2023,

Was a vibrant year,

and an exceptionally busy year!


Looking back at 2023,

there are events we witnessed together,

scenes that left a lasting impression,

and countless individuals who empowered us.


This was the year,

we strived, struggled, and sweated,

and were also fruitfully rewarded!


This was the year,

we remained grateful.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the supervisory authorities for their guidance and support!

We thank our member units for their steadfast assistance!

We are grateful to the industry experts for their close collaboration!

We commend all employees for their quiet dedication!


2023, grateful for the encounters!

2024, we meet again!


Here,

let us review the year 2023 together,

wave goodbye, and bid farewell to it!


01

Hosting of The 19th Nondestructive Testing Industry Annual Conference & High-Quality Development Forum

On February 23-24, The 19th Special Equipment Nondestructive Testing Industry Annual Conference & 2023 High-Quality Development Forum (NDT Annual Conference) was held in Beihai, Guangxi. Over 500 representatives from 354 NDT institutions across the country participated, discussing topics including laboratory accreditation in the NDT industry, market demands and requirements from central state-owned enterprises, the legality and compliance of electronic reporting, and the development trends of new NDT technologies. Concurrently, the Survey Report on Special Equipment Nondestructive Testing Industry (2022) was released, and The Second International Exhibition of Special Equipment Inspection and Testing Instruments and Equipment was held, featuring 66 booths, reaching a all-time high. Online activities such as Online Viewing, Technical Reports, New Product Launches, and CASEI Selection were also conducted, displaying over 200 new products, accumulating over 15,000 views online and offline. The new product launch segment of the expo also garnered attention from media outlets like CCTV-4.

 

02

Hosting of The Special Equipment and Atmospheric Container Inspection Skill Competition & Capability Verification Activity

On March 16, under the theme of Striving to be Craftsmen of the New Era, Promoting High-Quality Development, The 2023 National Special Equipment and Atmospheric Container Inspection Skill Competition & Capability Verification Activity was held simultaneously in Maoming, Guangdong, and Fuzhou, Fujian. A total of 276 teams with over 600 participants competed, making it the largest event of its kind to date. The activity replicated real inspection scenarios as much as possible; the production of pressure pipeline test pieces alone took over six months and required more than 1,000 person-days. The event employed methods such as theoretical knowledge examination, document review, report quality evaluation, and on-site practical operations to comprehensively evaluate the inspectors' knowledge, skills, and work quality. It thereby served as a platform for peers to exchange techniques and enhance their capabilities, which received widespread acclaim.

 

03

Full Implementation of Computer-Based Testing for Theoretical Examinations of Personnel Certified by the General Administration

In April, the Association implemented computer-based testing for the regular four advanced nondestructive testing (NDT) categories and for personnel requiring Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) Level II certificate renewal. This milestone marked the full computerization of theoretical examinations for all NDT personnel. That same month, the Association also introduced a considerate SMS notification service to remind candidates to print their admission tickets, significantly reducing the likelihood of absence due to failure to print tickets on time. This achievement realized the goal of fully computerizing the theoretical examinations for all special equipment inspection and testing personnel certified by the General Administration. Throughout the year, a total of 45 rounds of various examinations were conducted, assessing 22,310 candidates.

 

04

Conducting Pressure Pipeline Inspection, Testing and Safety Technology Exchange Conferences

In April and October, the Association's Pressure Pipeline Inspection Working Committee held The 5th Academic Exchange Conference on Safety Operation Inspection and Evaluation of Pressure Pipelines and Storage/Transportation Equipment & Facilities in Chengdu, and the 16th Key Technologies Seminar for Pressure Pipeline and Storage Equipment Safety Assurance in Hefei, respectively. The events attracted a cumulative total of over 400 participants. Attendees explored solutions and shared advanced experience regarding issues in the safe operation of pressure pipelines, examining them from multiple dimensions including government regulation, corporate management, and safety assurance technologies. These exchanges played a positive role in promoting the advancement of pressure pipeline inspection, testing, and evaluation technologies.

