, tech schools, colleges,universities, and any other suggestedvenue,” said Stowers.

The Road AheadBy the time this issue of The NDTTechnician comes out, Stowers will behalfway through his trip, but it seemsthere is still a lot to do on the road ahead.

Stowers concluded by saying, “I amlooking forward to meeting fellowNDT’ers, hearing their stories, and learningfrom them. I am looking forward to thefamiliar expressions of disbelief followed byinterest on the face of someone introducedto NDT for the first time. I am lookingforward presenting at an educationalsession at ICPIIT [the InternationalChemical and Petroleum IndustryInspection Technology conference] in June.I am looking forward to the ASNT AnnualConference in October where I will be ableto personally thank those that encouragedme to go forward with the NDT AwarenessCampaign. I am looking forward to aformidable but scenic trip.”

Follow Stowers’s journey through thetravel journal blog on his website,www.ndtaware.com, or through socialmedia on Instagram (ndtaware), Twitter@ndtaware, Facebook, and Google Plus.h

ACKNOWLEDGMENTSPhotos provided by Mark Stowers.

INBOX | Q&A

I have held an ASNT NDT Level III for nearly 10 years now and Ihave continued to work in the methods that I am certified in. I tooka few initial Level III refresher courses just prior to taking my examsand did this through a prominent NDT training company. When Idid this a decade ago, the instructors were two individuals whoheld ASNT NDT Level IIIs in the respective methods for thoseclasses. They each also held additional Level IIIs in one othermethod at that time. As the years have passed, I noticed thatthese instructors now hold four and five Level IIIs and are stillemployed at the training facility.

So, how does ASNT grant them the right to test for the newmethods when they are not obtaining any actual hands-onmethod experience and they are not working under other Level IIIs for guidance in those new methods? I will assume that the “lab time” they conduct for their classes will be a likelyanswer, but that does not mean they can develop a technique inthose methods that correlates to an actual “real” inspection.

Eligibility to sit for a Level III exam is based ontime as a Level II in the applicable test method(based on the candidate’s level of formaleducation) and that must be documented whenthe application is submitted. Since no companygives training all year, I suspect that thesepersonnel performed Level II functions in

between training sessions, or they may have only taken a few of the Level III exams at one sitting and taken others at a later date. Alsokeep in mind that experience, just like training, never expires and theymay have had prior Level II experience in the other test methods andjust not needed Level III certification in those test methods until alater date.

Regarding their still being at the same employer, as a technician Iworked for the same company three separate times, so they may havedone the same.

Respectfully,James W. Houf, , Senior Manager, ASNT Technical Services Dept.

E-mail questions for the “Inbox” to the editor: tkervina@asnt.org.

Titleby Author

As we approach ASNT’s 75th anniversary, let us consider howa typical Midwestern United States single-family house haschanged through the years. In 1941, houses were much smaller.They were often heated by coal furnaces with ductwork typicallyinsulated with asbestos, or boilers and radiators with asbestoswrapped pipes. The walls were painted with lead-based paint,and the tile used for floors typically contained asbestos. Theexterior walls were often un-insulated balloon frame orconstructed with solid two- or three-course brick with interiorplaster. The 1930s had seen the introduction of platformframing and gas furnaces. Ventilation was controlled primarilyby opening and closing windows and doors. The 1960sfollowed with installation of air conditioning and installationof insulation in the exterior walls.

The year 1978 marked another critical time as crude oilincreased from $13 to $34 per barrel and gasoline went from$0.35 to $1.00 per gallon. The increasing price of oil beganthe upward spiral of the cost of energy. Notice that thisoccurred immediately following the popularization of airconditioning in houses.

With air conditioning and increased energy prices came theparadigm change to strive to maintain comfortabletemperature and humidity levels in homes year-round byclosing the doors and windows. We also learned that heating,ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) means much morethan simply installing a furnace and air conditioner. Housespreviously intended to breathe now needed to be properlyventilated, meaning that warm or cold air needed to beproperly circulated, and exchanged with fresh air in anefficient manner in order to ensure healthy indoor air quality.

