Beyond Current | Blog

High‑Speed Ultrasonic Inspection in Aerospace: Improving Detection Reliability with AI

Eddyfi Technologies — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:30:00 GMT

Why Speed Reduces Detection Reliability

When an ultrasonic probe moves faster relative to the inspected surface several intertwined effects reduce signal quality. First, variable lift-off and inconsistent coupling reduce transmitted energy and alter waveform shape, directly lowering signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Second, reduced dwell time over a target decreases the number of independent samples that can be coherently averaged, again lowering SNR. Third, motion introduces vibration and Doppler-like artifacts that manifest as noise or waveform distortion. In metallic structures these effects can mask small cracks or fatigue signals; in composites the problem is amplified because anisotropy and guided-wave behavior already complicate propagation and echo shapes. Finally, complex geometries such as rivet rows, fastener countersinks and bonded joints create multiple mode conversions and clutter that become harder to separate from genuine reflectors when SNR falls.

Phased Array Corrosion Mapping – From Spot Readings to Full Coverage

Eddyfi Technologies — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Ultrasonic testing (UT) remains the most accurate non-destructive testing (NDT) method for measuring remaining wall thickness and quantifying corrosion depth. This data feeds directly into integrity management systems, allowing engineers to assess fitness-for-service and plan maintenance before problems and issues escalate.

Conventional UT, however, has real limitations. Spot readings at thickness measurement locations (TML) provide useful trend data, but they can’t guarantee full area coverage. Corrosion doesn’t follow patterns. It develops anywhere, in many morphologies, and industry experience consistently shows that point-by-point UT misses defects.

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) changes that equation. With 100% area coverage, high-resolution data, and software tools that support automatic defect recognition, PAUT-based corrosion mapping gives engineers a complete picture of asset condition.

Eddyfi Technologies offers a scalable range of corrosion mapping solutions, from semi-automated to fully automated systems, designed to match inspection environment, asset type and geometry, and productivity requirements.

Rail Ultrasonic Inspection at Speed: What Really Affects Detection Reliability?

Eddyfi Technologies — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:45:01 GMT

Increasing Speed Does Not Just Increase Coverage

At first glance, increasing inspection speed appears to be an operational decision. Scan more rail in less time. Reduce network disruption. Improve efficiency.

But ultrasonic testing is not purely a coverage exercise. It is a physical interaction between a probe, a coupling medium, and a moving steel surface with evolving geometry and wear conditions.

When inspection speed increases, several parameters begin to shift simultaneously — sometimes subtly, sometimes significantly.

Coupling stability becomes more dynamic. Even small fluctuations in water delivery, surface condition, or probe pressure can influence amplitude consistency and signal-to-noise ratio. At higher speeds, these variations occur more frequently and are harder to compensate for mechanically.

Probe alignment also becomes more sensitive. Rail geometry is not perfectly uniform, and inspection carriages experience micro-movements as they travel. At higher speeds, slight oscillations can introduce beam deviation or focal variation, particularly with multi-element configurations.

Sampling density is another critical factor. Unless acquisition rates are adjusted accordingly, higher speed reduces spatial resolution. That reduction does not necessarily prevent detection — but it can affect defect characterization, sizing confidence, and orientation assessment.

None of these effects are dramatic in isolation. Together, they shape the reliability of the inspection outcome.

Inspecting Aboveground Storage Tanks from Top to Bottom

Eddyfi Technologies — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Definition: What Does “Top-to-Bottom” Tank Inspection Include?

A “top-to-bottom” inspection is a structured approach that covers the main integrity-critical zones of an aboveground storage tank: the floor plates (including the critical zone near the shell), floor and annular ring welds, the annular ring itself, shell plates and shell welds, and the roof plates.
Because each zone has different access constraints and damage mechanisms, the inspection plan typically combines screening methods (fast coverage) with confirmatory methods (thickness validation and crack sizing) and produces a consolidated report for integrity decision making.

Thorough examination of each storage tank component is imperative. Neglecting NDT inspections poses a risk of revenue loss and heightened chances of expensive accidents. Leveraging pioneering inspection technologies enhances oil spills prevention and preparedness as well as other potential asset issues. These advanced inspections provide precise estimates for the next inspection interval and the remaining lifespan of the asset. Although assessing tank components can be challenging, recent advancements enable more efficient and expedited inspections, facilitating swift decision-making for a prompt return to service.

Key takeaway:
Modern tank inspections aim to (1) maximize coverage and traceability, (2) reduce dead zones in critical areas, and (3) deliver a consolidated, standards-aligned report fast enough to support return-to-service decisions.

Inspecting Thin-Walled Stainless Steel Welds: Overcoming the Unique Challenges with Advanced PAUT Solutions

ptremblay@eddyfi.com (Patrick Tremblay) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:45:00 GMT

Definition: Why Thin-walled Stainless Steel Welds Are Challenging

Stainless steel can generate higher acoustic noise and attenuation than carbon steel, which reduces signal-to-noise ratio and makes flaw detection less stable at higher frequencies.
On small-diameter thin-wall pipes, curvature causes additional beam divergence, reducing effective focusing and complicating detection of small planar defects.

Optimizing PAUT for Stainless Steel: Addressing the Acoustic Challenges

Key idea:
For thin-walled stainless steel pipes, inspection success is limited by two combined effects: stainless steel increases attenuation and acoustic noise, and the curved surface increases beam divergence.
To keep detection reliable, optimize wave mode, frequency, and focusing strategy for small planar defects instead of reusing carbon-steel settings.

Stainless steel’s well-known properties, such ashigh attenuation and elevatedacoustic noise levels, present significanthurdles for inspections.The thinwalls of small-diameter pipes further exacerbate these issues, making it difficult to achieve accurate beam propagation and flaw detection. The diverging surface of these pipes adds another layer of complexity, as the ultrasonic beam tends to spread more, reducing the accuracy of the inspection.

Given these challenges, the traditional go-to solutions for carbon steel do not translate well to stainless steel, where a more refined approach is required to ensure thorough inspection and reliable defect detection.

