Ultrasonic Inspection System checks aircraft engine forgings.
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Press Release Summary:
Compliant with GEAE specifications, LogiQ9i can drive up to 1,024 element probe and can accommodate 4 phased array probes, with only 1 active at any time. System uses 10 MHz linear probe with 768 pairs of elements, which can be scanned and focused electronically. Data is displayed in B-scan format on instrument, and is stored on imaging package computer hard drive in files of up to 100 Mb for on-site analysis or transfer over network for remote analysis.
Original Press Release:
GE-Approved Phased Array System Cuts Forging Inspection Times By at Least Half
Huerth, Germany, April 2005 - The new LogiQ9i, phased array, ultrasonic inspection system from GE Inspection Technologies fully complies with GEAE specifications for the inspection of aircraft engine forgings and can cut inspection times by at least half. Incorporating patented GE medical technology, it will free up valuable resources, such as immersion tanks and skilled operators, and is the most versatile and productive engine forgings inspection system currently available.
Phased array technology is increasingly being applied as an ultrasonic inspection technique, as one or two phased array probes can provide a level of volumetric inspection which previously required a multiplexed multiple probe arrangement. The LogiQ9i can drive up to 1024 element probe and can accommodate four phased array probes but only one is active at any time. The launch application uses a 10MHz linear probe having 768 pairs of elements, which can be scanned and focused electronically to provide very high resolution and sensitivity. As a result, the new system can inspect to greater depths than competitive phased array systems, which currently have no more than 256 paired. This is especially important when inspecting at depths greater than 2in (5.08cm), and even down to 5.5in (14cm), in metallic alloys including Titanium, Nickel, Aluminum and Steel. The follow-on application is a 3 to 5 MHz inspection of composites, where the increased channel count and high electronic sweep speed allow for efficient inspection of large area composites, without high-speed motion.
Quality of signal is another significant advantage of the LogiQ9i over competitive products, as extremely good signal to noise ratio and near surface resolution are major operating features. These result from our co-operation with GE Healthcare in this area, as does the speed of scanning.
Medical technology is also the source of the system's advanced signal processing capabilities, providing higher resolution at reduced file sizes. Data is displayed in easy-to-interpret B-scan format on the instrument, while an associated imaging package allows A-, B-. and C-scan display. All data is saved in DICONDE format, another development from the medical sector, which is fast gaining acceptance in industry as the preferred data transport technology.
Data is stored on the imaging package computer hard drive in files of up to 100MB, either for on-site analysis or for transfer over existing networks for remote analysis. It can also be burned to DVD for archive purposes.
Already qualified per GEAE's technical specification for Engine disk forging multi-zone inspection P3TF42, GEAE's approval the LogiQ9i, which can be easily accommodated by existing immersion tanks and is readily transportable, will also provide significant benefits in the inspection of other OEM aero engine components, worldwide, and in the inspection of gas turbines in the power generation sector.
About GE Inspection Technologies
GE Inspection Technologies is a global leader in technology-driven inspection solutions that deliver customer productivity, quality and safety. The company designs, manufactures and services radiographic, ultrasonic and eddy current NDT equipment to test materials without deforming or damaging them. Its products are used in a wide range of industries, including Aerospace, Power Generation, Oil & Gas and Automotive. The company has 11 application centers around the globe and offers a range of services including repair, calibration, training and upgrades. GE Inspection Technologies has 1,000 employees at more than 25 facilities in 25 countries worldwide. To learn more about GE Inspection Technologies visit www.GEInspectionTechnologies.com.
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