Inspection Technologies: Productivity Through Inspection Solutions
Inspection Technologies: Productivity Through Inspection Solutions
Inspection Technologies: Productivity Through Inspection Solutions
Inspection Technologies
Productivity through inspection solutions
GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies partners with you to meet your nondestructive testing needs. We
provide a full suite of nondestructive testing (NDT) solutions, including radiography, remote visual inspection,
ultrasound, eddy current, hardness testing and metrology. Combined with our Rhythm® software platform,
GE is your ultimate provider of productivity solutions, supplying accurate and reliable inspection data that can
be shared seamlessly with your colleagues and customers around the world.
Nondestructive testing and inspection technologies are advancing very rapidly due to the digital revolution,
software development and newer imaging capabilities. Often derived from the medical community, both 2D
and 3D imaging are extremely useful in helping to solve or trend complex issues in the areas of component life
extension, fitness for service, design optimization, quality control or root-cause failure analysis. High-resolution
imaging has become practical, cost-effective and can save critical time when properly applied to real-world
applications.
GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies is a world leader in providing advanced nondestructive imaging using
the electromagnetic, radiographic, ultrasonic or visible energy spectrum. We have enormous depth and
breadth of know-how which can be applied to your needs.
Read on to learn more about GE’s solutions in these industries and how we can help meet your most
challenging inspection needs.
www.geit.com
On our cover
1. Remote visual image of auger dryer system
2. Phased array weld image
1 2 3 4 3. 3D CT visualization of a section through a cast aluminum piston
4. Pulse eddy current image of aircraft fuselage
5. 3D CT sectional view of aluminum casting
6. 2D X-ray image of steering column
5 6 7 8 7. X-ray image of engine carburetor
8. Remote visual image of damage turbine blade
9. Phased array Top View image of flaws in a pipe
10. Remote visual image of wind turbine gearbox
9 10 11 12 11. Eddy current array image of stress corrosion cracking on pipe
12. NanoCT® image of CSP solder joints
1 Inspection Technologies
Advanced nondestructive imaging
GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies is dedicated to providing high-quality products and services for the oil & gas, power,
aerospace and transportation industries. Our inspection solutions, including advanced imaging capability and powerful
software tools, offer high-quality, data-rich images so customers can make faster and better informed decisions to protect
asset health, help ensure safety, quality and boost productivity.
Adding value
We offer a wide range of inspection solutions in every step of the value chain from
semi-finished products (rods, bars, billets) up to the final assembling of vehicles and
trains. We provide the transportation industry with world-class inspection solutions
that help build vehicles more efficiently, reducing scrap and process costs.
Inspection Technologies 1
Aerospace
Whether your business is aircraft engine part production, composite airframe manufacturing or full
aircraft maintenance, the GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies aerospace team will support your
process with nondestructive testing and inspection solutions that match worldwide OEM specifications
and help you reach your productivity goals.
Conductivity measurement on aluminum parts Foreign object detection and sealing check in
During aircraft operation, some aluminum parts wing fuel tank
can be heated to unacceptable levels, changing the Remote visual inspection with our unique
aluminum conductivity. Our handheld conductivity articulation system is used to check seals inside
meter measures the conductivity of aluminum parts. the tank. Inspections are also performed to
locate and remove foreign objects from inside
the plane wings.
2 Inspection Technologies
Menu directed inspection™ (MDI) and archiving X-ray digital images
MDI for engines improves reporting and data sharing. Our DICONDE compliant Rhythm
software enables manufacturers to easily share and archive radiography images with
remote experts, OEMs and supplier locations. Similarly, ultrasonic and eddy current
images from airframe inspection can be easily archived in one central location with
secure remote access from the field or the office. Rhythm software offers one platform
for all your nondestuctive data.
Electronic components
Microfocus X-ray technology for failure
Composite
analysis and quality assurance in
Parts
electronic components. Cost intensive
recalls in the aero industry are generally
caused by electronic failures. More and
more aerospace components include
Engine Parts Electrical Components electronics with corresponding inspection
tasks, such as solder joint defects and
quality, bond wire integrity, moldings.
Foundry
Rocket
Launch Pad
Inspection Technologies 3
Metals & Transportation
We provide the transportation industry with world class inspection solutions that boost productivity
and quality based on our ability to understand industry dynamics and apply advanced technologies.
Our solutions are used in every step from semi-finished products (rods, bars, billets) up to final
assembly. The product range includes dedicated manual or automatic in-line solutions based on all
major nondestructive testing and inspection methods.
