Microwave inspection technology, traditionally used for examining plastic and composite materials, has undergone significant advancements in recent years. Developments in electronics, antennas, data analysis, and visual rendering software have enhanced its effectiveness, leading to increased global adoption. To keep up with these rapid technological evolutions, new codes and standards are being developed for widespread application. The latest methods have already started to be implemented in the field, featuring advanced data acquisition and analysis systems. These innovations enable the inspection of complex structures in both field and laboratory settings, making it feasible to conduct examinations that were previously impractical.
TECHNOLOGY & BENEFITS:
Our multi-frequency microwave inspection system is a product of innovation from Advanced Microwave Imaging. The core of this system lies in its use of Vector Network Analyzers (VNA), paired with custom-designed antennae, optimized for superior defect detection and accurate sizing. These antennae are engineered with broadband capabilities, enabling an extended frequency range that significantly boosts the likelihood of identifying defects. The combination of bespoke antenna and the VNA system is tailored to align seamlessly with the specific geometry, material properties, and inspection conditions, ensuring a highly efficient and precise inspection process.
APPLICATIONS:
By integrating multi-frequency microwave inspections into our already vast portfolio of inspection services, AIS is able to provide our clients with more comprehensive, reliable, and innovative inspection solutions.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Multi-Layer Composites
Composite Overlays & Wraps
Carbon Fiber
Ceramics
Steel Pipe Surface
Fiberglass
Additive Manufactured Parts
Kevlar
An advanced non-destructive testing method, Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) is utilized to identify flaws and imperfections that are challenging to detect with conventional NDT techniques. PAUT employs an array of small ultrasonic probes, each individually pulsed with precise timing, to create beams that can be steered, focused, or multiplexed, enabling electronic movement and high-resolution imaging. This technology is versatile, as it can be used manually, linked to an encoder for position recording, or attached to semi-automated or motorized scanners for optimal efficiency.
PAUT is particularly effective for inspecting large areas on a wide range of materials, including welds and complex geometries, and is known for its rapid, high-resolution scanning capabilities. The method offers numerous advantages, such as enhanced safety by reducing the need for radiographic testing, increased accuracy and probability of detection, and the ability to capture and store data for future reference. Its flexibility allows for effective inspections even in limited-access situations.
PAUT's cost and quality benefits are notable, especially in replacing Radiographic Testing (RT), eliminating the need for radioactive sources and exclusion zones. This results in enhanced weld quality, increased productivity, and greater sensitivity to critical flaws. Combining PAUT with Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) and automated systems can significantly increase inspection efficiency, ideal for large-scale projects like tanks and vessels.
Fatigue Cracks
Material Inclusions
Adhesive Joint Failures
Disbanding of Composite Materials
Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) is a non-destructive examination technique that embraces the physics of electromagnetic conductivity in test pieces and the non-electromagnetic conductive insulators that surround them to determine wall thickness in the test piece. This technology allows for investigation of thickness underneath coatings, insulation, concrete, fireproofing, and other non-conductive layers without the invasiveness or safety concerns of traditional NDE techniques.
Pulsed Eddy Current technology is widely employed across various sectors, including petrochemical, power production, and construction, for assessing wall thinning due to flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC), detecting corrosion under insulation, evaluating erosion corrosion, conducting safety tests, and fulfilling insurance requirements. This method offers a rapid, safe, and reliable alternative to more traditional inspection techniques, which often involve costly and time-consuming processes like removing insulation or coatings and preparing surfaces. PEC technology is not only safer than Radiography (RT), but also quicker than Ultrasonic Testing (UT).
TYPICAL COMPONENTS INSPECTED:
APPLICATIONS:
CalSil Insulation
Rock Wool Insulation
Aluminum Cladding
Stainless Steel Cladding
Ice
Concrete
Electrostatic Coating
Heating or Cooling Fins
Applied Inspection Systems
1418 Airlane Dr. Benton, AR 72015
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