CORDIS Database:  RESULTS
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Compact modular multi-technique platform for non-contact inspection of complex parts

Record Control Number : 30629
Quality Validation Date : 2003-09-26
Update Date : 2003-10-14
Abstract : A French SME specialised in advanced technology and measurement 
		techniques engineering has developed a new compact modular 
		multi-technique platform for non-contact inspection of complex 
		parts. The technology encompasses eddy current and ultrasound 
		traditional technologies combined with advanced sensor, data 
		acquisition and processing systems to allow a complete inspection 
		of both surface and in-depth defects. The company is now looking 
		for companies to transfer the results to industry.
		
		This SME is notably specialised in engineering of measurement and 
		detection applications. The main objective of the IMOSENS RTD 
		project was to develop innovative NDT (non-destructive testing)  
		methods, instrumentations and sensors for non-contact inspection of 
		complex components such as austenitic steel, bi- or tri-metallic 
		welded structures, welded carbon steel tubes or other metallic 
		objects, which were presenting defects not easily detected by 
		conventional NDT techniques.
		
		A set of 'multitechnique' sensors (e.g. both eddy current (EC)  
		sensors and ultrasonic (UT)  probes)  for the detection of defects 
		on the complete thickness of the parts (both surface and in-depth 
		defects)  was developed along with linking with a remote laser 
		source (used to generate ultrasonics)  via optical fibres, and a 
		data acquisition and processing unit and a modular and portable 
		instrument.
		
		The SME has been in charge of the sensors development, such as EC 
		sensors, EMAT (Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducers) , dry couplant 
		UT transducers all combined in one probe and using new materials 
		for performance improvement. So-called 'multitechnique' data 
		acquisition and processing board have been developed in parallel 
		and linked to a PC using the Windows CE operating system.
		
		The final system has the ability to measure defects both on surface 
		and in-depth in the materials with the ability of covering 200mm of 
		length in one scan using one channel.
		
		This system has many potential applications for the inspection of 
		defects in industry, one prototype having been already developed 
		for the automotive industry.
		
		The SME is in charge of the dissemination of the results and is now 
		looking for inspection system companies willing to industrialise 
		this system and include it in their product range for specific 
		applications as well as end-users willing to integrate such a 
		system into their production line.
		
		Main Advantages:
		- Modular system.
		- Ability to measure in one scan both surface and in-depth defects.
		- Eliminate the need for immersion tanks for bars, tubes and rods 
		inspection.
		- Contactless, which allows application in harsh and hostile 
		environments.
Innovative Aspects : The main innovation lies in the combination of multiple measuring 
		techniques (eddy current, ultrasonic with dry air couplant, EMAT)  
		in a single compact probe and the arrangement in a portable modular 
		instrument.
Subject Descriptors : Remote sensing, Civil engineering, Inspection, testing, Method, 
		work study
Subject Index Codes : Telecommunications, Construction Technology, Measurement Methods, 
		Industrial Manufacture
Subject Class : Environment, IT, telecommunications, Materials, industrial 
		manufacturing technologies
Market Applications : Pollution abatement, control, Recycling technologies, Manufacturing 
		technologies, Aerospace, Instruments, measuring equipment, 
		Manufacturing control systems, Road, rail vehicles, Ship, boat building
Stage of Development : Prototype/demonstrator available for testing
Remarks : IRC Data: ABOL-O-F-2003-03
Property Rights : Secret know-how
Collaboration Sought : Joint venture agreement, Information exchange/Training, Other
Collaboration Detail : Type of partner sought:
		Industries.
		
		Specific area of activity of the partner and tasks:
		- Inspection or control system manufacturer for adaptation and 
		inclusion in their product range.
		- End-users (among the application sectors above)  for integration 
		into their production line.

Contact Details
  Contact Name : VOLLE, Laurent (Mr)
  Contact Organisation : Chambre Régionale de Commerce et d'Industrie de Bourgogne
  Address : B.P. 87009
Parc de l'Europe
Place des Nations-Un
  City : Dijon
  Region : BASSIN PARISIEN
BOURGOGNE
Côte-d'Or
  Postcode : 21070
  Country : FRANCE
  Telephone Number : +33-3-80604091
  Fax Number : +33-3-80604021
  Electronic Mailbox : l.volle@bourgogne.cci.fr
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