Overcoming Corrosion Under Pipe Support Inspection Challenges

mperston@eddyfi.com (Mark Perston) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:45:00 GMT

Definition: What Is Corrosion Under Pipe Supports (CUPS)?

CUPS is corrosion that occurs at the contact zone between a metal component and the object supporting it, such as brackets, clamps, or resting supports. These locations trap water and create crevice conditions, leading to highly localized damage such as pitting and other forms of metal loss.

Why CUPS Is Difficult to Inspect (in one paragraph)

Direct hands-on access is restricted by the support, and lifting or adding secondary supports is typically avoided because corrosion severity is unknown and intervention can increase failure risk. This drives the need for inspection methods that can quantify remaining wall thickness without removing or moving supports.

Can the Cypher^® and RMS PA with the PA-CAT™ technique be the answer to early detection of CUPS?

What you will learn in this section:
Why CUPS inspections fail in practice, what the typical workaround methods are (VT, RT, spot UT), and how PA-CAT changes the data quality and repeatability for corrosion profiling under supports.

Many pipe support designs like resting or mechanically fastened supports allow water to collect between the support and the pipe surface, thus creating an ideal environment for crevice corrosion. CUPS often occurs due to a lack of proper inspection and maintenance of the affected areas which are more likely in areas with low visibility or inaccessible directly below the supports.

How to Implement Phased Array Inspections for Stainless Steel Welds

Eddyfi Technologies — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:30:00 GMT

Definition: Why Stainless Steel Welds Are Challenging for PAUT

Stainless steel welds can be anisotropic and coarse-grained, which causes ultrasonic energy to scatter and the beam to steer away from the intended path.
These effects are most problematic with shear waves, so stainless steel procedures commonly use angled compression waves to improve beam stability and SNR, then add dedicated coverage strategies for the near-surface region.

Key idea:
Stainless steel welds can reduce PAUT reliability because grain-related scattering and beam steering can distort beam paths and lower SNR, especially in shear-wave mode.

Although phased array has many advantages over other NDT methods for weld inspection, it still has similar restrictions as conventional ultrasonic testing when dealing for anisotropic materials. Materials such as stainless steel can cause problems for ultrasonic methods, as the grain structure is not homogenous and can also be quite coarse. These features can affect attenuation and cause problems such as scatter and beam steering.

High Temperature Hydrogen Attack Inspection using Total Focusing Method

Eddyfi Technologies — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:30:00 GMT

Definition: What is High Temperature Hydrogen Attack (HTHA)?

HTHA occurs when hydrogen at high temperature migrates into steel and reacts with carbon to form methane, which becomes trapped in the material as microscopic bubbles at grain boundaries. Over time, bubbles can grow and link, leading to fissuring and cracking.
Because early damage is made of very small voids and subtle microstructural changes, detection requires techniques that combine sensitivity to tiny reflectors with high resolution to separate real damage from benign reflectors.

Why HTHA Is Hard to Detect with UT (and What “Good” Data Looks Like)

Early HTHA can appear as very small voids and subtle decarburization, producing low-amplitude responses that can be masked by geometry echoes and microstructural noise.
A practical HTHA UT technique must (1) be sensitive to tiny volumetric reflectors, (2) maintain high spatial resolution to separate close indications, and (3) cover the potentially affected area efficiently, especially in welds and HAZ.

High temperature hydrogen attack happens in an environment where high temperatures and the presence of hydrogen are combined, mostly to low alloy steels. The high temperature causes some of the hydrogen to change into its atomic form which allows it to migrate into the steel. Inside the steel, the hydrogen will react with carbon and form methane which cannot migrate through the steel. Therefore, it gets trapped in the metal, typically as microscopic methane bubbles at the grain boundaries in the steel (stage 1). As these bubble start to grow, they start to coalesce (stage 2) and eventually lead to fissuring and cracking (stage 3). HTHA occurs preferentially in welds, heat effected zones, and in material that received no heat treatment.

How to Optimize High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Ultrasonic Inspections

Eddyfi Technologies — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:30:00 GMT

HDPE ultrasonic inspection is challenging because the material strongly attenuates ultrasound and does not support shear-wave propagation in practice, which limits inspection range and pushes techniques toward low-frequency longitudinal-wave approaches. In this article we compare TOFD, PAUT, and TFM for HDPE butt-fusion welds using 17 mm and 35 mm samples with representative defects, and we show why acquisition strategy (wedge choice, aperture, and energy) is critical.
For code compliance, ASME Section V Article 4 (mandatory Appendix X for HDPE fusion joints) requires examination coverage that includes the fusion face ± 8 mm on each side, which directly impacts scan plan and probe positioning.
Key takeaway: use TOFD for volumetric coverage when PCS and dead zones are controlled, use PAUT with the right coupling strategy (water wedge, Rexolite, or no wedge) to maximize SNR and coverage, and use TFM with Plane Wave Imaging (PWI) when you need more energy, better SNR, and higher scanning speed than FMC/TFM can deliver in thick, attenuative HDPE.

Plane Wave Imaging: The Benefits of Total Focusing Method at High Speed

phillman@eddyfi.com (Paul Hillman) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:15:00 GMT

Definition: What is Plane Wave Imaging (PWI)?

What you will learn in this section:
To understand PWI, we first summarize FMC (the full transmit-receive matrix), then show how PWI reduces the firing sequence while keeping enough information for TFM reconstruction.

Plane Wave Imaging (PWI) is a phased array acquisition mode where multiple probe elements fire simultaneously to generate an unfocused wavefront at a chosen angle, while each element records an elementary A-scan on reception.
By repeating this for a limited set of angles, PWI insonifies the region of interest with far fewer firings than FMC, enabling much higher scanning speed.
The recorded data can then be reconstructed with Total Focusing Method (TFM) to produce a high-resolution image comparable to FMC-TFM in many use cases, with significant productivity gains.

