Beyond Current | Our Blog

Electromagnetic Testing: Eddyfi Technologies’ Probes Leading the Way

Written by Caroline Petrilli | July 30, 2024

Advancements in Electromagnetic Testing

Over the past few years, electromagnetic testing has benefited from several technological advancements that have significantly improved its capabilities. Modern ET systems now offer enhanced sensitivity, better signal processing, and improved defect characterization. These advancements have been made possible by the integration of sophisticated hardware and software, allowing for more precise and detailed inspections.

For instance, the development of advanced signal processing algorithms has enabled better noise reduction, signal enhancement, and defect detection capabilities. Noise reduction techniques, such as median filtering and image sharpening, have drastically minimized background interference, making it easier to identify defects. Signal enhancement methods, including harmonic analysis and frequency modulation, have improved the clarity and  resolution of detected signals, facilitating more accurate assessments.

These improvements have expanded the scope of ET applications, allowing for more accurate inspections of complex materials and geometries. For example, in the power generation industry, electromagnetic testing is used to inspect turbine blades made of complex nickel-based super alloys. The enhanced capabilities of modern ET systems ensure that even minute cracks or defects are detected, preventing potential failures and extending the lifespan of critical components.

The Importance of High-Quality ECA Probes

While advancements in eddy current array (ECA) hardware and software are notable, the ECA probe's role is crucial. The probe interacts directly with the inspected material, and its quality significantly affects inspection accuracy and reliability. A high-quality probe enhances the entire ECA system, providing clearer, more accurate data, while a poor-quality probe can undermine even the most advanced systems.

Key Factors Highlighting the Importance of High-Quality ECA Probes

Enhanced Accuracy and Sensitivity
High-quality probes, designed with precision, can detect small defects. For example, in aerospace, they find microcracks in aircraft longerons, ensuring structural integrity and passenger safety.

Improved Durability and Longevity
Built to endure harsh conditions, high-quality probes perform consistently over time, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Consistent and Reliable Data
These probes provide consistent, repeatable measurements essential for reliable data analysis. In the nuclear industry, they help monitor reactor components, preventing potential failures.

Adaptability to Complex Geometries
High-quality probes can adapt to complex shapes and surfaces, expanding their inspection capabilities. A great example of this is Eddyfi Technologies' printed flexible probes, P-Flex.

Diverse Applications
Standard ECA probes meet various inspection needs. Rotating probes detect surface cracks in aircraft bolt holes, ensuring aviation safety, while flexible probes inspect turbine blades in power plants for early wear and tear signs.

Advanced Material Compatibility
Eddyfi Technologies probes inspect materials like carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and non-ferrous metals. This versatility suits industries like oil and gas, where assessing pipeline and pressure vessel asset integrity is crucial for preventing leaks and ensuring safety.

High-Resolution Detection
Equipped with advanced coil designs, these probes enhance sensitivity and resolution, identifying small defects that could lead to significant failures, such as pitting corrosion in maritime vessels or stress corrosion cracking in pipelines.

At Eddyfi Technologies, we place a strong emphasis on the design and manufacturing of our ECA probes. Our commitment to quality ensures that our probes deliver the best possible performance, enabling inspectors to obtain reliable and accurate data. Whether it’s for routine inspections or challenging applications, our probes are engineered to meet the highest standards of performance and durability. 

Rigorous Testing and Quality Control
Before reaching our customers, Eddyfi probes undergo rigorous testing and quality control processes. This ensures that each probe meets the highest standards of performance. For instance, our array probes, used for inspecting large areas quickly, are tested for consistency in signal output and defect detection capabilities.

Supporting Advanced ET Systems
High-quality probes are designed to complement and enhance the capabilities of advanced ET systems. By ensuring the probes deliver accurate and reliable data, we help maximize the overall performance of the ET systems, leading to more efficient and effective inspections.

Customization for Specific Inspection Challenges 

Eddyfi offers a comprehensive range of electromagnetic testing (ECA) probes, designed to meet the diverse needs of the non-destructive testing (NDT) industry. Our catalog includes a variety of standard ECA probes, each engineered to deliver excellent performance across a wide range of applications. From carbon steel inspections to corrosion detection, our standard probes are designed to provide reliable and accurate results.

In many cases, standard ECA probes may not be sufficient to address specific inspection challenges. Materials such as austenitic stainless steel, which have attenuating properties, or damage mechanisms like stress corrosion cracking, require specialized probes for accurate inspection. Complex geometries and welding configurations can also pose significant challenges that standard probes may not be able to adequately address.

To meet these challenges, Eddyfi offers customized ECA probe solutions tailored to specific inspection requirements. Customization can range from simple modifications, such as adjusting the cable length for remote access inspections, to more complex acoustic design changes. For example, the nominal frequency of a standard probe can be modified to achieve better results on a particular material type. 

In some cases, a completely new probe design may be necessary to address unique inspection challenges. Starting from a blank page, our team of experts collaborates closely with customers to develop probes that meet their specific needs. This process ensures that our customers receive a solution that is perfectly suited to their inspection requirements, delivering the best possible performance and accuracy. 

 

Conclusion

Eddyfi Technologies' mission involves providing complete solutions for inspection challenges. By offering a comprehensive range of high-quality ET probes, we ensure that inspectors have all the tools they need to achieve the best possible results.  

Whether you are dealing with straightforward inspections or highly complex scenarios, Eddyfi is your trusted partner for all your Electromagnetic Testing needs. Our high-quality probes, combined with our expertise and dedication to customer service, ensure that you can carry out efficient, accurate, and reliable inspections every time. 

Explore the possibilities with Eddyfi’s electromagnetic testing solutions and discover how our high-quality probes can revolutionize your inspection processes. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you overcome your most challenging inspection requirements.