 

05

Hosting of The First Safety Valve Verification and Metallographic Inspection Skills Competition in the Special Equipment Inspection Industry

From April 19-21, The First Safety Valve Verification and Metallographic Inspection Skills Competition in the special equipment inspection industry was successfully held in Nanjing. Over 300 participants from 97 teams nationwide competed. During the event, exchange activities such as a safety valve verification technology exchange meeting and an offline safety valve verification comparison were also held. The online live stream accumulated over 7,500 views, achieving good publicity results. In August, six individuals - Hu Zhenlong, Li Fushan, Liu Shuqian, Song Feifei, Peng Yunyan, and Wang Qi - who successfully participated in the 2022 National Special Equipment Inspection and Testing Industry Skills Competition, were awarded the title of National Technical Expert.

 

06

Hosting of The First Advanced Training Seminar for Heads of Special Equipment Inspection Institutions

On May 10, The First Advanced Training Seminar for Heads of Special Equipment Inspection Institutions was held in Urumqi, attended by over 100 institution leaders. Experts delivered lectures and provided guidance on topics of key concern, including institutional accreditation, legal responsibilities, risk prevention and control, public opinion response, technological innovation, and achievement transformation. Participants also engaged in discussions and exchanges on hot-button issues in the special equipment inspection industry. This event successfully established a professional platform for dialogue and exchange among the heads of special equipment inspection institutions.

 

07

Hosting of The First Special Equipment Nondestructive Testing New Technology Forum

On May 25-26, The First Special Equipment Nondestructive Testing New Technology Forum was successfully held in Fuzhou, attracting over 500 representatives. Under the theme High-Quality Development, Testing in the New Era, the forum facilitated in-depth discussions on the opportunities and challenges in transitioning from traditional to modern nondestructive testing. Participants explored the NDT demands, technical difficulties, and pressing issues faced by China's special equipment industry, while exchanging advanced experience and seeking practical solutions. The forum pioneered free live streaming for the first time, accumulating over 10,000 online viewers. The event generated significant resonance within the industry and served as a positive catalyst for advancing NDT technological progress in the special equipment sector.

 

08

Convening of The Special Equipment Inspection and Testing Reform Roundtable Meeting

On June 27, pursuant to the unified arrangement of The Special Equipment Safety Supervision Bureau of the General Administration, the Special Equipment Inspection and Testing Reform Roundtable Meeting was convened in Beijing. The meeting facilitated exchanges and discussions focusing on hot topics including the reform of special equipment inspection and testing, innovations in inspection supply models, and inspection and testing methods, thereby promoting the sharing of experience in industry reform. The meeting was attended by relevant officials from the Special Equipment Safety Supervision Bureau and representatives from 57 special equipment inspection institutions, totaling over 120 participants.

 

09 

Resumption of International Exchanges: Delegation Attends The 13th European Conference on Nondestructive Testing

From July 3 to 7, a delegation comprising representatives from 15 member units was organized to attend The 13th European Conference on Nondestructive Testing in Portugal. During the conference, the delegation actively engaged with international peers from the testing industry and instrument manufacturers, investigating advanced international testing methods and equipment, and learning about the latest research progress in testing technologies. Furthermore, the delegation held in-depth exchanges with industry associations from countries including Russia, Canada, and Germany, establishing communication channels and forming preliminary cooperation intentions.

 

10 

Convening of The First Hazardous Chemicals Atmospheric Container Inspection and Testing Technology Exchange Conference

From July 6 to 7, the Seminar on Online Intelligent Inspection Technology for Atmospheric Storage Tanks was successfully held in Hefei. Experts conducted thorough discussions on emerging inspection technologies, including in-service corrosion detection for tanks, application of intelligent inspection robots for in-service tanks, online monitoring and detection of typical defects, and online intelligent inspection of tank breather valves. These discussions laid a solid foundation for further developing tank farm health grading management systems. On December 14-15, The 2023 Annual Conference of the Hazardous Chemicals Atmospheric Container Inspection Working Committee & the First Hazardous Chemicals Atmospheric Container Inspection and Testing Technology Exchange Conference was held in Yixing, renowned as the Pottery Capital. The event brought together over 350 representatives and experts from across the nation to jointly explore advancements and innovations in inspection, testing, and safety assurance technologies for hazardous chemicals atmospheric containers.

