Author: Ing. Euclides Quinones, March 22, 2023.
Importance of Non-Destructive Testing
Non-destructive inspections and evaluations are essential to guarantee the reliability and safety of assets in the vast majority of industries. Non-Destructive Testing allows companies to identify and prevent potential failures or problems before they occur, which helps increase asset reliability, avoid downtime, reduce costs and risk of accidents.
In recent years, these tests have had a high development due to the application of artificial intelligence (AI), data management, science and technology through sensors, hardware, robotics and software, which have made them more versatile. , accurate, reliable, safe and productive for companies in general.
Equipment and most relevant applications in Non-Destructive Testing
The leading companies in the research and application of new technologies for non-destructive testing are constantly developing new equipment and applications that are increasingly versatile, improving precision, efficiency, safety and reliability in the evaluation of industrial facilities. Some of the most relevant sectors with progress are:
1. Data analysis software
Having very advanced and precise measuring equipment must be complemented with a good system that organizes, stores, processes and analyzes the data generated by this equipment. For this case, having an automated data management system provides a series of advantages for companies in a variety of sectors. Instead of relying on manual processes, automated data management systems can quickly and accurately collect, analyze, and visualize data.
One of the main advantages is that automated data management systems can perform tasks in a fraction of the time it would take if they were done manually, in addition, by automating processes, the risk of human errors is reduced and the accuracy of data is improved. data.
Another important advantage is the ability to visualize data more effectively, sending data in real time over the Internet often includes software for data analysis and images.
2. Non-destructive testing techniques and advancement of measurement equipment
Companies dedicated to the innovation and development of Non-Destructive Testing equipment have highly trained engineers and scientists, who in many cases work closely with clients to develop customized solutions, adapting their equipment to specific needs.
In this case, one of the leading companies in the world is Eddyfi Technologies, which has developed a lot of innovative equipment such as advanced phased array UT, eddy current array, and other ultrasonic and electromagnetic equipment, including: instruments, sensors, software, and robotic solutions for key industries such as aerospace, energy, mining, power generation and transportation and platform use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for non-destructive inspection,
2.1 Ultrasound
In ultrasound, the equipment advances are so versatile that it allows a single equipment to evaluate with the non-destructive testing techniques of PAUT, UT, TOFD and TFM in 32:128, 64:64 or 64:128 channel configurations. This was previously done using one kit for each technique. These are high resolution and speed with easier handling that reduces inspector training time.
2.2 Pulsed Eddy Current and Pulsed Eddy Current Matrix
Impulsed eddy current inspection is an advanced method for corrosion under insulation integrity (CUI) management, which is based on the penetration of the magnetic field through the insulation to reach the wall of the material, which must be inspected induced by eddy currents.
For this purpose, advanced equipment is used to scan through thick insulation, as well as aluminum, stainless steel and galvanized steel jackets. It also benefits from a range of Pulsed Eddy Current Array (PECA) probes and application specific probes, giving the ability to enable various applications. A good selection to perform these analyzes is the Lyft equipment from Eddyfi Technologies with a range of Pulsed Eddy Current Array (PECA) probes, single element PEC and application specific probes, giving the possibility for various applications.
2.3 Guided wave
Guided ultrasound waves are an advanced and constantly evolving technique that uses waves that travel on the surface of materials, allowing the detection of defects in structures and components over long lengths, mainly in buried or isolated lines.
With technological advances, in addition to Lamb Waves, it has been possible to use torsional waves and transducers with increasingly smaller collars have also been developed, which allows the placement of a greater number of these, increasing the resolution of the test.
With the current most advanced equipment such as the Sonyks, new benchmarks are established, in terms of data quality, versatility, ease of use and deployment, ultra-fast electronics with on-site data analysis, detects smaller defects, achieving a greater range of coverage in pipelines: high attenuation or buried, flanged pipes or common above ground pipes.
It represents a valuable tool for evaluating pipes from 1.5 to 4 inches in diameter, and pipes from 6 to 72 inches in diameter, allowing the use of existing ring transducers.
2.4 Corrosion Mapping by Phase Arrangement.
Ultrasonic automated corrosion mapping has become an integral part of nondestructive inspection to optimize productivity in corrosion detection, establishing traditional mapping at relatively low resolution with data points every 3.0 to 5, 0mm.
With the new equipment, wider corrosion mapping coverage is carried out, being able to increase productivity, without sacrificing the probability of detection, thanks to a resolution of 1.0 mm, mapping an area of 1,000 mm x 600 mm in just 1 min and 30 sec. Inspecting 10 times faster at a higher resolution compared to Conventional Ultrasound. Includes microbiological corrosion and erosion corrosion detection capabilities, among others, with detailed and quantifiable defect characterization.
2.5 Robotic Remote Visual Inspection (RVI)
Robots have proven to be highly efficient support tools to carry out remote visual inspections in places that are difficult to access and dangerous for inspectors. They are equipped with cameras and different types of sensors that make it possible to remotely evaluate the conditions of assets and facilities, detect defects, surface corrosion and make measurements, among others.
With the robots, storage tanks, pipes, pressure vessels, nuclear facilities, sewage collectors can be remotely inspected, they can even prepare or clean the surfaces to be inspected.
Conclusion
Innovation in non-destructive testing has allowed a constant improvement in the early detection and analysis of failures in materials and structures, which has contributed to greater safety and efficiency in different industries. Advanced technologies, automation, and artificial intelligence have enabled greater accuracy and efficiency in fault identification and analysis. As a result, ENDs continue to be a fundamental tool in the evaluation of the integrity of materials and structures, ensuring the quality and reliability of the products and services offered in different
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