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Advanced NDT Products and Systems
TWI's first PCN accedited Phased Array Course
The addition of PCN certification following the global success of CSWIP certified courses has been well received and attracted candidates from the UK, mainland Europe and Australia. Customers feedback from recent courses highlighted the benefits of being offered a choice of equipment, with one of the choices being the AGR Field Operations TD Focus- Scan. As well as good quality inspection equipment and training, an equally important resource is accurate training and exam samples. TWI manufactures these internally, thus ensuring good quality control. TWI Training and Examination Services is staffed by team players, many of whom are working behind the scenes ensuring that both lecturers and candidates are supported before and throughout the course. This multi-equipment Manual and Encoded Phased Array Inspection of Welds course is available at TWI Abington (nr Cambridge), Middlesborough, Aberdeen and Port Talbot. TWI also offer equipment specific courses tailored to the customers requirements. |
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AGR Re-inforces Business in the UAE
AGR Sales & Marketing Manager Jackie Berry and Applications Advisor Mark Nel, visited Dubai in February. AGR and local distributor Turgen, hosted a one-day seminar on Phased Arrays and ToFD and their application in the field for delegates from across the region. Delegates were given an insight into the latest TD advanced ultrasonic software and it's many improvements. Particular interest were enhancements that significantly improve the scanning and data collection speed of the TD Handy-Scan, making it equal to or even better than other systems on the market. Equally well received, was the new feature that allows TD systems to import Phased Array "Scan Plans" from Eclipse Scientifics ESBeamTool software. Jackie Berry commented, "most important was the positive interest shown by all and indeed several existing and potential customers have expressed their intention to forge stronger commercial ties with AGR and Turgen". AGR also spent two days with Phoenix ISL who were also visiting the region to promote their range of scanners through open workshops hosted by Paul Ryan and Andrew Brewis at the Gammatec facility in Al Barsha. Mark Nel delivered a master class on setting up the new Phoenix Magscan automated scanner using the AGR TD Focus-Scan with it's built in motor drive control unit and demonstrated the advantages of the new improvements to the TD software. Further collaboration was also agreed in principle with TWI Middle East to offer short product familiarisation courses on AGR equipment in the future. These courses will augment TWI's existing ToFD and Phased Array courses and add value for existing AGR customers. |
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AGR Field Operations and Eclipse Scientific collaboration on ESBeamTool®
AGR Field Operations and Eclipse Scientific Inc. have announced the completion of a collaboration that links the ESBeamTool3.3 ultrasonic scan modelling software to the TD Advanced Ultrasonic Software. The collaboration was born out of an increasing demand for PC based aids for ultrasonic procedure planning and production of inspection plans as part of the procedural documentation. Eclipse Scientifics ESBeamTool software is an application that offers the user the ability to generate probe, wedge, test piece and beam data in an interactive graphical format. The software is like CAD (Computer Aided Design) for ultrasonic inspection and allows users to easily design and simulate an inspection and generate comprehensive documentation about their inspection plan. Phased array setup data generated by ESBeamTool may be exported to an exchange file that may in turn be imported into the TD software. The imported data will automatically configure setup parameters minimising additional tasks to calibration and sensitivity adjustment. The method used allows users the flexibility to create setups and inspection plans on site or to transmit remotely configured inspection plans by email or other methods to site personnel for implementation. As of January 2010 all AGR’s TD Focus-Scan and TD Handy-Scan systems are shipped with ESBeamTool3.3 pre-installed and older systems may be upgraded by AGR to include this functionality. The integration brings together two of the most powerful and widely known computerised ultrasonic applications. It provides a comprehensive planning and data acquisition capability in a convenient package. |
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AGR Field Operations equipment is used by TWI Ltd
For almost two years, TWI has offered CSWIP certification, fully compliant with EN 473 and ISO 9712, in Phased Array and ToFD with great success in the UK and through its network of overseas subsidiaries. TWI has announced that it has been granted PCN approval for these two advanced methods so PCN certification will be added to its Advanced Ultrasonic 2010 programme. TWI provides great flexibility to its customers by not only offering PCN and CSWIP certification schemes at Levels 1, 2 and 3 (weld specific), in both methods but also by giving its customers the choice of equipment used. Courses have already taken place with AGR Field Operations, TD Focus Scan for Phased Array, and AGR TD Pocket Scan for ToFD. TWI is happy to have mixed equipment classes thus allowing individuals to qualify with maximum competence and confidence to apply their newly learnt skills using equipment specific to their needs. For further information, please contact Customer Services on +44 (0)1223 899500 or visit www.twitraining.com or AGR Field Operations on +44 (0)1606 590123 or visit www.agr.com |
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ISO quality system recognition status 2008
It is with great pride, consistent working practices and dedication in moving AGR Technology Design forward, we can confirm that we have retained our ISO quality system recognition and indeed have now moved to the new 2008 system. Mark Clark , General Manager comments, "This is great news for our business as it shows our commitment to the outside world that we operate under a quality conscious environment and that quality is built into all of our operations and likewise our products. It shows as a management team, we are committed to running a quality conscious organisation and also that we are committed as a business unit to maintain and increase the reputation of AGR as a whole". |
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Training at Saudi Aramco
