The inspection of fabricated parts, components, and weldments using nondestructive methods is not a new concept. Industrial applications of nondestructive examination (NDE) have been in use for many decades. From the early days of NDE development (WWII era) through the early 1990s, much of the technology remained largely unchanged. In the early to mid 1990s technological advances began appearing in NDE equipment, and new techniques were being rapidly developed. Today, technology continues to re-shape and improve existing NDE methods while introducing new methods at record speed.
AEA Technology has a history of “spring-boarding” new NDE technology to the marketplace. During the technology boom of the 1990s AEA developed the Time-of-Flight-Diffraction (TOFD) ultrasonic technique, and was also very involved in the early stages of rotor bore ultrasonic development. Today, the AEA NDE group is looking into some next-generation technologies such as phased array ultrasonics and thermal line scanning thermography.
Phased array ultrasonics has been around for a while in the medical field. Its relatively recent introduction to the world of NDE was by way of the aerospace industry. Today, many utilities are looking seriously at phased arrays as a means of inspecting piping and vessels more thoroughly and faster than ever before. Only a very few US companies currently offer phased array ultrasonics, but it will likely be a “required” technology for companies selling advanced ultrasonic services in the years ahead.
Thermal line scanning thermography was developed by NASA in the mid to late 90s and is currently used on the space shuttle and various developmental aircraft. This particular technology is at the leading edge of what thermography can do as it accurately translates heat conductivity characteristics directly into wall thickness data. Currently, it is sole corrosion, wall loss and hydrogen damage; however, there are numerous other applications for this patented technology which have not yet been marketed.
AEA Technology is in ongoing talks with the patent owners which will result in AEA obtaining exclusive commercial rights to market this technology.
Both technologies offer promising futures. Phased array ultrasonic would be in line with our current business model of providing advanced ultrasonic technologies. In contrast, thermal line scanning thermography would break us from the ultrasonic mold and guide us into offering advanced (and highly specialized) NDE applications of various methods, not just ultrasonics. AEA Technology has a reputation for being at the leading edge of what’s new in NDE. These are just two examples of upcoming technologies that may help us keep that reputation.
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About AEA Technology
AEA Technology Engineering Services Inc. (ESI) has delivered leading edge technology solutions for over 30 years to a variety of customers including the US federal government, public utilities, international governments and a variety of commercial clients. AEA Technology Battery Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of AEA Technology plc (LSE: AAT), one of the United Kingdom's leading-edge technology firms.
Contact: Dr. Laurie Judd, Vice President, Federal Programs, AEA Technology ESI
Phone: 571.434.0639
Email: news@aeatech.com Fax: 571.434.0763
Address: AEA Technology ESI, 14 Pidgeon Hill Drive, Suite 160, Sterling, VA 20165 USA
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