NDT Product News

Eddy Current/Capacitive Sensors feature embedded coil technology.

Precision sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon has developed a unique technology for use with eddy current and capacitive displacement sensors. These new technologies and manufacturing methods enable a wide variety of custom sensors to be produced, which are not only capable of operating in higher temperatures, but which also benefit from low thermal expansion (thermal drift) and extremely compact conditioning electronics, making it ideal for the aerospace sector. Manufactured with integrated electronics in sensor head and featuring Embedded Coil Technology, ultra-compact design, and inorganic materials, eddyNCDT ECT sensors can be adapted to suit virtually any application. They withstand high vibration, impact shocks, operating temperatures up to 350°C, and have temperature errors of less than 20 ppm/°K. CapaNCDT ECT capacitive displacement sensors, with height as low as 4 mm, withstand operating temperatures from -269 to +200°C. Micro-Epsilon is a major global manufacturer of sensors, headquartered in Germany.  For more information on Micro-Epsilon's ECT eddyNCDT and capaNCDT ECT displacement sensors, please call the sales department on 0151 355 6070, email: info@micro-epsilon.co.uk or visit www.micro-epsilon.co.uk

Cokebusters makes clean sweep with new inspection pig

A new inspection pig designed to test the inside of oil refinery furnace tubes after cleaning has been developed by Phoenix Inspection Systems for the pipeline cleaning company Cokebusters.    The development represents a significant upgrade to Cokebusters’ previous inspection technology, including dramatic advances in battery power, ultrasonic accuracy, storage capacity and overall reliability. It makes Cokebusters the only company in the world which can offer cleaning and accurate follow-up inspections as part of the same operation.   Cokebusters, which serves the North American market from its base in Houston, Texas, provides furnace tube and pipeline cleaning services for oil refineries around the world. Refinery process tubes require regular cleaning as carbon or coke deposits build up on the tube walls. Scraper pigs are the most effective way to remove this build-up. The pigs are forced through the network of furnace tubes by pressurised water, and the coke which is removed is filtered out and removed for safe disposal. Once decoking is complete, ultrasonic inspection can be used to check the tube wall thickness and success of the cleaning operation.   This latest development means that Cokebusters can carry out inspections as part of the whole operation by replacing the scraper pig with the inspection pig, a 16-channel flaw detector incorporating probes and instrumentation in one compact package. It can operate independently without an umbilical and log data which can then be uploaded once the inspection is complete. The pig is designed for small diameter tubing in the range of 4” to 8”. Phoenix Inspection Systems Ltd is a specialist in the design and manufacture of ultrasonic non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment. For further information see http://www.phoenixisl.co.uk or for further information contact Pauline Rawsterne at Turquoise PR on +44 (0)161 860 6063 or email pauline@turquoisepr.co.uk.

Blue Light LED Flashlight Safe for NDT Inspection

Westbury, New York — Spectronics Corporation has introduced the OPTIMAX™ 450  — a cordless, high-intensity blue light (450 nm) LED flashlight. It provides a safe, effective alternative to prolonged use of UV-A black light.  Blue light is perfect for quick pre-inspection or screening of fluorescent particles in operating conditions with ambient light. The OPTIMAX 450 produces a nominal steady-state 450 nm intensity of 7,000 µW/cm² at 15 inches (38 cm).  “Instant-on” operation allows the flashlight to reach full intensity immediately.  Its Electronic Intensity Stabilizer ensures consistent performance; the LED maintains high intensity between charges.  The patented, thin-film dichroic filter lens improves contrast and fluorescent response.  Powered by a rechargeable NiMH battery, it provides 90 minutes of continuous use between charges.  The LED lifetime is 50,000 hours. Weighing a mere 11.8 ounces (335 g), the OPTIMAX 450 is lightweight and easy to carry around from place to place.  It’s ergonomically designed to provide ultimate comfort and freedom of movement during inspections.  The black anodized aluminum body is resistant to corrosion and can withstand heavy use in the field. The flashlight comes with smart AC and DC charges, a belt holster and yellow contrasting spectacles, all conveniently packed in a rugged, padded carrying case.  The AC charger is available in 120V, 230V, 240V and 100V versions. For more information about the Spectroline® OPTIMAX 450, call toll-free 1-800-274-8888.  Outside the United States and Canada, call 516-333-4840.  Website at www.spectroline.com.