Today’s typical house is a complicated system of seeminglyindependent components that are integral pieces of a system

when installed in a house. The most common components are:� The building shell,� The heat source,� The cooling source,� The air distribution/circulation system.

The ideal house today would function like a space shuttle.The living space is separated from the outside by a pressureboundary and a thermal boundary, while the air inside iscontrolled and ventilated. Understanding the terms “thermalboundary,” “pressure boundary,” and “ventilation” areessential.

6 · Vol. 14, No. 3

FYIFYIHome NDT Home: Application of Leak Testing to Residential StructuresBy Terry Clausing

Figure 1. Photo showing the dirt collected from the air as itpassed through the fiberglass.

TNT · July 2015 · 7

The thermal boundary is the most obvious to home occupantsand is the least understood. The thermal boundary is the exteriorshell of the living space (walls, ceilings, and floors). Thermalboundary refers to that which separates the living space from theuncontrolled outside space. It is intended to keep heat from flowingfrom one to the other. As such, a layer of insulation is placedaround this space. But the insulation often does not function as athermal barrier, as most insulation allows air to flow through it(Figure 1).

“Pressure boundary” refers to the ability of the house shell to keepthe inside air in and the outside air out. Notice the change fromheat flow in the thermal boundary to air flow in the pressureboundary. It does not matter how much insulation a house (orspace shuttle) has if the doors and windows of the structure areopen.

During the heating and cooling seasons, no one intentionallyleaves their doors and windows open; however, there areinnumerable holes or penetrations in the structure of the house that permit uncontrolled airflow. The U.S. Department of Energyidentifies uncontrolled air infiltration as the largest single source ofenergy loss in most houses (DOE, 2010). The identification andmeasurement of these holes is where leak testing (LT), in this case a blower door test, plays a very important role.

A calibrated fan and pressure manometer are installed in anexterior doorway. With all other doors and windows closed, the fanis energized to create a pressure difference of 50 Pa between theinside and outside. This pressure difference is equal to the pressureexerted on a house by a 32 km/h (20 mph) wind blowing againstthe structure. This is the industry yardstick for quantifying airleakage in a house.

Air infiltration is measured in cubic feet per minute at 50 Pa(commonly CFM50). This air leakage measurement is used tocalculate the air changes per hour at 50 Pa. Multiply the CFM50measurement by 60 to obtain cubic feet per hour, and divide by theinterior volume of the house to determine air changes per hour(ACH50).

For example, a house measures 3500 CFM50 with the blowerdoor. The house has 232.3 m2 (2500 ft2) of living space with a 2.4 m (8 ft) ceiling, yielding 566.3 m3 (20 000 ft3).

(1)

That means, when a winter storm comes through with a 32 km/h(20 mph) wind, all the air in the house is forced out of the house10 times per hour, or once every 6 min, and the furnace isconstantly heating the cold outside air that is being sucked into the house. This was the case with my own house, which was builtin 1981.

×=

3500 CFM50 6020000 ft

10.5 ACH503

TECH TOON

Courtesy of Miceli Infrastructure Consulting

8 · Vol. 14, No. 3

FYI | Home NDT Home

Houses built utilizing balloon frame construction often measure15 to 20 ACH50. Typical energy efficient houses today measureapproximately 3.5 ACH50 or better, while super energy efficienthouses will measure less than 1 ACH50 and incorporate moresophisticated HVAC equipment such as heat recovery ventilators or energy recovery ventilators to keep the energy inside the housewhile exchanging the stale air for fresh air.

Finally, houses need ventilation. “But isn’t the house supposed tobreathe?” This is a common misconception. Ventilation is verydifferent from uncontrolled air leakage. Exchanging stale air forfresh air is only one aspect of ventilation. It is also important toexpel humid and odorous air from kitchens, bathrooms, andlaundry areas.

So how are the results of the blower door test used? There are twoprimary applications. The blower door test result is a key input forsizing the furnace and air conditioner for a house. Certified HVACcontractors are usually certified by the Air ConditioningContractors Association. This certification requires that a house bemodeled in order to measure and calculate the heating and coolingBritish Thermal Unit (BTU) requirements. Modeling requiresmeasuring the exposed exterior wall area and insulation, windowand door area and thermal ratings, and the air infiltration rate.These data, combined with weather data for the location of thehouse, are used to calculate the heating and cooling BTUrequirements for the furnace and air conditioner.

