Andre Smith, EnerMech’s newly appointed Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Technician, discusses the importance of NDT testing to ensure the long-term future of an asset
When it comes to tubing operations, NDT is a critical decision-making tool. But in my experience, not every inspection is performed to the same standard, even when clear procedures and standards are in place. That inconsistency is one that presents risk.
I am pleased to have joined EnerMech to uphold and elevate the quality of our inspection practices. In doing so, I’m committed to making sure the data we generate is accurate, reliable, and actionable. That level of quality doesn’t just happen by default. It must be intentional and must be protected.
Quality is the foundation of operations
Inspections are only as good as the insight they provide. If the inspection isn’t thorough, if the wrong technique is used, or if limitations aren’t communicated, the results can be misleading, and the consequences of that can be significant.
Every inspection I carry out is approached with the same standard: high-quality work that prioritizes the long-term integrity of the asset. That might sound obvious, but this approach can meet resistance and the pressure to compromise can be real.
However, the very purpose of NDT can be undermined by compromise and a firm stance must be taken.
Technique selection is a strategic decision
Choosing the right inspection technique is a strategic decision that determines the value of the inspection. Not all techniques are created equal, and not all are right for every situation. Sometimes, clients request approaches that aren’t suitable for the defect type, material, or environment. Other times, internal resource limitations may restrict what’s readily possible.
This is where professional judgement, experience, and communication come in. It's our responsibility to advise clients on the most appropriate methods, even if that means delivering a difficult message. The right technique gives us the right data, and the right data leads to the right decisions.
When anomalies are detected, confirming findings with a secondary technique should be standard practice. This not only increases confidence in the results but also supports traceability and transparency.
Communication, the final step to inspection
Even the most accurate data can be misused if it’s not clearly explained. As inspectors and integrity professionals, we must bridge the gap between technical findings and operational decisions. That often involves translating complex results into actionable insights in a way that’s understood across different cultures, technical backgrounds, and expectations.
communication can be challenging, language barriers, time zones, and differing engineering philosophies can get in the way, but challenges we’re prepared to face head-on. Effective communication is part of delivering value, and it’s essential to any successful inspection outcome.
Not every inspection scenario is ideal. We face constraints, we face pressure, and we face complex assets with difficult histories. But none of these are reasons to lower the bar.
At EnerMech, we believe every challenge is an opportunity to demonstrate our value. Our team has the technical expertise, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to quality that clients need in today’s high-stakes operational environments.