NDT PROCEDURE DEVELOPMENT & LEVEL III SERVICES
Written NDT procedures, Level III review, and remote NDT engineering for PAUT, UT, MT, PT, and VT. Compliant with ASME, API, AWS, and CSA requirements. Available remotely worldwide and on-site in Alberta.
NDT Procedure Development & Level III Engineering
Every industrial NDT program depends on technically sound written procedures. ASME Section V, API codes, and AWS standards require written, qualified NDT procedures as the foundation for any examination. A procedure that does not meet code requirements or does not adequately define examination parameters creates inspection uncertainty that can invalidate examination results.
Level III NDT engineering covers the full lifecycle of NDT procedure development: method selection, procedure writing, demonstration qualification, and ongoing review as code editions are updated. For organizations that employ Level II technicians but do not have in-house Level III resources, outsourced Level III services provide the technical oversight required by codes and quality programs.
Procedure development and Level III review are desk-based activities well suited to remote delivery. Clients across Western Canada and internationally engage Norman QC for remote procedure development, procedure review against specific code editions, and Level III sign-off on existing procedures identified as deficient during audits or quality reviews.
What's Included
- -Written NDT procedures for PAUT, UT, MT, PT, RT, and VT per applicable code requirements
- -ASME Section V compliant procedure development for pressure vessel and piping NDE
- -API 1104, API 650, and API 653 procedure development for pipeline and tank inspection
- -AWS D1.1 and CSA W59 procedure development for structural weld inspection
- -PAUT scan plan development: beam modeling, coverage verification, and encoded scan setup
- -Procedure qualification: demonstration testing and Level III sign-off
- -Level III review of existing NDT procedures for code compliance and technical adequacy
- -NDT procedure review as part of quality plan and ITP document review
- -Remote Level III consulting: procedure development and review delivered without on-site presence
- -NDT program development for operator integrity management systems
Service Delivery Models
New Procedure Development
Full written procedure developed from scope requirements. Method selection, applicable code identification, procedure variables defined, acceptance criteria specified, and Level III signature. Delivered as a print-ready document.
Procedure Review & Upgrade
Review of existing procedures against current code edition requirements. Gap identification, recommended revisions, and Level III sign-off on revised procedures. Common scope for quality audits and contract pre-qualification.
PAUT Scan Plan Development
Beam modeling and scan plan development for phased array applications. Coverage verification, encoded scan configuration, calibration block specification, and scan plan documentation for field technician use.
NDT Program Development
Development of comprehensive NDT programs for operator integrity management systems. Method matrix by equipment type, procedure library structure, qualification requirements, and documentation system design.
FAQ
When is a written NDT procedure required?
ASME Section V requires written, qualified procedures for essentially all volumetric and surface NDE methods used in ASME-coded pressure equipment fabrication and repair. API 510, API 570, and API 653 reference ASME Section V NDE requirements for in-service inspection. AWS D1.1 specifies written procedure requirements for structural weld inspection. In practice, any industrial NDT application should have a written procedure reviewed by a Level III - this is a baseline quality requirement even where the specific code allows some flexibility.
What is the difference between NDT Level II and Level III?
Per SNT-TC-1A and ASNT CP-189, NDT Level II personnel are qualified to set up equipment, perform calibrations, conduct examinations, and evaluate results per written procedures. Level III personnel are qualified to establish techniques, interpret codes and standards, design procedures, and qualify Level II personnel. Level III sign-off on written NDT procedures is required by ASME Section V and most quality programs for pressure equipment inspection. Level III qualification requires examination by ASNT or employer-based testing per SNT-TC-1A.
Can NDT procedure development be done remotely?
Yes. NDT procedure writing, scan plan development, Level III review, and procedure qualification documentation are engineering desk activities. The physical demonstration testing that qualifies some procedures requires access to representative test samples, but the written procedure and all documentation can be developed remotely. For clients who need Level III review of existing procedures, or who need written procedures developed for a known application, the full scope can be delivered as a remote service.
What codes govern NDT procedures in Alberta?
ABSA-regulated pressure equipment fabrication in Alberta follows ASME Section VIII and ASME Section V NDE requirements. In-service inspection of pressure vessels and piping follows API 510 and API 570, which reference ASME Section V for examination methods. Pipeline NDT in Alberta is governed by CSA Z662 for oil and gas pipelines and references ASME Section V and API 1104. Structural welding inspection for ABSA-regulated structures follows CSA W59 or AWS D1.1 depending on jurisdiction and specification.
NEED NDT PROCEDURE DEVELOPMENT?
Contact for scope discussion and fee estimate. Written NDT procedures and Level III review delivered remotely - fast turnaround for project and pre-qualification deadlines.