A house can be fairly airtight and well insulated and still haveareas that are not comfortable. The air distribution system, alsoreferred to as ductwork, is the second application. There are twoaspects to this test. First is to ensure that the heated or cooled air isdelivered to the designated rooms. Second is to measure thequantity of air being delivered to ensure that each room receiveswhat it needs. The ductwork in houses is often poorly designed,resulting in excessive air losses, as well as significant thermal lossesfrom duct runs through crawl spaces and attics.

LT takes a slightly different form when examining houses withcombustion appliances such as a gas or oil furnace, gas water heater,gas kitchen appliances, and wood-burning fireplaces.

I recently examined a 100-year-old house with all gas appliancesand found gas leaks at each appliance. The natural draft waterheater vent was completely blocked by years of accumulated debris.The blockage causes the water heater to backdraft, meaning all ofthe exhaust goes into the house. But the house measured over 15 ACH50, meaning it was excessively leaky, enough to negate the hazard caused by the backdraft.

Another newer house measured only 3 ACH50, hence fairlytight. But the homeowners had remodeled their kitchen andinstalled a commercial gas range and range hood. This house alsohad a wood-burning fireplace. When performing the LTmeasurements we discovered that turning the range hood on wouldcause the fireplace to backdraft. This presented a carbon monoxidepoisoning hazard to the occupants. This is a classic example of theinterdependence of seemingly independent components.

As nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals, wepredominantly think of NDT as being a practice that applies toour work with high tech materials. I encourage you to think howNDT can and should play an important role in our personalresidences as well. h

AUTHORTerry Clausing: ASNT NDT Level III, ASNT PdM Level III,Drysdale and Associates, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio.

REFERENCESDOE, “Energy 101: Home Energy Assessments,” U.S. Department ofEnergy video, 3:30, 14 October 2010, energy.gov/public-services/homes/home-weatherization/home-energy-audits.

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advertising in the next issue, published in October, contact: Advertising Supervisor Jessica Miller

at (800) 222-2768 X209 (U.S./Canada) E-mail jmiller@asnt.org.

FEATURE ARTICLES NEEDED

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10 · Vol. 14, No. 3

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NDT Professional ConnectionsProducts and Services

TNT · July 2015 · 11

When his active duty in the UnitedStates Navy ended, James “Mac”McCoy transitioned to industrial NDTin the Cherry Point, North Carolinaarea, where he worked as a member ofthe regular production NDT crew forFleet Readiness Center East. Last yearMcCoy was selected to take over thetraining aspect of the program.

Q: How did you first become involved in NDT? A: I was in the U.S. Navy when I began my career in

[nondestructive inspection] NDI. In 1994, I was sent toNavy Aviation Nondestructive Inspection Technician Classin Millington, Tennessee, followed by two years onboard theUSS America (CV-66) in the NDI lab. I got out of the Navyin 1996 and worked for several NDT testing labs in thesoutheastern U.S. over the next eight years. In 2004, I beganworking for Fleet Readiness Center East (formerlyNADEP), Cherry Point, North Carolina in the NDI shop.

Q: Tell us about your certifications and training. A: I currently hold NAS-410 Level II certifications in

penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current, ultrasonic,radiography, and an IRRSP X-ray certification. I alsoroutinely perform temper etch, bond master, and somephased array inspections.

The majority of my formal training hours are from navalaviation NDI school. The school comprehensively coveredthe theory and application of penetrant, magnetic particle,eddy current, ultrasonic, radiation safety, radiography, andsonic bond testing. The school provided a strong foundationin NDI as well as prepared NDI technicians to take care ofNavy and Marine Corps aircraft. After I got out of the Navy,I was in for a lot more training—formal and [on the jobtraining] OJT.

The first testing lab I worked for introduced me to thenon-aviation side of NDI where I learned about visible dyepenetrants, dry powder magnetic particle, shear waveultrasonic weld inspection, and gamma radiography. A greatdeal of OJT was involved in developing proficiency in NDT,and I am thankful that I had some excellent trainers. Aftersafely developing proficiency with X-ray and gammaradiography, I took the test and received the State of GeorgiaRadiography Certification.