Corrosion Under Insulation: The 7 Inspection Methods You Must Know About

Eddyfi Technologies — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:15:00 GMT

Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is external corrosion that develops on insulated piping or vessels when moisture penetrates the insulation and stays trapped against the metal surface. CUI is difficult to manage because insulation hides the damage until wall loss becomes severe, so inspections often rely on screening methods that minimize insulation removal.
This article summarizes seven common CUI inspection approaches and explains what each method can and cannot tell you. The three radiography variants (RTR, computed radiography, and digital detector arrays) are listed separately because their field constraints and outputs differ in practice.
Use this page as a selection guide: start with the method that matches your access constraints and the type of corrosion you expect (general wall loss vs localized pitting), then confirm findings with a targeted follow-up method when needed.

Phase Coherence Imaging in Ultrasonic Testing: Pros, Cons, and When to Use It

Eddyfi Technologies — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:15:00 GMT

Definition: What Is Phase Coherence Imaging (PCI)?

Phase Coherence Imaging (PCI) is a phased array ultrasonic imaging method that forms an image by evaluating how consistent the signal phase is across multiple emitter-receiver pairs in an FMC dataset. Unlike amplitude-focused imaging (such as TFM), PCI emphasizes indications that remain phase-consistent across many paths, which often corresponds to omnidirectional scattering sources. In practice, this can enhance porosity/slag and crack tip diffraction responses while reducing strong geometry echoes from the front surface and backwall. PCI values depend strongly on reflector type and orientation, so method selection should be application-driven.

How to Calculate a PCI Image

What you will learn in this section:
You will learn what data PCI needs (FMC), how PCI differs from TFM in terms of what it sums (phase vs amplitude), and what the PCI value represents at a pixel.

Key idea:
TFM sums amplitudes at each pixel after applying time-of-flight delays; PCI follows the same time-of-flight logic but sums phase-consistent contributions instead of amplitude.

Here we’ll explain how to calculate a Total Focusing Method (TFM) image first. The FMC/TFM is an inspection technique that involves two steps. The first is the data acquisition process called FMC, and the second is data reconstruction: TFM. The whole process is typically done in real time on most hardware, so the two steps are transparent to users.

How to Set the Perfect Scan Plan for Weld Inspection using TOFD, PAUT, and TFM

Eddyfi Technologies — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:15:00 GMT

Definition: What is a scan plan for weld inspection?

A scan plan is a documented set of inspection parameters and beam plots that define probe placement, probe motion, and the examined weld and HAZ volume for a given UT technique. It typically includes joint geometry, weld and HAZ boundaries, beam angles and paths, index offset or stand-off, and, for TOFD, probe center spacing (PCS) and intersection depth.
The goal is simple: prove in advance that the selected probes and settings insonify the required examination volume in a standardized and repeatable way.

What codes typically require in a scan plan (practical summary)

Most weld UT codes and standards expect scan plans because they document how coverage is achieved and how the procedure can be repeated consistently. A complete scan plan typically includes:

Examination volume coverage for each technique (weld and HAZ)
Cross-sectional joint geometry and thickness, including HAZ limits
Search unit size, frequency, wedge, and configuration
Beam plots for all angles used, including interaction with bevel faces
Probe position and motion relative to the weld centerline (index offset, stand-off)
For TOFD, probe center spacing (PCS), beam spread, and depth of intersection

Choosing the right scan plan: TOFD vs PAUT vs TFM (and why combining works)

Use the simplest technique that meets your coverage and sizing needs, then combine techniques when a single method leaves blind zones or sizing ambiguity.

Inspection goal	Best first choice	Why	Common limitation
Through-wall sizing with strong crack detectability	TOFD + PAUT	Complementary detection and sizing strengths in one inspection	TOFD dead zones near lateral/backwall must be managed
General weld coverage with established acceptance rules	PAUT (sectorial)	Flexible angle set and bevel coverage	Amplitude-only evaluation requires incidence control (6° rule)
High-resolution imaging and repeatable characterization	TFM (often with PAUT context)	Defined imaging paths and controlled image grid	Must document ROI, paths, pixel size, amplitude fidelity validation
Thick sections (example 75–300 mm steel)	Multi-zone TOFD configurations	Zoning addresses intensity and coverage across thickness	More setups to qualify and execute

How to Catch Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking Early

amallard@eddyfi.com (Anne-Marie Allard) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:15:00 GMT

People often think that assets built using austenitic stainless steel (SS) are protected from corrosion in all situations. Although the thin layer of chromium oxide covering the SS protects the components in wet or humid environments, an environment with higher chloride content puts the asset at risk for corrosion and other damage. Where can we find such an environment? Consider offshore or near shore installations where ambient air has a higher concentration of chloride coming from the seawater. Or again, let’s think of chemical and petrochemical plants, or even water pipes and other structures found in the food and beverage industry. Even poolside accessories are susceptible to Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking (CSCC)!

Alternative materials like ferritic-austenitic SS or duplex or added protective coatings (Thermal Spray Aluminum or TSA) are now in use where chloride content is considered a potential threat, but multiple assets were built without it and need to be regularly inspected in order to verify their integrity and repair or replace them if needed. More importantly, any piping or vessel that has been built and put in service prior to the 1970s is at greater risk as the purity of the alloy was less controlled during that time.

Let’s see how CSCC develops and what our options are to detect it before it’s too late…

Inspecting Pipes for CUI: How Choosing the Right Tech Affects the Bottom Line

ctremblay@eddyfi.com (Charles Tremblay) — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:15:00 GMT

Screening for corrosion under insulation is an enormous expense for asset owners. Many technologies are available for the task, but they are not all equal, cost and productivity wise. After analyzing standard industry prices, comparing radiometric profiling (RP), digital radiography (DR), real-time radiography (RTR), and pulsed eddy current (PEC) technologies. It turns out that PEC array (PECA) can be around 1.5 times cheaper a meter and 5 times more productive over the same 8-hour shift than, for instance, RTR. Read on to find out why.

