Pipe Metallurgical Company (TMK) has held the first meeting of its newly established Expert Council of Non-Destructive Testing at the Seversky Pipe Plant (STZ), a branch of the company. The Council is expected to play a central role in strengthening product quality standards and advancing non-destructive testing technologies across TMK’s production facilities.
The advisory body brings together heads and specialists from TMK’s non-destructive testing and product quality analysis divisions, representatives from STZ’s industrial automation unit, and experts from TMK Techservice, the company’s unified maintenance operator. The Expert Council is chaired by Vyacheslav Gagarinov, TMK’s Deputy General Director for Quality.
During the first day of the meeting, participants visited high-tech non-destructive testing facilities at STZ equipped with advanced domestically produced systems. These sites enable the effective detection of a wide range of defects in pipes and couplings, including products belonging to the highest strength groups. The facilities are operated by sixth-category flaw detection specialists, representing the highest qualification level within the company.
The second day focused on knowledge exchange and the development of proposals in key operational areas. Experts presented reports addressing improvements in product quality, enhancements in non-destructive testing technologies, the application of artificial intelligence in quality control, and measures to improve repair quality and equipment calibration. Proposed initiatives included the development of a unified “10 rules of the flaw detector” and the creation of a digital defect database. Particular attention was given to best practices implemented by TMK Techservice in equipment maintenance.
“The creation of the Expert Council was the next step in the implementation of TMK's strategy to ensure high quality standards. It includes specialists from all departments who directly influence this indicator and can develop common solutions to bring it to a new level. The results of the Council's work will allow us to finalize a strategy for the development of non-destructive testing, which will take into account the specifics of all the company's production facilities and new customer requirements. The document will pay great attention to working with staff and professional competencies of specialists,” said Vyacheslav Gagarinov.
TMK’s enterprises have established a modern quality control infrastructure and actively apply advanced inspection methods, including digital solutions. The formation of the Non-Destructive Testing Expert Council is intended to promote unified approaches, facilitate the exchange of best practices, and accelerate the adoption of modern inspection technologies across the group.
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