Bar Manufacturing
Casting
Plant
House
R & D Center
4 Inspection Technologies
Menu directed inspection (MDI), storing and managing images
We offer MDI for rail and in-service inspection and Rhythm with digital X-ray for blade
manufacturing and casting houses. Rhythm software stores and manages inspection
Aluminum cast wheels results for auditing and historical tracking capability.
Aluminum wheels need to be inspected
since they are classified as safety parts.
These parts are inspected via fully
automatic in-line with X-ray inspection
cabinets. Our turn-key solution is designed
for high throughput and automatic part
identification.
Rotating water path to inspect bar and tube
The use of phased array probes enables a compact
Aluminum cast drive train and engine parts test system without rotating parts. Our test
Due to weight reduction, aluminum cast parts are system is adjusted to different diameters by stored
widely used in the transportation segment. Depending parameter sets, enabling a short changeover time.
on the production process, porosity and inclusions can
cause safety critical and expensive part failures. Failures
can be detected using in-line and fully automatic X-ray
Quality test of the blades during
inspection systems to provide process feedback.
manufacturing
Computed radiography and digital radiography
are used to inspect blades for flaws. One
imaging plate is used for multiple
X-ray images that are stored in digital format.
Blade Unlike file equipment, images can be evaluated
Manufacturing and shared quickly without chemicals and time
consuming processing.
Inspection Technologies 5
Oil & Gas
GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies addresses all major inspection needs for our oil and gas
customers. We strive to deliver high-quality products that detect corrosion and inspect welds in a
variety of situations and conditions while helping improve productivity. Our leading edge inspection
solutions boosting productivity, help you improve safety and solve your toughest oil and gas inspection
challenges.
Subsea pipelines
Our radiographic, eddy current and ultrasound devices are
often deployed by clients working subsea to assess the in-
service integrity of pipes and risers.
Refining
Inspection is a critical aspect of maintenance and process
management to help enable the safe and optimized operation
of an oil refinery. We provide inspection technologies for high
temperature corrosion monitoring of critical locations and piping,
vessel and rotating plant inspections using ultrasonics, remote Liquid storage
visual inspection, eddy current, digital radiography and X-ray. Storage tanks require inspection to help assure they
operate safely and within the regulatory standards.
We have tools for large area remote visual inspection
and ultrasound technology for checking remaining
wall thickness and weld quality.
6 Inspection Technologies
Image Management Software - Rhythm
Used widely in the oil and gas industry, Rhythm is a multi-modal inspection software platform incorporating
digital radiography, phased array ultrasound, remote visual inspection and eddy current. Rhythm encompasses
the image management tools required to help provide asset assurance through proprietary tools such as the
wall thickness measurement tool for digital radiography, menu directed inspections for remote visual and a
complete archive and web access suite for long-term data management and retrieval. Rhythm is 100% DICONDE
compliant, the industry standard for inspection data protocols.
LNG Loading
LNG Transportation
LNG
Storage
Transmission pipeline
LNG
Storage From upstream through downstream, we
have a range of testing and inspection
Re-gasification
LNG Unloading products for transmission pipelines. In the
Odorant pipe mill, we provide testing machines to
Injection
ensure material and weld quality. In the
e
construction phase, we provide automated
ultrasonic and portable X-ray and digital/
Electric Power film solutions. For in-service inspection,
Generation
we offer continuous monitoring, portable
Consumers ultrasonic and remote visual inspection
devices.
Manufacturing
We design, manufacture and support a full range
of testing machines for plate, billet, bar and pipe
inspection using ultrasonic and X-ray technology
Petrochemical
Nondestructive testing and inspection are a critical
part of maintenance and process management
to optimize the safe operation of a petrochemical
facility. Our solutions offer high temperature
corrosion monitoring of critical locations and
piping, vessel and rotating plant inspections using
ultrasonics, remote visual inspection, eddy current,
digital radiography and X-ray.
Inspection Technologies 7
Power Generation
We provide nondestructive and inspection products and solutions for key power generation
applications, including those for fossil, nuclear, renewable energy markets, transmission and
distribution. Our reliable, advanced technology inspection solutions and support services enable power
generation customers to help maximize efficiency, minimize downtime and enhance productivity with
unyielding integrity.
Hydro
Nuclear submarines
To help ensure maximum safety of a
submarine crew, numerous nondestructive
tests are carried out to verify quality of Combined
Cycle
the vessel girth welds, steam generator
system, primary and secondary piping
and reactor vessels. The submarine
environment demands use of all
nondestructive technologies to help
ensure safety.