My employment with testing labs provided me withdiversified experience. The materials commonly inspectedinclude concrete, welds, castings, pipe/tubing, tanks, boilers,paper machines, structural steel, sonar domes, and compositematerials—all from a variety of industries and standards.This diversity was instrumental to my professionaldevelopment. After years of weld inspection experience, Iearned an American Welding Society Certified WeldingInspector certification.

More recently, I have attended Thermography Level Iand Navy Instructor Training Course, which allows me toprovide refresher training and recertification toNavy/Marine Corps NDI technicians. Having theopportunity to teach my profession has been the mostrewarding.

Q: Describe the type of work you do. What are yourresponsibilities?

A: At Fleet Readiness Center East, I wear several hats. First, Iam an NDI technician who supports the H-53, AV-8B,V-22, and H-1 aircraft platforms. This includes thestructures, engines, auxiliary power units, components, andlocally manufactured parts. Second, I am the NDI trainingleader—tasked with scheduling, providing, anddocumenting all training and certifications for the NDI andbearing shops. Finally, I am the FRC East Fleet NDIinstructor. Through scheduled rotations with my

James “Mac” McCoy

Practitioner Profile

12 · Vol. 14, No. 3

Practitioner Profile

counterpart instructors at FRC Southeast ( Jacksonville, Florida)and FRC Southwest (San Diego, California), I provide refreshertraining and recertification to Navy/Marine Corps NDItechnicians.

Q: Describe your work environment.A: During a typical week, approximately 40% of my time is on

inspections, while the rest of the time is devoted to trainingadministration and trainee development.

Q:What kind of structures and materials are you testing?A: Structures that we test are airframes, skins/panels, landing gear, rotor

blades/prop rotors, engines, and various other components. There is awide variety of materials used in these structures, such as aluminumalloys, steel alloys, titanium, nickel-based alloys, and compositematerials.

Q:What innovations have you noticed in inspection technology? How doyou keep up with these changes?

A: The biggest innovations that I have noticed have been in automatedinspection equipment, and the advancement of most of theinspection equipment. FRC East recently purchased a newautomated penetrant line, and we have been very pleased with theincreased throughput and consistent quality that the technologyprovides. Procedures are currently being developed to use a portableroll/C-scan ultrasonic machine for some composite inspections.We are also in work on upgrading our automated eddy currentequipment used for the engine turbine disks.

The eddy current, ultrasonic, and radiographic equipment weuse is periodically upgraded, and it has come a long way from theanalog, knob-turning cathode ray tube equipment that I cut myteeth on. They have a lot more “bells and whistles” today. The NDIshop is usually notified of technology advancements by ourMaterials Engineering/NDI Program management group.

Q: How important is a background in engineering or mechanical systemsto NDT technicians?

A: Extremely important! Understanding the part—how it was made,the material used, what the part does—is crucial to the NDItechnician when developing a technique and interpreting theinspection results. I have seen several NDI trainees who lack thisknowledge, and it took a great deal more effort to achieve theminimum proficiency than the trainees who already have thisknowledge. Not having this background can easily lead to misseddefects or misinterpretations.

Q:What characteristics do you think define a good NDT technician?A: Strong integrity; the courage to stand your ground, and the

willingness to listen to other interpretations; ability to thinkoutside the box; and ability to bring the abstract into reality.

TNT · July 2015 · 13

14 · Vol. 14, No. 3

Q:What do you consider the growth areas of NDT?A: With composite technology advancing, I have also seen a

significant advancement in ultrasonic inspection technology.However, I have also read about significant progress with bothactive and passive thermography inspection equipment.

Q:What areas of NDT would you like to learn more about?A: Without question, it’s advanced ultrasonic testing. I find the

growth in this technology amazing, and would love more advancedtraining in this area.

Q:What are your professional goals? A: Continuing to progress as a NDI trainer. Other than that, I am a

work in progress.Q:What part of your work do you enjoy most?A: I enjoy teaching the most. It is most rewarding when I see the

expression of understanding in the faces of my students. As a closesecond, I enjoy learning new equipment and prototypinginspections.