Start 2026 Strong

Eddyfi Technologies — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Master Surface Detection

Choosing the Perfect PAUT Probe for Every Inspection

ptremblay@eddyfi.com (Patrick Tremblay) — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Understanding the Basics: Eddyfi Technologies’ Standard Probes

Eddyfi Technologies offers a diverse catalog of conventional and phased array probes, readily available in various sizes and frequencies to suit different inspection scenarios. These probes are essential for non-destructive testing (NDT) companies, providing reliable examinations for a wide range of applications, including carbon steel welds and corrosion inspections. By standardizing these probes, Eddyfi Technologies ensures that the most popular models, such as A10, A11, A12, A15, A31, and A32, are readily available for quick delivery. Additionally, these probes are compatible with other manufacturers’ wedges, offering flexibility and convenience for inspectors.

Phasing in an Array of Powerful Pipeline Integrity Testing Technology

Eddyfi Technologies — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Ensuring the financial success of a pipeline project puts safety and reliability at the forefront of all operations. Throughout construction, various non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques are used to assure stringent industry standards while NDT also plays a key role during pipeline transportation operations. Among the range of testing techniques, intelligent inline inspection (ILI) systems like the EVO proposed by NDT Global are “smart” pigs designed to inspect pipes from the inside using ultrasonic testing (UT) or magnetic flux leakage (MFL). Long range UT (LRUT) uses guided waves to propagate across long distances to find corrosion. Adaptable surface eddy current array (ECA) technology such as the Spyne™ is used for detecting cracks including stress corrosion cracking (SCC), subsurface defects, and pitting. Ultrasonic techniques are largely used for weld inspections and manual or automated corrosion mapping. Phased array UT (PAUT) technology has proven to offer great benefits over conventional UT in terms of productivity and flexibility. This article explores the Beyond Current phased array technology for better pipeline integrity assessments.

Optimizing Signal Response Through Focusing

Eddyfi Technologies — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:30:00 GMT

When performing phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT), one of the things that comes up is whether to focus or not to focus. The first PAUT equipment didn’t provide near field information to see if it was possible to focus at certain depths. So, the saying was always to perform inspections unfocused, meaning set the focus value to something exceedingly higher than the part thickness.

Next-Level Austenitic Weld Inspection: How Cypher 1.1 and DMA Technology Deliver Precision

gmaes@eddyfi.com (Guy Maes) — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 05:30:01 GMT

For austenitic and dissimilar metal welds, standard pulse-echo phased array probe assemblies will not provide the required inspection capability to achieve the desired results. Effective phased array inspection techniques for such welds are typically based on low-frequency (1.5 to 4 MHz) Dual Matrix Array (DMA) probes. These probes consist of separate transmitter and receiver probes fixed onto an exchangeable wedge assembly (see Figure 1) and are mostly used to generate longitudinalwaves for better propagation through coarse-grain austenitic weld material and successive acoustic interfaces. The dual transmit/receive configuration offers better sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio due to the “convolution” of transmitter and receiver beams and avoids “ghost echoes” caused by internal wedge reflections.In addition, 2D-matrix array technology allows for optimized focusing and optimized steering of the acoustic beamand for simultaneous variation of refracted angle and skew angle, to improve detection capability on mis-oriented flaws.Eddyfi Technologies develops and manufactures both standard and custom DMA probes at its facility in State College (PA).

Path to Open, Accessible, and Interoperable NDT Data

mgrenier@eddyfi.com (Marc Grenier) — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:39:45 GMT

Principles and Background

Our position is simple: the future of NDT is open, accessible, and interoperable. In practice, this means being clear about a transition away from closed file structures, widening access to developer tools, and participating in governance that reflects industry consensus rather than one vendor’s roadmap. Open formats reduce friction, accelerate integration, and keep data useful for new use cases from advanced signal processing to machine learning, while avoiding vendor dependency. This also reflects how the community is organizing around standards work, and NDT 4.0.

Eddyfi Technologies has supported system integration and interoperability in the past, providing customers with access to our APIs and SDKs to help automate inspections, stream data, and build custom tools suited to their needs. While our infrastructure facilitated many successful projects, the close nature of our ecosystem had sometime created obstacles. Accessibility was not always simple; it was even often complex, with availability not being uniform across product lines. Our goal now is to remove those friction points and focus on improving the tools that worked well, so data and tools are easier to reach and use.

PermTool™ – The Next Step in PEC Advanced Analysis

dpicard@eddyfi.com (Donald Picard) — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 04:45:00 GMT

Pulsed eddy current is a widely accepted inspection method now covered by several industry standards such as ISO: 20669, API RP 583, and the new ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section V. PEC is a versatile inspection technology which provides an average remaining wall thickness through insulation and coatings. The technique can also be used to safely assess the minimum remaining ligament under corrosion scabs or blisters without surface preparation. However, the technology remains cross-sensitive to wall loss and changes in electromagnetic properties or the presence of interfering components. The algorithms used to size wall thicknesses assume that variations in the eddy current decay are a function only of the wall thicknesses and that the other material properties are constant. This limitation renders analysis difficult on more complex geometries and can lead to false positives in some cases.

How PEC Addresses Ship Hull Inspection Challenges

Eddyfi Technologies — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 04:45:00 GMT

All ships must undergo periodic mandatory inspections according to their class. These inspections aim at assessing the condition of the ship and assessing damage to plan repairs. In many cases, ultrasonic testing of the hull thickness from the inside of the ship provides an accurate assessment of the hull plate’s remaining thickness. The inspection identifies areas of concern, and when required by class, repairs are performed.

How PECA Transformed CUI Programs

gcyr@eddyfi.com (Gabriel Cyr) — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 04:45:00 GMT

With its versatility and resilience to find corrosion under insulation without stripping it, pulsed eddy current, or PEC, has become the go-to technology to address this challenge. Over the last five years, the introduction of dynamic scanning, array sensors, clever gridding tools, and fast reporting by Eddyfi Technologies has truly transformed PEC inspections with a twentyfold increase in productivity. This article demonstrates the Beyond Current differentiator to stay ahead of corrosion under insulation.