Nuclear
Reactor vessel
Feed water heaters, condensers and heat exchangers High-pressure boilers and vessels are kept operating safely using
Proper operation of these crucial components is remote visual inspection. Regular inspection for cracks and defects
essential for efficient operation of a power plant. Each help ensure safe operation and help prevent loss of structural integrity
machine is inspected internally and externally for of the vessel.
fitness for service. Our menu-directed remote visual
inspection and eddy current systems can detect
defects and cracks that cause leaks.
Nuclear fuel and fuel rods
Ultrasonics, eddy current and radiography are commonly used in
the manufacturing environment to test rods for ovality, to ensure the
rods fit into a fuel cluster. A fuel assembly that does not fit precisely
as designed can cause long and unacceptable delays in a plant
maintenance outage.
8 Inspection Technologies
Image and data sharing
Rhythm software ties all inspected components of the plant into one data file and helps
plant operators plan maintenance rather than react to forced outages. DICONDE compliant,
this software platform is compatible with our digital radiography, phased array ultrasound,
remote visual inspection and eddy current technologies. Rhythm encompasses the image
management tools that help ensure thorough inspections results and rapid data sharing.
Component
Manufacturing
Transmission &
Blade Blade manufacturing for wind energy
Manufacturing
Distribution Throughout the steps of the blade
manufacturing process, ultrasonic
technology is used to test composite
material for delaminations and defective
layering to ensure quality. The bonding
Wind
of portions of the blade to one another
and support structures is also monitored
using ultrasonics.
Inspection Technologies 9
Inspection products that deliver
GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies offers the most comprehensive selection of testing & inspection capabilities and other products for
many industry applications. Our strength lies in the use of field experience and customer feedback to build the most productive NDT and
RVI products in the market.
superior imaging
quality
asset health
data management
10 Inspection Technologies
Eddy Current Testing (ET) Solutions
Eddy current is a fast, accurate, cost-effective NDT method for detection of surface or near surface flaws and for heat treatment
verification. It is used for the inspection of raw materials, quality control of finished products and for maintenance inspections.
Inspection Technologies 11
Radiographic Testing (RT) Solutions
Radiography is one of the most reliable and proven nondestructive testing methods and offers unique benefits, such as revealing
changes in thickness, internal and external defects, interior assembly details and more. We offer conventional film radiography,
digital technologies, portable or stationary X-ray sources, 3D computed tomography and analytical X-ray.
Film radiography Industrial X-ray tubes and generators 3D Computed Tomography (CT)
Traditional, and still very popular, X-ray 160-300kV portables and 160-450kV Direct three-dimensional CT enables
methods require the use of film. We offer stationary equipment with directional or simple and economical analysis of a test
a comprehensive range of radiographic panoramic tubes and different object. The power of X-ray, coupled with
films, processing equipment and chemi- combinations of focal spot sizes provide our rendering software, produce high
cals, perfectly geared to one another. the appropriate X-ray source to meet resolution images for accurate
No object is too large or too small—a your specific requirements. In addition, measurement.
radiographic film of the appropriate size we offer a complete line of micro and
is available for every exposure. nano focus X-ray generators and tubes.
Oil & gas weld inspection using film Inspection of aircraft components using industrial X-ray
12 Inspection Technologies
Remote Visual Inspection (RVI) Solutions
RVI is a cost-effective inspection technique used to capture real-time views and images from inside voids such as tubes, pipes,
machines, engines and enclosed structures. RVI can be a complementary technique to other NDT disciplines and is frequently
used as the primary inspection method.
Inspection Technologies 13
Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Solutions
Ultrasonic testing is a versatile nondestructive evaluation method using high frequency sound beams to help detect internal
discontinuities in a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics and composites. It is widely used for testing welds, forgings,
bars/billets, tubing and tanks for corrosion.
14 Inspection Technologies
Testing machines
Complete turnkey ultrasonic inspection systems support both on-line and off-line applications in the manufacturing process,
as well as mobile systems for field applications. These testing machines are designed to provide the fastest inspection times for
maximum throughput to cover the complete product range and to meet major international testing standards.
Depending on the test task, all ultrasonic technologies from single probe to multiple channel and multi-probe phased array are
applied. All in-line testing machines have an interface to the material handling devices and to the customer's computer network.
Testing results are evaluated in real-time, documented in different formats and allow further processing.
Instrumentation
From single channel instruments for precision immersion tank applications to multi-channel and phased array instruments for
demanding, high production environments, we offer a wide range of system level ultrasonic instrumentation for virtually every
industrial application, including precision inspection of critical aircraft engine parts, automotive components and high-speed
in-line pipe and weld inspection.
