Multi-Frequency Eddy Current System

The MFEC instrument is a multi-frequency eddy current testing system that enhances the inspection quality and provides numerous analysis and data presentation capabilities, for example: A-scan, B-scan and C-scan presentations.  

The system sports the following features:

• Remotely controlled, long distance data transfer
• Compact, rugged, trouble-free design; low power consumption
• On- and off-line signal processing with digital signal processors (DSP)
• Compatible with virtually all ET sensors
• Complete, PC-controlled recording of setup and inspection parameters
• Detailed monitoring, acquisition and documentation of all inspection data and results

• Fast nondestructive detection and characterization of flaws, material properties and geometric conditions
• Modular, expandable- system concept, using additional frequency and/or sensor channels
• Adaptation of specific techniques, such as remote field sensors, active sensors, virtual rotating sensors
• High signal dynamic, better then 85 dB, and long-term stability of the electronics
• Selectable interference suppression
• Integration of other (custom) NDE variables

Applications

• Static and/or dynamic nondestructive detection and characterization of surface and sub-surface flaws to a depth of 10 mm (3/8 inch)
• Characterization of material properties, such as surface hardness, case hardening depth, tensile strength, yield strength, carbonization and de-carbonization, permeability, conductivity
• Surface profiling
• Clad thickness testing
• Tubing inspections
• Coating thickness testing of conductive and nonconductive coatings on conductive materials and conductive coatings on nonconductive materials
• Thickness testing of sheet metal, regardless of material property and sensor-to-surface variations

• Frequency and sensor channels are selected in parallel or time domain multiplexing mode
• Selectable sensor channels for single or multi-frequency mode:
  • Frequency range from 10 Hz to 10 MHz
  • Gain range 10 - 110 dB
  • Phase angles from 0^o - 360^o
  • Filtering: high pass 0.5 Hz to 2.5 kHz, low pass 2.5 Hz to 10 kHz
  • Dynamic range >85 dB
  • Power rating < 5 W
  • Interface to external PC via fast serial port

Software

• Noise suppression and characterization of the EC signals
• Regression analysis with non-linear functions to extract target size information from the collected data based on systematic and random (stochastic stimulation) reflectors
• Acquisition, analysis and presentation of EC signals
• Teach-In calibration
• Feedback data base