25th November 2024
We have had the pleasure of exchanging with Thomas Livoye, from Normandy Digital Training, about his activity and the use of TraiNDE RT, the training simulator, for radiography training courses.
Could you please introduce Normandy Digital Training?
Normandy Digital Training is a training center in the field of non-destructive testing.
We offer training courses for the main NDE techniques (visual testing, penetrant testing, magnetic testing, ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, and Eddy Currents) in preparation for COFREND certifications according to ISO 9712 or ASNT certifications according to SNT TC 1A.
We provide these services in our Honfleur premises, in Normandy, France, but also intervene on third party sites both in France and abroad.
Why did you decide to acquire the TraiNDE RT training simulator?
Within the frame of our radiography training courses, in particular for long term curriculums for professional retraining (operational preparation for employment, validation of prior experience…), we used to spend a lot of time in the radiological exposure room (pillbox, blockhouse).
Some of the time spent in these facilities allowed the trainees to acquire the skills enabling them to determine the exposure parameters and to verify the results obtained depending on their choices.
Moreover, during offsite training courses, the practical part is performed in our clients’ facilities. Their activities did not allow us to hog the facilities for the entire duration of the practical modules.
It is within this context that we decided to integrate the use of TraiNDE RT for a portion of the practical modules.
How do you use TraiNDE RT?
Within our radiography training courses, we have integrated the use of TraiNDE RT after the theoretical module and before the practical module on real installations.
The trainee begins by determining the exposure parameters for the sample. Then they transition to TraiNDE RT within the virtual reality environment to prepare their virtual samples, perform the exposure, then the interpretation. The visualization is displayed live on a projector for supervision by the trainer.
Each trainee spends 10 to 15 minutes for each simulation on TraiNDE RT and uses 7 to 10 samples simulations, depending on the level and cursus of training.
This part on TraiNDE RT amounts to 16h for a level 1 training, which lasts a total of 80h; to 24h for a level 2 training, which lasts for a total of 160h; and to 35h for long term professional retraining.
We perform 3 to 4 sessions each year.
What is the feedback of your trainees on the use of TraiNDE RT?
Trainees on a long cursus for professional retraining find it beneficial to be able to practice the different exposure techniques on TraiNDE RT before using real radiation sources in the blockhouse. It allows them to work without the apprehension of ionizing radiation and to repeat, if necessary, every step of the preparation until they are properly internalized.
For trainees coming from industrial companies that work in the non-destructive testing field (who typically already use ionizing radiation sources as they have gone through a compagnonnage period during their CAMARI probatory period), the main advantage perceived from using TraiNDE RT is the possibility to multiply the number of possible cases for the determination of exposure parameters and to quickly get the result (without having to wait to go to the blockhouse).
What is your review after having used TraiNDE RT for several training sessions?
The review is pretty positive. TraiNDE RT allows us to optimize time spent using the blockhouses, both by reducing their use at the beginning of practical training, and by enabling trainees to be more efficient when they transition to real application. Moreover, TraiNDE RT allows for a reduction of our consumption of X-ray films and development products, which aligns with our environmental policy.
TraiNDE RT also enables us to introduce the different techniques within the environment of the training room (without the constraints of radioprotection), and to discuss the vigilance points to perform exposures correctly with the trainees.
Do you have any specific wishes for the evolution of TraiNDE RT?
I would wish for the possibility to simulate different exposures of the same technique and the same specimen (for instance, realizing two 90° view or three 120° views for angular technique, double wall, or elliptical projection, realizing the different exposures enabling for a 100% control with external contact source technique).
I would like an option to position the specimen on the probe (it is currently placed at the center of the probe).
It would be nice to have some snapping to help position the IQIs and lead letters on the test piece. (These can currently be positioned within the volume of the specimen and placing them correctly is difficult.)
The possibility to perform double-film techniques: selection of that technique, input of double-film exposure time (divided by 2 compared to single-film).
And to have more virtual samples with different discontinuities.