 

11 

Hosting of The First Elevator Inspection, Testing and Safety Management Technology Exchange Conference

On July 13-14, The First Elevator Inspection, Testing and Safety Management Technology Exchange Conference was successfully held in Hohhot. Participating experts exchanged insights on topics including intelligent elevator maintenance, elevator IoT technology, smart elevator supervision, assessment of aging elevators, safety technology for adding elevators to existing residential buildings, elevator safety liability insurance, and elevator inspection and testing case studies, comprehensively showcasing the latest research achievements in China's elevator inspection, testing and safety management sector. Special sessions were also dedicated to two key industry topics: on-demand maintenance and elevator testing. The successful convening of this conference holds significant importance for advancing technological progress and fostering industry self-discipline within China's elevator inspection and testing industry.

 

12 

Hosting of The Elevator Safety Management and Intelligent Operation Technology Seminar in Macau

On August 12, the Association assisted the Macau Society of Electromechanical Engineers in hosting the Seminar on Elevator Equipment Safety Management and Intelligent Operation. To strengthen elevator safety supervision, Macau has promulgated the Legal Regime for the Safety of Elevator Equipment, which will take effect on April 1, 2024. The implementation of this decree will present new challenges for elevator maintenance and inspection in Macau. Therefore, upon invitation, the Association co-organized this event, mobilizing industry experts to introduce and exchange insights on the elevator safety regulatory framework and the progress of smart elevator supervision from the Chinese mainland, thereby promoting the development and advancement of Macau's elevator industry.

 

13 

First Public Welfare Activity: γ-ray Radiography Radiation Accident Prevention and Emergency Drill

On June 26, the first training session on prevention and emergency drill for γ-ray radiography radiation accidents, organized by the Radiation Protection Group of the NDT Working Committee and co-hosted by the Association and the Xi'an Ecological Environment Bureau, was held in Xi'an. Over 100 representatives from user units observed the drill activities. The drill demonstrated the emergency response procedures undertaken by an enterprise in the abnormal situation of a γ-ray radiography source pigtail disconnection, covering six stages: emergency initiation, emergency activation, site control and pre-response preparation, emergency response, emergency termination, and personnel health follow-up and equipment recovery. It simulated a real-site environment, featured professional operations, and was a complete process, demonstrating strong practicality.

 

14 

Responding to Industry Needs: Continuously Organizing NDT Industry Exchange and Inspection Public Welfare Activities  

In August and November, over 100 representatives from 69 nondestructive testing institutions were organized in two batches for study tours to organizations including the China Special Equipment Inspection and Research Institute, Ningbo Special Equipment Inspection and Research Institute, State Nuclear Power Plant Service Company, Dongfang Boiler, and Deyang Erzhong (EHEC). They conducted in-depth exchanges and inspections with these units on NDT technology, management experience, and market development, with participation reaching a record high in both institutional and individual numbers. Industry exchange and inspection is a public welfare activity initiated by the Association since 2016. Through these high-quality, high-level study and research visits, it guides member enterprises to learn from advanced practices, supports their transformation and development, injects new vitality into the industry, and has received widespread praise from members.

 

15 

Multi-pronged Measures to Continuously Investigate and Address the Issue of Personnel "Certificate Holding" (Improper Certification)

On September 1, pursuant to the commission from the Special Equipment Safety Supervision Bureau of the General Administration, the Association commenced research and drafting of the Supervisory and Administrative Measures for Special Equipment Inspection and Testing Institutions and Inspection and Testing Personnel, aiming to further strengthen the standardized management of the special equipment inspection industry. Concurrently, regarding the long-standing issue of fraudulent "certificate holding" (improper certification), the Association collaborated with relevant departments to resolutely carry out crackdown efforts.

Pilot initiatives utilized data from the Association's Practice Registry platform and social security big data to identify individuals frequently changing their practicing units and those with duplicate social security payments across multiple locations. This has essentially enabled the precise technical targeting of fraudulent practitioners and institutions, laying a solid foundation for the next phase of rectification work.

Furthermore, by implementing individual SMS verification and regularly publishing the list of NDT institutions failing to meet accreditation and rating rules online, institutions are urged to conduct timely rectification. Continuous screening is also being conducted for gas cylinder inspection institutions, pressure pipeline inspection institutions, and elevator testing institutions to verify their ongoing compliance with accreditation conditions. Institutions that fail to consistently meet these requirements are reported to the relevant certifying authorities for investigation and handling.