Reliable Inspection of CASS Components Made Possible

Eddyfi Technologies — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 04:30:00 GMT

Cast Austenitic Stainless Steels, or CASS, are commonly used in critical components and infrastructure subject to extreme temperatures due to their resilient nature, thanks to chromium which also provides high corrosion resistance. CASS is desirable by manufacturers because it is easily formed while maintaining maximum strength. Given its flexible nature, the benefits of CASS to the aerospace, power generation and nuclear, oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors are plentiful. However, parts made from cast austenitic stainless steels are still vulnerable to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in circumstances where they have inadequate corrosion protection.

Raise the Temperature without Lowering the Standard for Reliable Inspections

ctremblay@eddyfi.com (Charles Tremblay) — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:15:00 GMT

The Alternating Current Field Measurement, or ACFM^®, electromagnetic testing technique continues to show versatility in the range of inspection applications including extreme scenarios. This article takes a look at the applicability of ACFM for high temperature inspections such as pre- and post-inspection of hot tapped Weldolets and split tees, pressure vessels and in-service petrochemical plant steam pipework.

Guiding the Way with High Temperature Pipeline Guided Wave Testing

Paul Jackson — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:15:00 GMT

The Teletest Focus+™ has been identified as the optimal Guided Wave Testing instrument for pipe inspection, and with ever-evolving capabilities it continues to perform under extreme conditions to provide actionable data before the next outage.

Unlocking the Potential of ACFM® for High Temperature and Galvanized Weld Inspections

Eddyfi Technologies — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Welds are arguably the most critical components of today’s most valuable structures, so regular weld inspection is crucial to ensure their integrity and safety. However, in-service inspections can be challenging due to factors such as the nature of the weld, coating material, or temperature of the component. Alternating current field measurement is a proven weld inspection technique for detecting and sizing fatigue cracks. Recent advancements in ACFM technology have made weld quality control easier and more efficient, even in extreme conditions such as high temperatures or through conductive coatings found on some steel structures.

Destructive and Non-Destructive Testing Methods: A Comparison

Eddyfi Technologies — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 04:15:00 GMT

Probing with a Wider Reach

Destructive testing is a more direct approach, but it cannot provide the same extensive reach that NDT tools offer. If dealing with destructive testing on large infrastructure, an analyst must destroy aspects of the welds to find hidden flaws. It can be all too easy to miss indications on larger design forms, and inspectors don’t have the time to conduct such a thorough manual test.

Detecting Nonmetallic Inclusions in High Specification Welds with Ultrasonic Testing

Eddyfi Technologies — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:30:00 GMT

The presence of foreign compounds in metal such as steel and alloys can significantly influence its mechanical properties. In welding, such non-metallic inclusions can increase the metals’ susceptibility to cracks and fatigue causing the structure to fail. For safety and quality, the integrity of the weld and overall structure can be inspected through non-destructive testing (NDT).

Heavy Metal: Rock-Solid Inspection of Giant Rotors

gmaes@eddyfi.com (Guy Maes) — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 04:30:00 GMT

Innovative Semi-Flexible Probe Design

For smaller turbine rotors and disks, conventional UT probes (typically 2 MHz, Ø 24mm or 0.9in) are used for straight-beam inspection. However, as the inspection path length increases, these standard probes fail to comply with code requirements due to their inadequate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This is mainly due to the relatively small active surface of the probe which limits the acoustic energy transmitted in the inspected part and leads to a larger divergence of the acoustic beam.

By increasing the active aperture of the UT probe, more acoustic energy will interact with the reflector. This is because a wider aperture reduces the divergence of the UT beam, allowing more energy to be transmitted through the inspected specimen.

Using phased array UT technology instead of a conventional UT probe has the additional benefit of being able to focus acoustic energy at various depths and to steer the acoustic beam. This is a significant advantage, since turbine rotors usually have sections or stages of different sizes. A single phased array probe can be used for the whole rotor length and the focal depth can be optimized for each section. Also, the applicable standards require inspection at different angles to increase the probability of “perfect” specular reflection on a given defect. A single phased array UT probe can be used to generate these different angles instead of several conventional probes mounted on wedges.

Figure 1: Semi-flexible QUAD probe assembly

Based on the above considerations, Eddyfi Technologies developed a new concept, the semi-flexible 2D array probe, consisting of four individual matrix arrays of 8 x 4 elements and an aperture of 16mm x 64mm (0.6in x 2.5in). The four matrices are mechanically linked and are used as a single array (see Figure 1). Due to the mechanical linking, the 2M8x4E16-64-QUAD probe assembly allows adequate direct coupling on diameters of 250mm (9.8in) and up, thus allowing for conducting efficient inspection of a complete rotor with multiple stages. It also provides the benefit of mechanically focusing the acoustic energy towards the centre of curvature of the inspected specimens.

Figure 2 shows the 64mm x 64mm active surface of the QUAD probe, approximately nine times larger than the typical conventional UT probe used for this application. The -6 dB cross section of the acoustic beam at 2,000mm (78.7in) sound path was measured at roughly 60mm (2.4in) for the QUAD probe, compared to 190mm (7.5in) for the conventional UT probe, thus illustrating the superior focusing of acoustic energy on the reflectors.

Figure 2: QUAD probe vs. standard UT probe: Comparison of active aperture and acoustic beam cross-section

The design was experimentally validated on several representative test specimens. Figure 3 compares the signals obtained with the 2M8x4E16-64-QUAD probe assembly and the standard conventional UT probe on a specimen with a 1.6mm (0.06in) diameter flat-bottom hole (FBH) at a sound path of approximately 1,800mm (70.9in). A considerable improvement of signal-to-noise ratio (15 dB) can be observed in favor of the new semi-flexible probe design.

Figure 3: Response of semi-flexible QUAD probe (left) and standard UT probe (right) on 1.6mm diameter reflector at 1,800mm depth in representative test specimen

Even with the very large active aperture, it was confirmed that the element size of the semi-flexible QUAD probe still allows for steering the acoustic beam from 0 to 35°LW on specimens from 250mm (9.8in) OD up to flat. Figure 4 illustrates the steering capability of the semi-flexible QUAD probe (128 elements in total) and the semi-flexible TRI probe (63 elements in total), designed for smaller rotor sizes.