AGR Field Operations were given an opportunity in May to deliver training to Saudi Aramco’s NDT personnel at the Aramco facility in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Following the purchase of AGR’s TD Handy-Scan to enhance Aramco’s existing stock of TD Pocket-Scans, Mark Nel of AGR offered the hands-on training course to ensure that the Aramco technicians were adequately prepared for using the equipment in the field in what are sometimes very harsh conditions. Several of the technicians are already experienced in the use of TD equipment for Pulse Echo corrosion mapping and ToFD. It was therefore a logical and relatively easy step to mastering the additional phased array controls offered by the TD Handy-Scan. The course covered a basic overview of Phased Array and ToFD for those attendees that were unfamiliar with these technologies and progressed to practical tutorials on essential procedures within the software and ultimately weld testing. The course aimed at providing a solid understanding of Phased array & ToFD technology and application as applied using the TD equipment in preparation for formal theoretical training and certification. |
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New Training Room
AGR Field Operations (Manchester) are pleased to announce, we are able to run both TOFD and Phased Array theoretical training, using a number of established and recognised training organisations, throughout the world.These Courses can offer, if required certification to PCN ,CSWIP and EN473, ISO9712. We can also offer to new and existing clients, Product Familiarisation courses. This course takes the client step by step through the software and hardware. This will enable the client along with the theoretical training we can offer (separately) to utilize our equipment out in the field to its full potential. Jackie Berry – Sales Manager, reports “This is now the final piece in the jigsaw of being able to offer the “One Stop Shop” to our existing and new clients. Being in response to demand, I’m sure that it will be warmly welcomed by everyone” |
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AGR Travel across USA
During the month of September, Mark Clark-General Manager and Jackie Berry-Sales & Marketing Manager of AGR Field Operations, Manchester, visited new and existing customers across the USA.The main purpose of the visit was to ensure that our customers were happy with the increased level of service now being offered and were made aware of any new changes within AGR Field Operations, Manchester, from both a production and personnel point of view. The visit was also warmly welcomed by our distributors in the USA, as confirmation that they had total support from the system manufacturer.Jackie Berry says, “It was an overwhelming success. All our existing customers gave us great feedback, which we will take back to AGR. We could not achieve this without the dedication and hard work of all our staff back in the UK. Due to the success and value of this visit, we will be looking into doing other regions of the world in the near future.” |
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AGR Field Operations awarded the ISO9001:2000 Certification
This sends out a very positive statement not only to our existing and prospective customers but also to our own dedicated staff in showing our commitment towards quality an the importance we place on meeting our customers demands and needs.
In gaining such an award shows that our staff are competent and that a continuous quality control programme is in place that will allow our customers to trust and gain confidence in every aspect of our business operations.
We understand that this is only the first small step and the only way to achieve such consistancy of quality and service is for a continued support and belief in the system and the benefits for all. |
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TWI Purchase TD Pocket-Scans for TOFD Training
One of the world’s leading training organisations, TWI, has recently purchased a number of TD Pocket-Scan systems to be used for the forthcoming Time-of-Flight-Diffraction training programmes. The TD Pocket-Scan is one of the world’s smallest advanced ultrasonic imaging and analysis systems available in the marketplace. The miniature and highly portable system provides an outstanding capability for Time-of-Flight-Diffraction (TOFD), Single/Multichannel Corrosion Mapping, Pulse Echo (PE) and Girth/Seam weld examination techniques. Recognising the increasing use of portable units for on-site testing and the need for personnel using the equipment to be trained and qualified to a recognized standard, TWI believes that the advanced capabilities of the TD Pocket-Scan will meet the high standards of training it delivers to the many thousands of candidates it trains around the world each year.TWI’s 9-day TOFD course is aimed at individuals with ultrasonic testing experience who are looking to expand their knowledge into advanced ultrasonic applications and gain a CSWIP recognized qualification in Time-of-Flight-Diffraction.
The package will include:
· TOFD theory and principles of diffraction
· TOFD data acquisition and interpretation
· TOFD techniques and applications
· EN 473/ISO 9712 internationally recognised certification.
AGR Field Operations Sales & Marketing Manager Jackie Berry comments: ‘The relationship between TWI and AGR Field Operations is very important to us and can only add to our continued success. The collaboration with TWI will enhance our presence with world-class training facilities thus increasing our profile with end-users and technicians alike.For further information about the TD Pocket-Scan or our range of advanced ultrasonic phased array equipment please visit www.agr.com or email utsales@agr.com Please visit www.twitraining.com for course dates/information or alternatively contact TWI Customer Services on 01233 899500 |
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New Appointments at AGR Field Operations
AGR Field Operations - Manchester welcomes two new members to its team. Jon Kendrick(pictured left) who has over 27 years experience in manufacturing and purchasing previously for a large PCB manufacturing plant joins us as Production Manager and Jon Cunningham (pictured right )who trained in electronics with knowledge and experience in such a background joins us as an Electronics Technician.Commenting on the new recruits, General Manager Mark Clark said “Its great to be able to bring these guys on board at such an exciting time in our companies development. I am proud of what our team achieved in 2007 in working towards turning our good company into a great one and I am sure that the "two Jons" will contribute no end to our continued success in 2008. |
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