Eddy current sensing is governed by the diffusion equation of magnetoquasistatic fields. As such the eddy current sensor's proximity to the object to be inspected (i.e., “liftoff”) significantly affects the sensor's response signal. Methods and apparatus are disclosed for improving performance for an eddy current sensor, though they may also be used for other sensor types. These solutions are beneficial for both single channel eddy current sensors and arrays, and are particularly beneficial for measuring parts with complex surfaces. In some aspects improved performance is achieved by varying the stiffness of the mechanical support for the sensor. Some mechanical supports may exhibit anisotropic stiffness. After performing a scan with an eddy current array, a multi-channel shape filtering module is applied to improve defect detection. The module reduces the variability of defect response measured due to the unpredictability of the defect location transverse to the scan direction.

A method of inspecting a material includes examining a surface of a test material with an eddy current sensor and applying an X-ray fluorescence analysis to the surface of the test material at the same location at which the eddy current examination was performed.

The present invention provides an eddy current flaw detection device capable of applying a sufficiently strong magnetic field to a test object without using a significantly large magnet. A magnetic-field forming magnet 60 includes a base magnet piece 60a and a tip magnet piece 60b. The tip magnet piece 60b has a tip pole face 62 from which a magnetic pole is directed toward a test object 30. The tip pole face 62 has a smaller area than a base face 64 of the base magnet piece 60a, the base face 64 being located on the opposite side of the magnetic-field forming magnet 60 from the tip pole face 62.

A method and system for inspecting a steel wheel or steel rim of an off the road vehicle is provided. A method and system for predictive modeling of health and remaining useful life of a steel wheel or steel rim of the off the road vehicle is also provided. The off the road vehicles include vehicles at remote locations such as mine sites.

A non-destructive inspection apparatus includes a robotic device, an end effector coupled to the robotic device, and a controller coupled to the robotic device and the end effector. The controller is configured to determine, based on an amount of linear actuator extension of a sensor of the end effector and an amount of rotation of the sensor about a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation, a displacement of the sensor relative to a center point of the end effector surface so as to determine location information of the sensor, wherein sensor data for a location on a surface of a test article is sensed and correlated with the determined location information of the sensor. The robotic device controls movement of the end effector and is configured to determine, during the movement of the end effector, positional information for the center point of the end effector surface.

An exemplary method of indicating a condition of grout within a post-tensioned tendon involves positioning a magnet and a metallic sensing plate in close proximity to an outer surface of the post-tensioned tendon; rotating the magnet and the metallic sensing plate around the outer surface of the post-tensioned tendon; measuring an amount of magnetic forces applied to the magnet during rotation of the magnet around the post-tensioned tendon; measuring an impedance between the metallic sensing plate and metallic strands within the post-tensioned tendon during rotation of the metallic sensing plate around the post-tensioned tendon; and generating an image of a cross-section of the post-tensioned tendon indicating one or more grout conditions in spatial proximity to the metallic strands within the post-tensioned tendon based on measurement data using the magnet and the metallic sensing plate.

The invention relates to a method for producing and testing a high-strength tube product of steel, having the following steps: a) providing a steel tube, b) forming the steel tube to afford the tube product, with the steel tube being formed at least in one of its end regions, c) testing the inner wall and the outer wall in at least one formed end region of the tube product for defects by means of a test probe, which is matched to at least one formed end region and comprises at least one eddy current sensor for testing the inner wall and at least one eddy current sensor for testing the outer wall of the at least one formed end region of the tube product, with multiple sensors being provided on at least one arm and/or multiple sensors being provided on an inner part.

An in-line inspection (ILI) tool 20 for use inspecting pipelines includes a plurality of collapsible guide centralizers 100 configured and sized to correspond to the inside diameter of the pipeline being inspected. The guide centralizes 100 include wheels 102 roll along the inside wall of the pipeline being inspected to maintain the guide centralizers “centered” within the pipeline. A collapsible exciter unit centralizer 200 is positioned between collapsible guide centralizers 100 to “center” the exciter unit centralizer relative to the interior of the pipeline. The exciter unit centralizer 200 generates signals in the form of an alternating magnetic field that travel along the wall of the pipeline which in turn generates eddy current signals. The eddy current signals undergo a change if a discontinuity in the pipeline is encountered by the inspection tool 20, which signal change or deviation is detected by a collapsible detector unit centralizer 300 positioned between the collapsible guide centralizers 100.

Systems and methods for improved visualization of non-destructive testing (NDT) measurements are provided. A probe can be employed to acquire NDT measurements of a target. Images of the target can also be captured during testing. The captured images can be analyzed to identify selected objects therein (e.g., the target, the probe, etc.) Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) including the NDT measurements can be further generated for viewing in combination with the target. In one aspect, the GUI can be viewed as a hologram within a display of an augmented reality device when viewing the target. In another aspect, the GUI can be projected upon the target. The GUI can be configured to overlay the NDT measurements at the location where the NDT measurements are acquired. This display of the NDT measurements can help an inspector more easily relate the NDT measurements to the target and improve reporting of the NDT measurements.

An exemplary method of indicating a condition of grout within a post-tensioned tendon involves positioning a magnet and a metallic sensing plate in close proximity to an outer surface of the post-tensioned tendon; rotating the magnet and the metallic sensing plate around the outer surface of the post-tensioned tendon; measuring an amount of magnetic forces applied to the magnet during rotation of the magnet around the post-tensioned tendon; measuring an impedance between the metallic sensing plate and metallic strands within the post-tensioned tendon during rotation of the metallic sensing plate around the post-tensioned tendon; and generating an image of a cross-section of the post-tensioned tendon indicating one or more grout conditions in spatial proximity to the metallic strands within the post-tensioned tendon based on measurement data using the magnet and the metallic sensing plate.