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Evident/Olympus
Axle Inspection Made Easy with Phased Array
Technology

R ail car axles are critical components that

encounter a high level of stress during
operation. As such, ensuring their inspection
Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing
Phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) is an advanced
and maintenance during manufacturing and NDT method that can be harnessed for almost any
test where conventional ultrasonic flaw detectors have
service is of utmost importance. traditionally been used, but is especially pertinent for
axle inspection. Unlike conventional UT that is reliant
Approached traditionally, non-destructive testing upon multiple single element transducers, PAUT utilises
(NDT) of rail axles presents a laborious task using probes that contain an array encompassing multiple
conventional methods such as magnetic particle elements. Rather than having to manually calibrate,
inspection (MPI) or conventional ultrasonic testing move and adjust the transducer as is required in
(UT) approaches. In the case of MPI, reliable data can conventional UT, PAUT transducers can be calibrated,
be gathered, but a full disassembly of the wheelset focused and swept electronically, greatly speeding up
is required, which is both time-consuming and costly the inspection process.
when rail car downtime is taken into account. UT
on the other hand, enables axle inspection without PAUT technology also increases the likelihood of
disassembly, but yields less reliable data and remains detecting potentially dangerous indications through its
time-consuming as multiple single element transducers ability to generate wide-angled beams thanks to the
are required to inspect critical areas for defects. multi-transducer array. During a scan, each transducer
Furthermore, UT can be costly due to the need for is pulsed independently, creating its angled beam by
expensive gantry systems. In either case, these applying delays to each individual pulser of the UT
methods are imperfect when seeking to implement equipment. PAUT technology therefore provides more
a robust axle inspection in a timely and cost-effective
manner. Conventional UT versus PAUT: by testing multiple angles/depths
at once, the likelihood of detecting anomalies or faults increases
significantly
Axle inspection poses many challenges, yet is a central
process for every rail maintenance depot to detect axle
faults such as manufacturing flaws, defects and fatigue
cracks. Since axle inspection is key to ensuring safety
on the railways, solutions that can make the inspection
process more convenient, while simultaneously
detecting faults with high reliability, could provide
great value to stakeholders in the railway maintenance
sector.

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value than traditional UT because a single PAUT probe
is able to test multiple angles and depths, scanning all

Train & Component Overhaul & Maintenance

critical areas during a one-rotation scan.

A Dedicated Portable PAUT Solution

for Axle Inspection
In light of the myriad advantages PAUT technology
can bring to axle inspection, Evident Scientific has
developed a tailored PAUT solution designed especially
for axle inspection applications. Compatible with
Evident’s phased array instruments, like the powerful
OmniScan X3, this scanner stands to make the process Deployment of the scanner and probe with OmniScan™ X3
of axle inspection more convenient and reliable, saving
time and money while improving safety. Empower your axle inspection workflow further by
combining the scanner with the latest phased array
The solution is a portable instrument that benefits solution from Evident, the OmniScan™ X3. This next
from the latest PAUT technology and can be used for generation flaw detector stands as a complete phased
axle inspection both on and off the vehicle. Weighing array solution. The OmniScan™ X3 series comprises
just 1.5kg, high portability makes it ideal for use as total focusing method (TFM) imaging and advanced
a frontline tool for field applications as well as in rail visualisation capabilities. Coupled with a user-friendly
depots, making for a highly versatile solution. A full interface, the OmniScan™ X3 range can enable you to
scan can be completed in a matter of minutes thanks complete your inspection with greater confidence.
to increased automation, while its simplicity allows
axle inspection to be carried out without the need
for specialist training. Some of the additional benefits
Bring the Power of PAUT to Your Axle
include: Inspection
• 16-element array that allows minute defects to Why not discover the power of PAUT for your axle
be detected deeper into the axle compared with inspection applications? With complete solutions from
conventional UT the specialised scanner to the powerful OmniScan™ X3,
• Axle CAD drawings can be imported and displayed Evident can provide robust solutions and expert advice
on top of the acquired data, making for a clear to help simplify your axle inspection workflow and save
visualisation of any flaws detected you time and money.
• An integrated encoder captures C-SCAN data that
can be reviewed live or after the scan is complete
Want to find out more?
• Interchangeable centring pin allows for multiple
axle configurations
Contact our expert team today.

olympus-ims.com

Representation of tailored solution (left) attached to axle centring

pin during scan

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Expand Your Inspection Capabilities
Comprehensive Inspection and Measurement with PRECiV 1.2

Upgrade your product evaluation and measurement workflows with PRECiV 1.2 inspection and
measurement software. Whether you’re in the inspection room, quality control or R&D, PRECiV 1.2 has
a host of powerful new features for all your inspection needs—delivering rapid, accurate and efficient
analyses. Also supports standard DIN 50602, method K for non-metallic inclusions.

Discover the benefits:

· Versatile: Supports a wide range of imaging conditions including brightfield, darkfield, polarization and all standard
imaging conditions
· Simple to Use: Advanced imaging and measurement tools make it easy to conduct measurements that comply
with international standards
· Complex Image Analysis: TruAI Technology segments images to quickly and easily separate features that cannot
be handled by purely analytical solutions
· Semiautomated Inspection Support: Controls all Olympus microscope cameras as well as select third-party
Z-focus drives and motorized stages

To learn more about PRECiV software, visit: www.olympus-ims.com/en/microscope/preciv/

OLYMPUS Stream customer? Upgrading is easy! Contact us to learn how.

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