Qadeeb, an engineering specialist in the Inspection Technology Unit of the Inspection Department, welcomed and thanked the organizers, participants and speakers. “The technical program committee has put together an outstanding program covering NDT applications and inspection issues of great significance to the region,” Al-Qadeeb said. “This includes simulation, training and qualification programs, pipelines inspection management, risk-based inspection and fitness for service analysis, composite pipe inspection, long-range guided-wave inspection and more.” The conference included 75 scientific papers and 12 technical workshops. Several Saudi Aramco professionals presented papers. Among the workshops were “Nondestructive Testing for Engineers,” taught by Al-Qadeeb; “Fundamentals of Radioactive Source Retrieval,” by Tom Scales; and “Use of Automated Ultrasonics on Capital Projects,” by Raymond J. Carswell. The accompanying exhibition featured 700 exhibitors from local, regional and international oil companies, suppliers and manufacturers. Conference Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Saleh explained the exhibits to visiting VIPs and guests. Mohammed Abu gave brief explanations of the advanced NDT equipment and tools the Inspection Department uses to examine Saudi Aramco operating facilities. Saudi Aramco was the main sponsor out of 22 sponsors.
