In addition to the Web site, the complete results can also be obtained by contacting the company via e-mail at info@pqndt.com or calling (800) 736-3841.

Magnetic Analysis Corp. Celebrates 75th Anniversary
Magnetic Analysis Corp., (MAC) Mount Vernon, N.Y., a maker of nondestructive testing equipment for metal products, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The company got its start in Long Island City, N.Y., on May 2, 1928, and has evolved into a global provider of eddy current, ultrasonic, and flux leakage instruments and systems.

William S. Gould, Jr., and his father, William S. Gould, founded the company to develop several patents they had purchased for using electromagnetic techniques to test steel bars for defects.

"From the beginning, our goal has been to help our customers find the right solution to their nondestructive testing problems. Where specifications require the highest level of state-of-the-art systems, we provide them. Where a basic test system is the best choice, we work with the customer to ensure the test accomplishes their goals," said William Gould III, MAC president.

Steam Generator Replacement Completed in Near-Record Time with No Rejectable Indications
Constellation Energy Group, Baltimore, Md., recently completed its Unit 2 steam generator and refueling outage at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant in 66 days, 32 days ahead of schedule, placing the plant near a world record for steam generator replacement. The 66-day outage was completed in 58 fewer days than a similar outage completed at Calvert Cliffs' Unit 1 in 2002.

In addition, welding was completed with zero rejectable indications shown in radiography testing on the steam generator girth and reactor coolant system "hot" and "cold" legs. No rejectable indications meant no weld repairs were required in these locations, which cut the duration of the outage. The most significant weld was the girth weld, which covers 52 ft in circumference per steam generator. Calvert Cliffs uses two steam generators in each unit. Each girth weld required 2200 lb of weld material and was completed in 8.25 days.

During the outage, the reactor vessel head, including all nozzles, was also inspected. A bare metal visual inspection and ultrasonic testing showed the head to be in good condition, with no indication of cracking or boric acid damage. In addition to the normal refueling activities, the two main step-up transformers were replaced, the fuel thimbles modified, and routine maintenance work was conducted on the unit's secondary systems, including the turbine and intake structure.

National X-Ray to Distribute X-Tek Products
X-Tek, Great Yarmouth, U.K., a manufacturer of X-ray imaging equipment for industrial nondestructive examination applications, recently appointed National X-Ray Corp. as its exclusive distributor in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. National X-Ray will also sell microfocus X-ray sources from X-Tek Systems.

National X-Ray, Lawrenceville, Ga., will sell the entire line of X-Tek Industrial products, including real-time (fluoroscope) and fine-grain film replacement X-ray systems, which include cabinet systems and tube, pipe, and pipeline weld inspection systems.

Applications for Ultrasonic Technology Continue to Emerge
Currently, the ultrasonic market stands at $3.6 billion, but it is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 8.5% to reach $5.35 billion by 2008, according to RGB-123R The Ultrasonic Business and Markets in the U.S., a recently released report from Business Communications Co., Inc.

The ultrasonics industry is comprised four major segments: ultrasonic transducers, high-power industrial ultrasonics, low-power industrial ultrasonics, and medical ultrasonics. Market trends contained in the report include the following:

• Nondestructive examination instruments and air sensing and control applications are currently driving growth in the low-power ultrasonics area. With continued focus on automation, maintenance, and productivity in the manufacturing economy, both of these applications are projected to show substantial growth.
• Ultrasonic assembly devices (welding and joining applications) experienced close to double-digit growth in the past five years. While some companies expected this level of growth to continue, the projected growth rate for this segment is 7.7% through 2008. For most high-power ultrasonics sectors, market demand is going in the direction of equipment with sophisticated controls. The market for accessories, parts, and consumables is growing at a rate faster than the rate of the overall market.

For more information, contact Business Communications Co., Inc., 25 Van Zant St., Norwalk, CT 06855; (203) 853-4266 ext. 309; e-mail: publisher@bccresearch.com.

Baker Hughes Acquires Pipeline Inspection Group
Baker Hughes Inc., Houston, Tex., recently acquired Cornerstone Pipeline Inspection Group, which will operate as part of the Baker Hughes Pipeline Management Group (PMG), a unit of Baker Petrolite.

Cornerstone provides in-line inspection services to assess the integrity of pipelines. Its "smart pig" products include high-resolution magnetic flux leakage instruments, and its systems can traverse pipelines with severe bends and restrictions.

Baker Hughes PMG offers a range of products and services to help pipeline operators increase delivery, ensure system integrity, and improve reliability of upstream, transmission, and distribution lines. It offers pipeline flow boosters, internal corrosion direct assessment services, in-line and tethered inspection services, and turnkey pipeline cleaning services.

STP Team Continues Vessel Examination and Identifies Repair Procedure
Officials at the South Texas Project (STP), Wadsworth, Tex., recently outlined preliminary results of a detailed inspection conducted on Unit 1 of its nuclear power plant after trace elements of boric acid were discovered on the bottom of the reactor vessel during a scheduled refueling and maintenance outage in April. The reactor is housed inside a reinforced concrete and steel-lined containment building.

Ultrasonic testing revealed small axial cracks in the two instrumentation tubes inside the reactor vessel that had exhibited seepage earlier. So far no axial cracks have been found on the other instrumentation tubes.

An inspection team comprised of metallurgical and engineering specialists from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has been on site since May 13 monitoring the investigation and evaluating the corrective action plan being developed.

Framatome ANP, which has extensive experience in nuclear industry inspection and repair techniques, conducted ultrasonic tests using three different types of probes to detect potential cracks on each of the tubes. Enhanced visual inspections were performed with video cameras inside the reactor to study the welds on each tube. Additional inspection techniques will be used to further examine the two affected tubes.

Framatome will also perform the repairs. South Texas Project officials have selected a procedure that involves replacing a portion of each affected instrumentation tube with an upgraded alloy material. Prior to making the actual repair, Framatome will test the repair procedure on a full-scale mockup of the reactor bottom at its headquarters in Virginia. Another full-scale mockup at the STP plant will be used to further refine the repair procedures and the repair method will be reviewed with the NRC prior to restarting the unit.

US Inspection Services Names Sales Manager
US Inspection Services, Dayton, Ohio, has appointed Michele Barber as district sales manager for its Detroit district. In this position Barber is responsible for sales, marketing, and customer service for the company's Detroit and Toledo offices, with primary emphasis on inspection services for the auto industry.

US Inspection provides comprehensive nondestructive examination services, metallurgical analysis, chemical analysis, and mechanical testing services to the automotive, aerospace, power generation, petrochemical, and metalworking industries.