Overview of Eddy Current Array (ECA)
Eddy Current Array (ECA) is a form of nondestructive eddy current testing that involves electronically driving eddy current coils placed next to each other in a probe assembly. Each coil in the probe produces a signal, the strength of which depends on the phase and amplitude of the object the probe is placed over. This signal can be measured and the data recorded. This data can then be referenced to an encoded position and time and represented visually as a C-scan image.
In general, eddy current inspections are a method of non-destructive testing that use the principle of electromagnetic induction. When alternating current is applied to a conductor, in the case of an eddy current probe, a magnetic field develops around it which changes in intensity as the current alternates. If another conductor, in this case the material being tested, is brought close to the first field, a current will be induced in it as well. If there are any flaws in this material then the eddy current emanating from it will be distorted.
ECA is capable of reproducing the flaw detection techniques of most other eddy current methods. This method though had several distinct advantages such as:
-
Being able to scan a larger area at one time while maintaining a high resolution,
-
A lesser need for complex robotics to actually move the probe,
-
Improved flaw detection due to the C-scan imaging, and
-
Complex shapes can be inspected using this method because the probes can be customized to the profile of the part being inspected.
This method is widely used for a number of industry applications. It can be used both measuring the thickness of steels and detecting corrosion. ECA can be used on materials as diverse as vessels, columns, storage tanks & spheres, piping systems, and even structural applications.
Is this definition incomplete? You can help by contributing to it.
Share this Topic
Related Topics
Acoustic Emission Testing (AET) Advanced Ultrasonic Backscatter Technique (AUBT) Electro Magnetic Acoustic Transducers (EMAT) Guided Wave Ultrasonics (GWUT) Infrared Inspection Liquid Penetrant Examination (LPE) Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT) Meandering Winding Magnetometer Array (MWMA) Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) Radiography Ultrasonic Testing (UT)-
September/October 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Kimberley Hayes at Olympus
Detecting, quantifying, and sizing indications characterized as a “crack" in critical equipment have long been the global benchmark of asset integrity programs. Therefore, the increased precision that inspection programs obtain using advanced...
-
March/April 2016 Inspectioneering JournalBy Mike Brown at Sentinel Integrity Solutions
While there are many types of advanced NDT, this article will focus on the use of acoustics and electromagnetism as the bases for conducting examinations.
-
May/June 2007 Inspectioneering JournalBy Brian Beresford at TechCorr Inspection & Engineering
Tube Inspection is a vital tool for the refining and petrochemical industries. Heat exchangers and condensers are designed to sustain 100% separation between the products in the tube (tube side) and the products in the vessel (shell side). A...
Inspectioneering Journal
Explore over 20 years of articles written by our team of subject matter experts.
Company Directory
Find relevant products, services, and technologies.
Talent Solutions
Discover job opportunities that match your skillset.
Case Studies
Learn from the experience of others in the industry.
Event Calendar
Find upcoming conferences, training sessions, online events, and more.
Industry News
Stay up-to-date with the latest inspection and asset integrity management news.
Blog
Read short articles and insights authored by industry experts.
Acronyms
Commonly used asset integrity management and inspection acronyms.
Downloads
Downloadable eBooks, Asset Intelligence Reports, checklists, white papers, and more.
Videos
Watch educational and informative videos directly related to your profession.