 

16

Hosting of the First Nondestructive Testing Practical Training Camp

From September 18 to 22, the first specialized training session for NDT personnel—the NDT Practical Training Camp—was strategically held in Shunyi, Beijing, focusing on practical operation and evaluation capabilities. The event attracted over 30 participants from 19 relevant institutions across the country. This training camp primarily targeted personnel holding UT-II or UT-III certificates, with an emphasis on intensive training in practical skills for conventional Ultrasonic Testing (UT). The training specimens consisted mainly of various types of test pieces accumulated from recent industry skills competitions and comparative trials. A number of experts with solid theoretical knowledge and extensive practical experience were invited as instructors. The program aimed to improve defect detection rates and address practical engineering challenges, providing precise guidance and solutions for participants.

 

17 

Resumption of Public Welfare Cultural and Sports Activities: Hosting of The 5th Xio Elevator Cup Special Equipment Inspection Institutions Weiqi (Go) Competition

From November 4 to 8, The 5th Xio Elevator Cup Special Equipment Inspection Institutions Weiqi (Go) Competition was successfully held in Hangzhou, jointly organized with the Chinese Weiqi Association. The event set a new participation record with 29 teams and 116 contestants - the largest scale in its history. During the competition, Chinese Weiqi Association Chairman Chang Hao, a World Champion and 9th-dan professional, personally attended the event to cheer on the participants. The games were simultaneously live-streamed on platforms including "Yike Weiqi", receiving widespread acclaim both within and beyond the industry.

 

18 

Hosting of The First High-Quality Development Exchange Conference for Special Equipment Inspection Institutions

On December 7, The First High-Quality Development Exchange Conference for Special Equipment Inspection Institutions (Inspection Institutions Annual Meeting) was held in Guangzhou. The conference attracted over 140 representatives from more than 80 institutions nationwide, along with 40 instrument and equipment manufacturers. Focusing on the theme of High-Quality Development, the conference featured analysis and discussions on key topics including the development direction of special equipment inspection, legal risks and responsibilities and corresponding strategies, informatization and intelligent development, technological innovation and achievement transformation in special equipment inspection, as well as the maintenance and continuous improvement of inspection capabilities. The discussions aimed to collectively promote technological, managerial, and service innovation within special equipment inspection institutions, advance scientific and technological progress in the industry, enhance technical inspection levels, and propel the high-quality development of the special equipment inspection sector.

 

19 

Vigorously Expanding the Promotion and Application Training for New Non-Administrative Licensed Inspection and Testing  Technologies

In response to industry technological development needs, over twenty different non-administrative licensed training courses on new inspection and testing technologies were conducted. This included the inaugural launch of nine specialized training categories covering emerging inspection and evaluation technologies such as in-service elevator safety assessment, fitness-for-service assessment of pressure equipment, special equipment accident investigation and failure analysis, risk-based inspection for petrochemical plants, in-service inspection of industrial pipelines, guided wave testing, pulsed eddy current testing, and CIVA nondestructive testing simulation software. Cumulatively, these programs trained over 3,000 participants, receiving extensive acclaim throughout the industry.

 

20 

Solid Advancement of Group Standard Work, Achieving Significant Strides

In 2023, the Association initiated 23 new group standard projects and sought public comments on 31 draft standards, setting record highs in both categories. The Association's group standard initiative, which commenced in 2015 and has consistently adhered to public welfare principles, now comprises 136 active standards across various fields. A new Safety Accessories Standardization Working Group was established this year. Twelve group standards were approved and issued, covering examination institution management and inspection technologies for pipelines, elevators, field vehicles, gas cylinders, and industrial boilers. To standardize the administration of practical examinations, the Association initiated the development of group standards for the practical examination procedures of inspectors and NDT personnel. Currently, public consultation has been conducted for 7 practical examination procedures for inspectors and 4 for NDT personnel. The implementation of these 11 group standards will provide a standardized basis for provincial examination institutions to conduct practical examinations, promote nationwide uniformity in practical testing, and enhance the overall quality of examination work.