What is NDE?

Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) employs sensor and imaging technology to assess the condition of components, plant and engineering structures – both during manufacture and while in-service. It involves a wide range of technologies from relatively simple visual techniques to advanced imaging with ultrasonic, electromagnetic and radiographic methods. This key technology area underpins the safe and sustainable future of a broad cross-section of UK industry including power generation, oil & gas, aerospace, defence and high-value manufacturing. There have been significant advances in NDE technology in recent years – including major contributions from RCNDE – however radical new approaches to NDE are needed to provide greater integrity and safety performance required to meet the future ambitions of the industry. These capabilities will range from the inspection and validation of complex new materials used in manufacture, e.g. aerospace and power applications, through to inspection in hazardous and remote locations such as for deepwater oil exploration.