Upon Further Inspection
Upon Further Inspection, the mechanical integrity podcast, uses engaging interviews to celebrate the people, stories, and real-world industrial reliability experiences.
Every episode explores topics that matter most to professionals in oil & gas, refining, petrochemical, and other process industries. Through in-depth conversations with industry experts, we discuss themes like continuous improvement, safety, technology advancements, compliance, risk-based inspection, and professional growth.
Upon Further Inspection
From Boilermaker to Expert (featuring Mark Bell)
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In this episode we welcome Mark Bell, a semi-retired fixed equipment consultant to the podcast. The animated discussion between Greg, Branden, and Mark provide a practical, experience-based look at how great inspectors are developed and how inspection quality is improved over time. Mark’s key takeaway is that effective mechanical integrity depends less on “having certifications” or flashy NDE outputs and more on disciplined learning, sound decision-making, qualified people, and repeatable data—especially for something as basic as UT thickness readings. He explains how mentorship, clear procedures, verification/testing of technician capability, and consistent practices (including global standardization and technical networks) can dramatically raise both the quality and usefulness of inspection data, helping plants move away from “hope is not a plan” toward reliable, trendable integrity decisions.
01:36 From Boilermaker to Inspector
05:16 Mentorship and Learning Culture
07:01 Decision Making as Inspector
08:37 Early NDE Tools and RT Focus
12:27 Picking Locations and Intervals
14:00 Three Wise Men Document
17:58 School and Career Motivation
21:13 API 510 Origins and First Test
23:21 Certifications Change the Role
24:34 Certs Versus Competence
25:45 Early Welding and NDE Exams
27:42 Spotting Fake Credentials
29:37 NDE Tech Evolution
32:07 PAUT Versus TOFD
35:20 Explaining Results to Management
36:30 Qualification and Performance Testing
38:45 Better Thickness Data
42:24 CML Trending Strategy
44:26 Using All the Data
46:18 Averaging to Reduce Error
49:57 Global Best Practices at Shell
54:26 Tech Networks and Productivity
Episode Acronyms & Abbreviations
API 510 – Pressure Vessel Inspection Code
API 570 – Piping Inspection Code & Inspector Certification
API 571 – Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment
API 653 – Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, & Reconstruction
CML – Corrosion Monitoring Locations
CWI – Certified welding inspector
EP – Engineering practice
EPRI – Electric Power Research Institute
IDMS – Inspection Data Management Systems
MFE – Multi-flow Evaluator
NDE – Non-Destructive Evaluation
PAUT – Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing
RT – Radiographic Testing
SFI – Slurry fracture injection
TML – Thickness Monitoring Locations
TOFD – Time of Flight Diffraction Technique
UT – Ultrasonic Testing
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Note: The views and opinions expressed by the guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or the Upon Further Inspection podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own qualified advisors for guidance.
