WORCESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - The Worcester NDT inspection operations of JFIMS have moved less than a mile to larger premises to accommodate an increased workload. The new facilities include a VJIS digital X-ray system as well as five conventional X-ray bays and a spacious viewing suite. As well as being better suited to the core job of carrying out inspections and delivering the results to customers, the facility also has additional space and an improved layout for inbound and outbound inspection items smoothing the receipt and return logistics. The facility remains close to the motorway network and customers in the Midlands Aerospace Cluster.

The Worcester NDT inspection operations focus on UKAS and NADCAP-accredited inspections, primarily of aerospace components. As part of the manufacturing process, these castings and welded assemblies will require an X-ray inspection to check for manufacturing defects such as cracks or voids which could impact on their in-service performance. The X-ray images are examined under carefully controlled conditions and defects identified and reported. The majority of JFIMS customers require the use of film for X-ray inspection work as part of their quality assurance process. However, a number recognise that there are significant down-stream benefits from digital X-ray technology and that digital image quality comparable to conventional film radiography can be achieved. The JFIMS will offer digital radiography and film radiography side by side and continue to use film for as long as customers require it.

UKAS and NADCAP accredited inspections are also carried out at the JFIMS Sittingbourne and Queensferry sites. JFIMS has a Site Services team for inspection of welds, tanks, vessels, columns, towers, heat exchangers, condensers, pipelines, and a wide variety of miscellaneous equipment and plant.

The new facility at Worcester also supports the radiation protection activities of JFIMS with a workshop, spares storage and office space. The scope of activities includes the supply, installation and maintenance of a broad range of radiation protection instrumentation including monitors for radiation and contamination in the environment as well as on personnel, tools, vehicles, bags, packages, drums and crates as well as active and passive dosimetry systems. Instrumentation is supplied for detection, identification and measurement to customers including the nuclear industry and the nuclear power stations as well as fire brigades, hospitals, the armed forces, various civil defence agencies and other NDT companies. The workshop will be used by the maintenance and support team for repairs of radiation protection instrumentation and is a convenient location for strategic spares holding.