Rick Pfannenstiel has been involved in NDE and Inspection for more that 30.  Jim Ellis of Jimmy Ellis LLC is a close associate of Rick Pfannenstiel and works closely with PfiNDE. He has over 20 years experience in inspection and quality control. The résumés of Rick and Jim are provided in the “Additional Information” section. PfiNDE, LLC is primarily concerned with improving the NDE reliability of our clients.

Training Courses and Seminars

PfiNDE, LLC has developed our own training course to provide the qualifications to use and for the rights to use FAST UT.  The FAST UT Course Outline and Course Description can be found in "Additional Information" section.  This course is primarily "hands on" and utilizes 35 to 40 specimens from our inventory of samples. Other courses at PfiNDE, LLC rely on these specimens as well.  Some other courses which we have developed and/or taught include:

Field Qualification Testing

of Ultrasonic Examiner

• Fast UT- See "Additional Information" section

• Workshop for Pipeline Integrity Inspection-This workshop is primarily for engineering and maintenance personnel involved with pipeline integrity including the NDE which may follow-up inline inspections.  The Pipeline Integrity Inspection Seminar Description is found in the "Additional Information" section.

• Workshop for Advanced Ultrasonic Detection and Sizing Techniques- This workshop is for Level II or III UT inspection personnel wishing to upgrade their capabilities.  Tip diffraction, Bi-modal examinations, and creeping wave techniques are taught.

• Thin wall UT Inspection-Specialized UT for thin wall welding inspection.  UT in lieu of radiography for boiler tubes and other thin wall welding.

* Other courses are developed and taught as the need arises.

Third Party Review of NDE Data and Inspections

To ensure that NDE is being performed and documented adequately, it is recommended to have PfiNDE do some reviews. We can review anything from data from a specific examination to the entire NDE effort.

Specialized Techniques

"Code" techniques are not appropriate for every situation.  Most codes recognize this and provide for alternative techniques when those techniques are appropriately qualified and documented.  PfiNDE can work with or for our clients to design and qualify the techniques.  We can provide for all of the following steps in the process:

• Research and propose technique

• Laboratory trials

• Preparation of procedures

• Design of specialized equipment

• Design of qualification specimens

• Procedure qualification

• Inspector training and qualification

• Production implementation

• Follow-up to ensure reliability

Procedure and Personnel Qualification

The need for specialty procedures and personnel qualified to those procedures has resulted in the formation of PfiNDE, LLC. It is our belief that personnel and procedures must be proven to be effective by qualification testing.

ASME XI Appendix 8 has moved much of the industry towards “third party” qualification. Results from PDI show the need for a level of qualification beyond the employer Level II or Level III program. In order to have reliable NDE, procedures must be proven to work for the specific application. Personnel must be appropriately trained and qualified for the specific tasks.

Typical Qualification Specimen for Pipe Long Seam Inspection

PfiNDE develops techniques and provide training to the personnel. We develop and administer qualification examinations for both the techniques and the technicians. This is normally done with “blind testing“, on actual parts, with well-documented flaws.   This is the best way to ensure reliable NDE. Reliable NDE is cost effective. Unreliable NDE can be expensive in more ways than one.

Specialized Equipment

PfiNDE can assist in the procurement of specialized inspection equipment.  Have PfiNDE review your needs and assist to decide on the best approach to fulfill those needs.  PfiNDE can assist in the design and procurement of this equipment.

Effectiveness of NDE Vendors

Before procuring NDE services, it is a good investment to have PfiNDE, LLC evaluate the effectiveness of the vendor’s ability to meet your needs. 

• Can the vendor supply the right kinds of services and the right level of expertise for your needs?

• Will the appropriate technicians be doing your project?

• Will they be qualified in the way that will ensure that they can provide the reliability that you need?

• Should there be third party “over-checks”? 

• Should an expert review the data from critical examinations?

Procedures Written or Reviewed

PfiNDE, LLC personnel have a wide range of experience with many different industries and test methods. We can prepare and/or review NDE procedures.

We review procedures to ensure that our client’s code or design requirements are met and also to see if the procedure is the most appropriate for the intended purpose.

• Project Management
• Inspection Techniques
• Procedures for examination
• Personnel qualification via practical examinations
• Equipment
• Inspection Personnel
• QC personnel for repair and replacement activities
• Data base management