Figure 4: Semi-flexible 2 MHz QUAD and TRI-probes allow for beam steering up to more than 35°LW

Did you know you can get instant pricing on our complete ultrasonic probe and wedge portfolio? Check out the Eddyfi eStore now!

Finding the Best Quality Ultrasonic Inspection Equipment for NDT

Eddyfi Technologies — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 04:30:00 GMT

PAUT Functionality

PAUT is most useful when dealing with steel materials and welds that have coarse-grain content. The reflections of each grain cause high noise levels that can derail a more conventional inspection process. The solution to this problem would be a top-notch PAUT instrument with 2D matrix array probes at low-frequency.

When it comes to instrumentation, total focusing method (TFM) and full matrix capture (FMC) are two additional features that can aid in detection. While not every inspection will require them, TFM and FMC capabilities are included in most high-quality instruments as they can achieve an in-depth focus into any flaw in question, with the best instruments permitting up to one million points per frame.

Does Ultrasonic Testing Have Thickness Limitations?

Eddyfi Technologies — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:30:00 GMT

What Causes Thickness Limitations for Ultrasonic Testing

Ultrasonic testing uses piezoelectric transducers to convert electrical impulses into mechanical vibrations. After the vibrations have passed through the object being inspected, these same piezoelectric elements translate the mechanical vibrations back into electricity, which is interpreted by software embedded in ultrasonic testing equipment to map the object’s interior. Vibrations can be detected by the same crystals that induced them using the pulse-echo technique, or by different crystals on the other side of the object using time-of-flight-diffraction (TOFD).

A Riveting Inspection Solution for the Aerospace Industry

pjohnson@eddyfi.com (Priscilla Johnson) — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 04:30:00 GMT

No process is exempt from defects, and regular inspection at every stage of the riveting process is required to verify or take corrective measures. A common defect in aging aircraft is the nucleation of cracks from rivet holes. Current non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques include Eddy Current Testing (ECT). Determining the integrity of rivet structural assemblies using this method is quite time consuming when you consider the volume of rivets requiring analysis by an advanced technician, making ECT also user dependent.

Playing Defense Against Structural Integrity Threats in the Security Sector

mbouchard@eddyfi.com (Mathieu Bouchard) — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 04:15:00 GMT

Traditional eddy current testing (ECT) is already widely used in the defense industry for inspecting bolt holes and fasteners in aircraft fuselage. Most inspections are performed with single element, pencil-like probes used to detect small cracks around fasteners. Compared to visual inspections such as penetrant testing or magnetic particle testing, ECT offers digital data recordings, inspections through thin coatings, and does not require the use of any consumable chemicals. However, the fact that ECT is not encoded and relies entirely on the technician’s manual scanning brings a high user dependency to the technique. It also makes post-analysis and auditing difficult because the data files don’t contain any position or geometric localization to refer to.

Surface Eddy Current Array: The Unsung Hero of Corrosion Mapping

mbouchard@eddyfi.com (Mathieu Bouchard) — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 04:15:00 GMT

Corrosion Pitting in Stainless Steel Surfaces

Let’s start with a very common inspection scenario: the detection of corrosion pitting in stainless steel. While Eddyfi Technologies’ magnetic flux leakage (MFL) Pipescan HD is undeniably the leading technology for detecting pitting in carbon steel, it cannot operate on non-ferromagnetic surfaces like stainless steel. On the other hand, ECA probes can be used on both types of materials and allow for a particularly high resolution in terms of detectable flaw size. Corrosion in stainless steel is often highly localized and takes the form of small cavities that can rapidly reach a significant depth despite being of submillimeter size. This pitting will act as crack initiation sites if left unchecked.

Cypher for Spacecraft Inspection – It’s Not Rocket Science (Anymore)

pjohnson@eddyfi.com (Priscilla Johnson) — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 04:30:00 GMT

Real-World Reliability, Modeled for Demonstration

When it comes to testing the essential components that comprise a space bound vehicle, volumetric NDT in the form of Ultrasonic Testing (UT) has been widely accepted and employed right from the manufacturing stage through to the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) lifecycle for spacecraft. Conventional UT data collected during ground tests enable inspectors to find and measure defects... but we're far from conventional.

The Low-Down on Enhancing Boiler Tube Inspection Efficiency with Phased Array UT Technology

Eddyfi Technologies — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 04:30:00 GMT

Encoded phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) technology can be a reliable and efficient alternative to radiography for boiler tube weld examination. However, several challenges arise when attempting to perform inspections in the tight environment inside of a boiler. The major concern with boiler tubes is the low clearance between pipes. The other complexity is the small wall thickness of the pipes, combined with a variety of diameters, and the presence of the weld caps. To tackle the challenges listed above, a complete phased array UT inspection solution requires both low-profile PAUT probes and wedges, and a low-profile scanner.

Check out the applications solution brochure here.

Don’t Crack Under Pressure: How Eddy Current Array Helps Spot Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking in Stainless Steel Pipes

pmackay@eddyfi.com (Phil MacKay) — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 04:30:00 GMT

Chloride stress corrosion cracking is a type of corrosion that occurs when stainless steel is exposed to chloride-containing environments such as seawater, de-icing salts, or industrial chemicals. CSCC can lead to the catastrophic failure of stainless steel pipes, making it a significant concern for asset owners and operators in the oil and gas, chemical processing, and nuclear power industries.

