Vereeniging-based nondestructive testing (NDT) equipment provider GammaTec is currently introducing the latest portable, phased-array, ultrasonic testing (PA UT) equipment and new computed radiography (CR) digital systems and focuses on raising awareness of the advantages of this equipment.

“The Zetec TOPAZ phased array systems are suitable for high-end ultrasonic testing, making it ideal for welds and corrosion inspection, while the Carestream CR digital systems can also be used for industrial weld inspections,” GammaTec sales director Marco Gonzalez tells Engineering News.

He explains that the Zetec TOPAZ is a versatile phased array system that offers a complete ultrasonic solution, adding that the device is the first fully integrated, high-performance PA UT device with a multi-touch screen.

Manufacturer and nondestructive testing solutions provider Zetec integrated field-proven PA UT hardware and software technologies into a compact and rugged magnesium casing, Gonzalez points out, noting that GammaTec is an authorised distributor for Zetec.

“This new-generation system breaks the barriers to truly efficient data acquisition and on-board data analysis. While PA ultrasonic testing is all about imaging, the quality of the embedded screen of general portable PA systems is primordial,” says Gonzalez.

However, the TOPAZ is equipped with a 10.4” 1 024 X 768 pixel screen, which can display 64% more information than the 800 X 600 pixel screens, which, at best, equip the first-generation portable PA systems.

Further, scratch-resistant protective glass allows for the integration of high-quality, capacitive multi-touch screens into devices used in harsh environments, while also providing enough sensitivity for operators to operate them while wearing working gloves.

“With the TOPAZ, portable PA system users can, for the first time, really benefit from touch-screen operation,” Gonzalez stresses.

Data can also be acquired more efficiently with the up to 512 focal laws for each setup, as well as the up to 700 MB for each data file, while the integrated,field-rugged 128 GB solid-state drive allows for the safe storing of all required data. Moreover, the 16-bit data resolution allows for the use of software gain (either online or offline) or an amplitude range of up to 800% FSH.

Computed Radiography Portability
Gonzalez further highlights that the new Carestream's HPX-PRO Computed Radiography system is small and portable, and weighs only 16 kg.

“The Carestream HPX-Pro digital radiographic system is a portable professional radiographic solution – the improved workflow setup and reporting capability giving fast results and thereby saving time and money,” says Gonzalez.

Moreover, the CR technology uses reusable imaging plates, which can be erased after the image has been captured, thereby improving workflow and production, and adding to the cost savings, Gonzalez adds.

Diversification Need
The introduction of newer, lighter and more economical equipment forms part of the aim to improve the production for the NDT contractors, says Gonzalez, acknowledging the challenging time that the local NDT industry faces.

“This situation, compounded by the challenges of low oil prices and fluctuating exchange rates, has caused delays in new projects in the petrochemical sector. Meanwhile, customers are also more cautious in spending capital,” he laments.

To mitigate these challenges, NDT contractors need to diversify their business scope, channel their resources and increase focus on other divisions within the industry. They should eliminate their dependency on the petrochemical sector within the NDT industry, Gonzalez suggests.

However, he points out that, while several NDT contractors rely on business from the petrochemical industry, the power generation industry and its current demands balances out the business opportunities.

“To stave off an electricity crisis, the power generation sector is partly focusing on maintenance plans for the aging coal-fired power stations that require wall thickness and weld inspections to be carried out on their plants, which, therefore, maintain demand for NDT equipment,” Gonzalez concludes.