Career Episode No. 3

C.E 2.1

INTRODUCTION

C.E 2.1.1; the Chronology:

From June 1999 to October 2004 I worked as NDT Supervisor at IRICO NDT Engineers located

In Chennai India. IRICO is the recognized leader in delivering Advanced Proprietary Products,

Systems and Services to the Oil & Gas industry. Their asset protection solutions enhance the

ability of critical infrastructure to comply with safety and environmental regulations, extend their

life, increase productivity, minimize repair cost, manage risk and most importantly, help avoid

catastrophic disaster.

C.E 2.1.2: The geographical location of the worksite: India

C.E 2.1.3 Company Name: IRICO NDT Engineers

C.E 2.1.4 the title of the position occupied: NDT Supervisor

C.E 2.2 Crude Oil Pipeline (BP) Project

C.E 2.2.1 the objective of the project:

The objective of the project was installation of new drilling platform (CWDP-1) situated

approximately 10km NW of the existing Champion Main complex CPCB-7; 2 nos of new

DN400 10km pipelines transporting HP multiphase fluids from the new platform to the existing

facilities on CPCB-07 platform with submarine cable for power supply from CWWJ-2 and riser

installations

C.E 2.2.2 the nature of my particular work area:

I was appointed as a NDT engineer and my responsibilities were;

Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or

procedures.

Interpret the results of all methods of non-destructive testing (NDT) such as acoustic emission,

electromagnetic, leak, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, neutron radiographic, radiographic,

thermal or infrared, ultrasonic, vibration analysis, and visual testing.

Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing (NDT) of products or

materials.

Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.

Identify defects in solid materials using ultrasonic testing techniques.

Prepare reports on non-destructive testing (NDT) results.

C.E 2.2.3 My contributions:

Duties carried out: I carried out together with my team mates Radiography on

Pipe walls metals of sizes 30 inches in diameter and of varied metal thickness.

Knowledge acquired: I learnt how to operate and work with the crawler machine (mobile gamma

and x-ray camera), Gamma ray isotopes and film processor machine. I learnt film development

by manual method.

C.E 2.3

Duties carried out: I carried out Radiography on metal pipe welds ranging from ½ inches to 30

inches in diameter and of varied thickness.

Knowledge acquired: I learnt how to use gamma ray cameras on pipes of smaller diameter.

Proficiency in manual development of films. Analyzing the quality of weld by the American

Petroleum Institute (API) standard. Segregating on cracks, porosities, gas pores, undercuts,

concavities, and other Discontinuities (faults) found in welds. Using the Slide Rule to calculate

exposure time of the Radiograph enhanced my proficiency.

C.E 2.3.1

Contribution: As an NDT Level II Technician in Radiography, I was the head of the Team. I had

to collect the job program from ESSO on daily bases. I was responsible for the quality of the

Radiography and wrote reports as to the work effected on a daily bases. I had to protect

indigenes from the hazards of radiation. I was a member of the board of directors of the entire

Hydrac Team

C.E 2.3.2

.Controlled welds in silos in SONARA using other NDT methods like Magnetic particle

inspection (MPI) method, Ultrasonic method, liquid penetrant method, and the visual inspection

method. Measurement of Metal wall thickness in Chantier Naval and Euro Oil not forgetting

other NDT control activities

C.E 2.3.2

During the time I worked at IRICO I was given a good exposure about oil and gas. This

induction training program which was coordinated and guided by highly experienced persons

surely helped me in executing work in efficient manner. Even though there could be various

reasons attributed to its success, the most important feature is the framework put into it by the

management and its workers.