How To Better Detect Wet Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Damage

Eddyfi Technologies — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:15:00 GMT

Wet hydrogen sulfide service damage is frequently seen in carbon and low alloy steel equipment contained within facilities that produce hydrocarbons, such as the oil and gas, chemical, and petrochemical industries. Assets that are in an aqueous sour environment that combines H₂S content greater than 50 ppm and temperatures below 82° C (180° F) are particularly susceptible to wet H₂S damage. Older or “dirty” steels are more prone to wet H₂S damage because they generally have more volumetric inclusions, laminations, and original fabrication imperfections in both base metal and weld deposit regions. Wet H₂S damage is observed more in pressure vessel shells, tanks, or sections of larger diameter longitudinal seam-welded piping components than conventional seamless piping, tubing, or forgings

The Efficiency of Phased Array UT for Corrosion Mapping

Eddyfi Technologies — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 04:15:00 GMT

Several inspection standards which cover the maintenance of large assets frequently state that a relatively small collection of sparsely separated spot measurements is needed to estimate the interval until the next inspection or the asset’s remaining life. Inspecting these large assets can be very time consuming leading to the inspector and asset owner striking a balance between the time available to conduct the inspection and the level of measurements required to determine its condition. By simple approximation, some guidelines recommended a number of 10 millimeter² spot measurements on a 15 meter (49 feet) high shell wall of a storage tank 50 m (164 ft) in diameter would cover approximately 0.0012% of its surface; as the saying goes, like finding a needle in a haystack. Coupled with hazards from rope access or increased costs with scaffolding access to elevated areas, the inspections are challenging, to say the least.

Versatility Redefined with Configurable NDT Scanners for Every Inspection Challenge

gmugford@eddyfi.com (Gareth Mugford) — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:15:00 GMT

Industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, and power generation rely on the structural integrity of critical assets like storage tanks, pressure vessels, and pipelines. However, undetected corrosion and weld defects can lead to safety risks, costly repairs, and unexpected downtime. Traditional inspection methods, while reliable,often lack the speed, precision, and coverage that modern industries demand. Eddyfi Technologies’ automated phased array ultrasonic testing, or PAUT, solutions are designed to transform your approach to corrosion mapping and weld inspection—delivering enhanced accuracy, safety, and cost-efficiency.

Winds of Change: How Eddyfi Technologies PAUT Solutions Are Powering Up Offshore Wind Tower Inspections

Eddyfi Technologies — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 04:00:00 GMT

T-Joint Construction Weld Inspections: Safeguarding Critical Connections

T-joints are essential components in the construction of offshore wind towers, where critical welds hold together sections of the tower. The quality of these welds directly impacts the overall strength and durability of the structure. However, inspecting T-joints is notoriously challenging due to their complex geometries and the difficulty of accessing certain areas.

The Pipeline Inspection Upgrade You Didn’t Know You Needed: WeldXprt™

phillman@eddyfi.com (Paul Hillman) — Tue, 27 May 2025 04:30:00 GMT

Streamlining Girth Weld Inspection in the Real World

Designed For Efficiency

WeldXprt supports the entire inspection sequence: from technique design, calibration, and inspection through to data analysis and reporting. The system is built for high productivity, with typical inspection sequences, including calibration checks, analysis and reporting, completed in well under 5 minutes per weld. This makes it well suited to the demands of high-throughput pipeline projects.

The system integrates the latest Serko scanner from Jireh Industries for Pipeline Girth Weld (PGW) inspection with flexible options for the EMERALD onboard or remote from the scanner allowing teams to match system deployment to their project needs. The seamless integration between hardware and software components supports reliable, repeatable operation with minimal reconfiguration.

Next-Generation Software Tools for Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT) of Pipeline Welds

phillman@eddyfi.com (Paul Hillman) — Tue, 20 May 2025 04:30:00 GMT

Dedicated AUT Workflow

An efficient workflow starts with a task-oriented user interface, optimized for PGW inspection tools. WeldXprt is a turnkey AUT platform, built on the UltraVision® core – a reliable and well-established software by EddyfiTechnologies, trusted by critical industry around the world. The intuitive interface is specifically designed for pipeline girth weld inspections, ensuring high responsiveness and productivity throughout campaigns. WeldXprt streamlines the entire workflow—from designing inspection techniques to equipment setup, data acquisition, analysis, and reporting—providing comprehensive support at every step.

Transforming Pipeline Integrity with the Power of Spyne's Circumferential Encoder

mbouchard@eddyfi.com (Mathieu Bouchard) — Tue, 13 May 2025 04:30:00 GMT

Revolutionizing Spyne: Now with Angular Encoding

Based on EddyCurrent Array (ECA), the Spyne™ scanner is built to inspect the external surface of pipes larger than 6 inches (in) (150 millimeters [mm]) in diameter. Its 8in (200mm)scan width andscan speeds of up to 4 feet (ft) per second (s) [1.2meters (m)/s] makes it ideal for the rapid screening of large pipe surfaces in a matter of minutes. It can be used on any conductive material, at surface temperatures up to 150°C (300°F), and can detect flaws of any orientation in one pass. Thanks to the innovative approach of inspection companies using the Spyne around the world, the technology has been used successfully as a replacement of MPI for the detection of stress corrosion cracking, and as a replacement of nital etching for the detection of high hardnessin carbon steel (hard spots).

Panther™ Sets a New Pace for Ultra-fast Pipe Body Inspection

eboujon@eddyfi.com (Eric Boujon) — Tue, 06 May 2025 04:30:00 GMT

Most standards for ultrasonic testing (UT) of seamless pipe require the inspection of the following defect types:

Enhancing the Inspection of Welded Attachments in Liquid and Gas Transportation Systems

pcyr@eddyfi.com (Philippe Cyr) — Thu, 01 May 2025 04:15:00 GMT

Common Attachments and Their Challenges

Common welded attachments include nozzles, valves, sleeves, tees, and bends. These components, however, are notoriously difficult to inspect due to their complex shapes, challenging geometries, and limitations in probe positioning.

Uncovering Unseen Manufacturing Defects with Eddy Current Array

mbouchard@eddyfi.com (Mathieu Bouchard) — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:30:00 GMT

In carbon steels, a hard spot is the result of non-uniform and localized quenching during manufacturing. Hard spots have a grain phase and microstructure called martensite which is harder than the bainite and ferrite normally present in the steel. While a harder microstructure means a higher tensile strength, it also means a decrease in ductility and an increase in brittleness. With the tendency of carbon steel pipelines to develop stress corrosion cracking (SCC) when operating in a susceptible environment, their integrity in the presence of a brittle area is being put to the test. Cracks developing inside a hard spot represent a major threat for pipeline operators around the world.

