Computerized Thermal Imaging’s newest Automated Thermal Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) System for Alstom features an extremely sensitive, high-performance camera with sophisticated image analysis software. The system is based on innovative, proprietary technologies developed by Bales Scientific.

“This system showcases our latest advancements in design, analysis, and testing,” said John M. Brenna, President and COO of Computerized Thermal Imaging. “Our work with Alstom demonstrates a significant partnership and breaks new ground in non-destructive testing of industrial components.”

As part of today’s announcement, CTI also announced that it has filed two patent applications covering automation and integration, core advancements that differentiate CTI’s Automated Thermal NDT System. In addition, the company has announced that it has received CE Certification for the system. The CE mark indicates that the equipment has been thoroughly tested and meets the standards and regulations associated with the CE Certification process, including safety, health, environment and protection of the user.

Alstom on Cutting Edge of Manufacturing and Maintenance Over the past year, CTI has worked closely with Alstom to understand its specific needs— structure, characteristics, manufacturing, and maintenance procedures—in order to develop a complete customized solution.

The Automated Thermal NDT system works by using thermal imaging to dynamically detect, measure, and evaluate a turbine blade’s external and internal properties. The system is capable of detecting anomalies, such as residual casting debris and malformed cooling features that are extremely difficult to detect with current test methods. The results are used to improve quality assurance and process control, and lead to speedier manufacturing of engines, and ultimately, development of the highest quality components—all while reducing turbine blade test time by 90 percent.

Alstom plans to use the Automated Thermal NDT System to perform additional turbine blade tests prior to engine assembly. These tests will verify that the cooling air flow rate through a blade is satisfactory, as well as detect the presence of residual ceramic resulting from the casting process, porosity and other casting defects. These precision tests help to verify that a turbine blade is ready for fitting to a new engine or for delivery to an off-site turbine. Determining if a blade is of production quality greatly minimizes turbine down time and optimizes maintenance procedures. “The use of thermal imaging has shown to be able to detect problems without damage to the component, and in a minimal time,” said Anthony W. Davis, principal design engineer at Alstom. “This has boosted our confidence that the Automated Thermal NDT System will enable us to manufacture defect-free blades, which in turn will increase the quality and reliability of our engines.”

Detects Defects the Size of Human Hair Non-destructive testing of turbine blades is a crucial step in the manufacturing process. Using pattern recognition algorithms—capabilities similar to those found in CTI’s breast cancer detection system—Bales Scientific has created an analysis system to measure functional characteristics of turbine components. The complete system features proprietary software that analyzes test information to detect the presence or absence of conditions and defects of a blade, such as core shift, residual core material from the casting process, blocked cooling holes, malformed cooling features, disbonded thermal barrier coatings, stress fractures, and other early failure indicators. The system can detect a defect as small as the diameter of a human hair.

Multiple Patents Back Unique Inspection System CTI’s research and development efforts focusing on advanced technologies have yielded five patent applications, two of which were announced today. These two patent applications cover Automated Defect Recognition (ADR) software and integration control. Today’s filings further enhance Computerized Thermal Imaging’s intellectual property portfolio that already includes imaging and analysis technologies.

Automated Defect Recognition software makes the Automated Thermal NDT System viable for the production environment, saving customers time and money. By incorporating ADR, CTI is providing a highly automated solution for turbine blade inspection that analyzes results quickly, without requiring highly trained operators. And more importantly, CTI’s technology ensures that results and conditions are unambiguous and consistent. The second patent covers control and operation of the entire inspection system. The technology makes it easier to integrate into the customers existing production flow, with minimal installation disruption, and allows the customer to operate their production line more efficiently. The Automated Thermal NDT System is the first system to incorporate these technologies.

About Computerized Thermal Imaging, Inc. Computerized Thermal Imaging, Inc. (CTI) (Amex: CIO) develops, manufactures and markets thermal imaging devices and services used for clinical diagnosis, pain management and industrial non-destructive testing. The company’s mission is to enhance the quality of human life through the development of thermal imaging systems and associated technologies. Additional information about Computerized Thermal Imaging is available at http://www.cti-net.com.