Condomett has invested in a VOLTA 2 and a CODA+ instrument, supplied by SMART NDT, the official Innerspec distributor in Italy. The VOLTA acquisition expands their inspection capabilities in Guided Waves for both MRUT and LRUT applications. The CODA+ (EMAT, DCUT, UT) instrument enhances versatility for conducting inspections in harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, coated and rough surfaces, and curved parts. The encoded corrosion mapping sensor acquired enables fast and precise corrosion mapping, leveraging the advantages of EMAT technology.
Condomett and SmartNDT visited Innerspec’s European headquarters in Madrid to learn more in person about the new VOLTA 2 applications: MRUT Sizing and LRUT Focus. Marco Besagni from Condomett highlighted VOLTA's capabilities to perform both MRUT and LRUT with the same instrument, as well as the performance of the magnetostrictive technology.
VOLTA 2 offers unmatched scanning capabilities, supporting multiple techniques, including Lamb Waves and Shear Horizontal Waves for both axial and circumferential scanning. The instrument is designed for the inspection of various components, including pipes, tanks, structures, railway wheels, and rails.
Magnetostrictive technology using the MS Strip outperforms traditional piezo collars by enabling faster and more efficient screening. It improves the signal-to-noise ratio by over 60 dB compared to other techniques in MRUT applications, and by over 20 dB compared to other LRUT technologies, while also offering a smaller dead zone and enhanced mode selectivity.
During the visit, Condomett tested the new MRUT Sizing application, which enhances the MRUT SH MS technique by enabling the determination of remaining wall thickness. The sizing technique uses the MRUT MS SCANNER AXIAL with both fixed-wavelength and variable-wavelength double coils. By combining cutoff frequency and amplitude, it can detect both long, smooth defects (via frequency) and abrupt, short defects (via amplitude).
VOLTA 2 also offers significant operational benefits in the field. The Slip-to-Fit LRUT Ribbons adapt easily to various pipe sizes, providing maximum flexibility. There is no need for multiple collar sizes, and the low-profile ribbon allows access to restricted areas.
The new LRUT Focus application increases circumferential resolution to the maximum physical limit based on the available flexural modes in the pipe. By pulsing with the axisymmetric ribbon and receiving with the scanner in small steps, it achieves the highest possible resolution for each pipe diameter. On a standard 9" pipe, it can utilize up to 14 flexural modes, equating to a resolution of 25°, surpassing conventional piezo collars at 45°. The separate transmitter and receiver configuration further increases efficiency and reduces the dead zone.
In addition, Condomett tested the new scanner with CODA+, which allows for precise internal corrosion mapping without couplant and requires minimal surface preparation. EMAT sensors are ideal for measuring internal corrosion on rough or coated metallic components.
The team was able to verify the high versatility of the instrument. CODA can be used with over 20 EMAT and DCUT sensors from Innerspec, as well as conventional piezoelectric sensors from any manufacturer. Innerspec’s EMAT and DCUT sensors, when combined with scanners, positioners, and other accessories, are designed to inspect a wide range of materials in harsh industrial environments.
