Inside the Fort Pitt Block House, radiographic crew members Jake Fetchin, assistant radiographer (left), and Phil Martin, radiographer, perform a radiation survey of the equipment to ensure the radioactive material is returned to its safe and shielded position. and needed to know their structural condition to determine the scope of restoration work. TÜV Rheinland conducted the radiographic inspection of the original wood in the Block House and learned the gun loops did not have any significant wood deterioration and did not require complicated internal structural repairs. Rather, wood deterioration worked its way from the exterior surfaces inward, requiring only relatively simple repairs applied to the surface. “Working to help preserve an important national landmark was very rewarding,” said Chris Dugan, the company’s radiation safety director. “It’s good to know modern technology and expert knowledge can save the 18th Century timbers for the future generations.” In other news, the company has increased its mobile radiography capabilities, bringing its fleet of inspection trucks to 12. The versatile mobile trucks can go out to remote locations and offer on-site inspections of welding material and castings, including piping systems, tanks, pressure vessels, and steel bridge components. The new units run off inverters and converters and AC power, without the need for generators, helping the company transition to a more eco-friendly fleet. They are completely insulated and leakproof, and highly chemical and weather resistant. A new system dries the film in less than 20 min, speeding up handling and reporting. 12 Inspection Trends / July 2013 Radiographer Phil Martin sets up the imaging plates for the next exposure during the radiographic inspection of the gun loops at the Fort Pitt Block House.
Inspection Trends | Summer 2013
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