Stories

KBR's Nat Faransso was recently promoted by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) to their membership grade of distinction. During the August ASME meeting in Washington, DC, Nat was recognized as an ASME Fellow during a presentation by Wayne Hembree, Chairman of ASME Committee on Nondestructive Examination.

ASME awards their highest membership rank of Fellow to a select group of members who have been responsible for significant engineering achievements during their careers. Fellows are nominated by their peers and confirmed by a select group of ASME officers, including 5 past ASME presidents. Fewer than 3% of ASME members attain this recognition.

Nat Faransso receives certificate of his promotion to ASME Fellow from Wayne Hembree, Chairman of ASME Committee on Nondestructive Examination

During the past 30 years, Nat has represented KBR on an ASME committee, serving in a variety of leadership roles. Nat has been responsible for a number of industry developments in nondestructive examination (NDE), including the introduction of Advanced Ultrasonic Testing techniques for piping designed to ASME standards.

Nondestructive examination involves specialized techniques such as visual examination, radiographic examination, ultrasonic examination, magnetic particle examination, and liquid penetrant examination to verify that welded pipe and equipment are free of defects that could cause leaks or failure of the part to perform its intended function. NDE is an essential means of assuring sound welds in KBR designed and constructed facilities.

At KBR, Nat serves as our corporate NDE Level III which indicates that he has attained the highest levels of certifications recognized in the industry, and he is responsible for ensuring that KBR's NDE practices are code compliant. As a subject matter expert, Nat advises our projects on the proper procedures for nondestructive testing of pressure piping and equipment, and he works with KBR suppliers and subcontractors to ensure that they are using proper NDE procedures that meet ASME code requirements. Nat also trains KBR field NDE examiners who are responsible for the quality of piping welds at construction and maintenance projects.

Congratulations to Nat on ASME's recognition and his significant contributions to industry practices for NDE.