Q:What’s the best career advice you’ve received?A: Be your own person and go with your instincts.Q:What advice would you offer to individuals considering careers in

NDT/NDI?A: Do some research and talk to NDI professionals. NDI is a broad

field encompassing many industries, technologies, and lifestyles that can range from a 40-hour week to seven 12-hour days to livingon the road. Take the opportunities that match your preferences, or you could end up miserable. Then, once you begin your career inNDI, never stop being a student of your profession. There is always more to learn in NDI, and it is always evolving. h

James “Mac” McCoy can be reached at james.w.mccoy@navy.mil.

PRACTITIONER PROFILE | James “Mac” McCoy

Across3. Phenomenon where, while pressure downstream is gradually

lowered, velocity through an orifice increases until it reaches thespeed of sound in the fluid (also known as sonic flow). ______flow.

6. Change in output reading of an instrument, usually due totemperature change. (electronic)

8. The positive force that causes movement of certain liquids alongnarrow or tight passages. _________ action

10. Device that condenses vapors and prevents oil or water moleculesfrom entering a vacuum chamber. ____ trap

11. Gas that does not readily combine with other substances, such ashelium, neon, or argon. _____ gas.

12. Monomolecular, noble gas with atomic weight of four, commonlyused as tracer gas in leak testing..

13. In the helium mass variety, the basic device that sorts the chargedgaseous particles by species in accordance with molecular weight.

14. Unit of pressure nearly equal to 133.322 Pa (1.000 mm Hg).15. Reactive material that traps gas and removes it from a vacuum

chamber.18. Movement of pumping fluids from the pump back to the vacuum

chamber.19. Lowest temperature at which vapors above a volatile, combustible

substance ignite in air when exposed to an ignition source. _____point.

Down1. Ratio of mean free path to characteristic dimension of the system.

_______ number.2. Meter that uses a float and a tapered glass bore to measure flow.

____meter.4. Coherent characteristic of fluids that causes resistance to flow.5. System component, typically a plate, that condenses pump fluids

before they reach the vacuum chamber and returns fluid to thepump.

7. Gaseous form of, for instance, water, or oil.9. Passage of fluid into, through and out of a solid barrier having no

holes large enough to permit more than a small fraction ofmolecules to pass through any one hole.

16. Forms of gas coming from material in a vacuum system. Includesgases adsorbed on the surface, dissolved in material, and trappedin pockets and those due to evaporation. ___gassing.

17. Average distance a gas molecule travels between successivecollisions with other molecules in the gas or vapor state. mean____ path.

18. Alternate term for ambient or atmospheric temperature. dry ____temperature.

TNT · July 2015 · 15

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Crossword Challenge | Leak TestingAcross3. choked6. drift8. capillary

10. cold11. inert12. helium13. spectrometer

14. torr15. getter18. backstreaming19. flash

Down1. knudsen2. rota4. viscosity

5. baffle7. vapor9. permeation

16. out

17. free18. bulb

Volume 14, Number 3 July 2015

Publisher : Arnold Bereson

Publications Manager : Tim Jones

Editor : Toni Kervina

Technical Editor: Ricky L. Morgan

Review Board: W illiam W. Briody (emeritus), Bruce G. Crouse,Anthony J. Gatti, Sr., Edward E. Hall, James W. Houf, JocelynLanglois, Raymond G. Morasse, Thomas B. Munson,Ronald T. Nisbet, Angela Swedlund

The NDT Technician: A Quarterly Publication for the NDT Practitioner(ISSN 1537-5919) is published quarterly by the American Society forNondestructive Testing, Inc. The TNT mission is to provide informationvaluable to NDT practitioners and a platform for discussion of issuesrelevant to their profession. ASNT exists to create a safer world by promoting the profession andtechnologies of nondestructive testing.Copyright© 2015 by the American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc. ASNT isnot responsible for the authenticity or accuracy of information herein. Publishedopinions and statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of ASNT. Products orservices that are advertised or mentioned do not carry the endorsement orrecommendation of ASNT.

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