Beyond the Core: Advanced Inspection Solutions in Nuclear Power Plants

mbouchard@eddyfi.com (Mathieu Bouchard) — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 04:30:00 GMT

Eddy current array probes come in all shapes and sizes. From the paper-thin P-Flex to complex automated scanner systems, the same fundamental principles apply: eddy currents propagate in the surface under examination and are disturbed by the presence of discontinuities such as cracks and voids. However, inspections in nuclear power plants often come with unique requirements. To be suitable for use in a reactor, ECA probes must meet strict specifications in terms of materials compatibility and radiation resistance while still offering the usual high performance and adaptability.

Beyond Current | Blog

High‑Speed Ultrasonic Inspection in Aerospace: Improving Detection Reliability with AI

Why Speed Reduces Detection Reliability

Phased Array Corrosion Mapping – From Spot Readings to Full Coverage

Rail Ultrasonic Inspection at Speed: What Really Affects Detection Reliability?

Increasing Speed Does Not Just Increase Coverage

Inspecting Aboveground Storage Tanks from Top to Bottom

Definition: What Does “Top-to-Bottom” Tank Inspection Include?

Inspecting Thin-Walled Stainless Steel Welds: Overcoming the Unique Challenges with Advanced PAUT Solutions

Definition: Why Thin-walled Stainless Steel Welds Are Challenging

Optimizing PAUT for Stainless Steel: Addressing the Acoustic Challenges

Overcoming Corrosion Under Pipe Support Inspection Challenges

Definition: What Is Corrosion Under Pipe Supports (CUPS)?

Why CUPS Is Difficult to Inspect (in one paragraph)

Can the Cypher® and RMS PA with the PA-CAT™ technique be the answer to early detection of CUPS?

How to Implement Phased Array Inspections for Stainless Steel Welds

Definition: Why Stainless Steel Welds Are Challenging for PAUT

High Temperature Hydrogen Attack Inspection using Total Focusing Method

Definition: What is High Temperature Hydrogen Attack (HTHA)?

Why HTHA Is Hard to Detect with UT (and What “Good” Data Looks Like)

How to Optimize High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Ultrasonic Inspections

Plane Wave Imaging: The Benefits of Total Focusing Method at High Speed

Definition: What is Plane Wave Imaging (PWI)?

Corrosion Under Insulation: The 7 Inspection Methods You Must Know About

Phase Coherence Imaging in Ultrasonic Testing: Pros, Cons, and When to Use It

Definition: What Is Phase Coherence Imaging (PCI)?

How to Calculate a PCI Image

How to Set the Perfect Scan Plan for Weld Inspection using TOFD, PAUT, and TFM

Definition: What is a scan plan for weld inspection?

What codes typically require in a scan plan (practical summary)

Choosing the right scan plan: TOFD vs PAUT vs TFM (and why combining works)

How to Catch Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking Early

Inspecting Pipes for CUI: How Choosing the Right Tech Affects the Bottom Line

Start 2026 Strong

Master Surface Detection

Choosing the Perfect PAUT Probe for Every Inspection

Understanding the Basics: Eddyfi Technologies’ Standard Probes

Phasing in an Array of Powerful Pipeline Integrity Testing Technology

Optimizing Signal Response Through Focusing

Next-Level Austenitic Weld Inspection: How Cypher 1.1 and DMA Technology Deliver Precision

Path to Open, Accessible, and Interoperable NDT Data

Principles and Background

PermTool™ – The Next Step in PEC Advanced Analysis

How PEC Addresses Ship Hull Inspection Challenges

How PECA Transformed CUI Programs

Reliable Inspection of CASS Components Made Possible

Raise the Temperature without Lowering the Standard for Reliable Inspections

Guiding the Way with High Temperature Pipeline Guided Wave Testing

Unlocking the Potential of ACFM® for High Temperature and Galvanized Weld Inspections

Destructive and Non-Destructive Testing Methods: A Comparison

Probing with a Wider Reach

Detecting Nonmetallic Inclusions in High Specification Welds with Ultrasonic Testing

Heavy Metal: Rock-Solid Inspection of Giant Rotors

Innovative Semi-Flexible Probe Design

Finding the Best Quality Ultrasonic Inspection Equipment for NDT

PAUT Functionality

Does Ultrasonic Testing Have Thickness Limitations?

What Causes Thickness Limitations for Ultrasonic Testing

A Riveting Inspection Solution for the Aerospace Industry

Playing Defense Against Structural Integrity Threats in the Security Sector

Surface Eddy Current Array: The Unsung Hero of Corrosion Mapping

Corrosion Pitting in Stainless Steel Surfaces

Cypher for Spacecraft Inspection – It’s Not Rocket Science (Anymore)

Real-World Reliability, Modeled for Demonstration

The Low-Down on Enhancing Boiler Tube Inspection Efficiency with Phased Array UT Technology

Don’t Crack Under Pressure: How Eddy Current Array Helps Spot Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking in Stainless Steel Pipes

How To Better Detect Wet Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Damage

The Efficiency of Phased Array UT for Corrosion Mapping

Versatility Redefined with Configurable NDT Scanners for Every Inspection Challenge

Winds of Change: How Eddyfi Technologies PAUT Solutions Are Powering Up Offshore Wind Tower Inspections

T-Joint Construction Weld Inspections: Safeguarding Critical Connections

The Pipeline Inspection Upgrade You Didn’t Know You Needed: WeldXprt™

Streamlining Girth Weld Inspection in the Real World

Designed For Efficiency

Next-Generation Software Tools for Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT) of Pipeline Welds

Dedicated AUT Workflow

Transforming Pipeline Integrity with the Power of Spyne's Circumferential Encoder

Revolutionizing Spyne: Now with Angular Encoding

Panther™ Sets a New Pace for Ultra-fast Pipe Body Inspection

Enhancing the Inspection of Welded Attachments in Liquid and Gas Transportation Systems

Can the Cypher^® and RMS PA with the PA-CAT™ technique be the answer to early detection of CUPS?