All systems instruments provide a variety of I/O including, TTL and analog outputs and test data release functions to interface with
existing customer equipment. Software development kits are also available to allow you to structure custom interfaces from the
instrument and your application software.
Weldstar mobile ultrasonic inspection system SNUP ultrasonic pipe testing system Phased Array Squirter with robots
GRP ultrasonic tube and pipe testing system ROTA ultrasonic bar, tube and pipe testing system Multi-channel ultrasonic instrumentation
Inspection Technologies 15
Software Solutions (SS)
GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies offers advanced and user-friendly software that improves productivity by helping you
make smarter and quicker decisions in the field and in the office. Our software covers all NDT applications and testing methods,
including software for data input, analysis, image review, reporting, data management, remote collaboration and storage.
For example, our easy-to-use specialized software packages for ultrasonic testing inspection manages part scanning, ultrasonic
signal acquisition and provides imaging tools for off-line analysis. In addition, we offer 3D rendering software for help identify and
size defects and for 3D metrology.
16 Inspection Technologies
Service Solutions
GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies provides a wide array of service solutions across multiple modalities and industries. From
equipment repair, spare parts, product calibration, on-site remote visual inspection, equipment rental, training, custom service
agreements and preventative maintenance, we have the correct service solution to help keep your inspection operations up and
running.
Repair and calibration NDT training schools and programs Service agreements
We provide a full line up of equipment Our training organization is based in the Control your equipment costs, reduce
repair and calibration services. Our global United States and Europe, and includes operational risks and help ensure
team utilizes proven analytical tools to classroom instruction and on-site training performance with a custom service
quickly repair or calibrate your equipment for digital and film radiography, ultrasonic, agreement. Regardless if you own a
to ensure its availability. On-site calibration remote visual inspection and eddy current. single portable instrument or numerous
is available and can be done to your Level-I and II training and certification advanced testing machines, we can design
specifications. Traceable calibration is available for all NDT modalities, as is a service program that locks in your long-
certificates are available as well. customized instruction. term service costs.
Applications centers
Our Application Centers bring together
worldwide knowledge and experience
to help our customers quickly solve their
application challenges. Our engineers,
technicians and specialists possess a
broad knowledge encompassing many
NDT technologies and many industry
segments to develop specialized
inspection solutions.
Inspection Technologies 17
Regional Offices
Europe Americas Asia & Middle East
Germany United States China
Robert Bosch Strasse 3 50 Industrial Park Road 5F, Building 1, No.1 Huatuo Road,
50354 Huerth Lewistown, PA 17044 Zhangjiang High-Tech Park,
+49 2233 6010 +1 866 243 2638 (toll free) Shanghai 201203
+1 717 242 0327 +86 800 915 9966 (toll-free)
Lotzenäcker Strasse 4 +86 (0) 21-3877 7888
72379 Hechingen 721 Visions Drive
(RVI only) Skaneateles, NY 13152 Unit 1602, 16/F Sing Pao Building
+49 (0) 7471 9882 0 (RVI only) 101 King’s Road
+1 888 332 3848 (toll free) North Point
Niels-Bohr-Strasse 7 +1 315 554 2000 ext. 1 Hong Kong
31515 Wunstorf +852 2877 0801
P.O. Box 6241 Brazil
(RT only) Av. das Nacoes Unidas, 8501 1st floor Japan
31510 Wunstorf São Paulo, SP 05425-070 7F Medie Corp Bldg. 8
+49 5031 172 0 2-4-14 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino-shi
Tel: + 55 3067 8166
Tokyo 180-0004
Bogenstrasse 41 +81 442 67 7067
22926 Ahrensburg
(RT only) India
+49 4102 807 117 Technosoft Knowledge Gateway
2nd Floor, Plot No. B-14, Road No.-1
United Kingdom Near MIDC Bldg, Wagle Estate,
892 Charter Avenue Canley Near Mulund Check Naka,
Coventry CV4 8AF Thane (West) - 400 604
+44 845 130 3925 +9122-40793105
Russia
• Berchem, Belgium • East Perth, Australia
27 bld.8, Elektrozavodskaya str. • Alzenau, Germany • Singapore
Lefort Business Centre, 5th floor
Moscow 107023 Russia • Burford, United Kingdom • Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Bucharest, Romania • Mexico City, Mexico
+7 495 937 1111
• Prague, Czech Republic • Airdrie, Alberta, Canada
• Stockholm, Sweden • Toronto, Ontario, Canda
www.geit.com • Milan, Italy • Montreal, Quebec, Canada
GEIT-10012EN (06/09)
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