EWI stands at the forefront of advanced NDE techniques.
We apply state-of-the-art equipment, innovative methods, and advanced mathematical modeling to facilitate inspection and assessment of complex materials and components.
EWI’s Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) group designs and develops inspection technology for a broad range of applications. We use manual and automated inspections, custom equipment designs, and mathematical modeling to tackle the most challenging inspection problems. In addition to weld evaluation, we develop procedures to inspect bulk materials and components. We continually update our capabilities to include state-of-the-art NDE techniques and work closely with EWI’s other technology groups to assure the highest standards of quality.
Innovations
DEVELOPING INSPECTION PROCEDURE AND INSPECTING oxygen- free copper conductors used to upgrade the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX), a magnetic fusion devise used to study spherical plasmas at the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab (PPPL).
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPOTSIGHT™ SYSTEM, an ultrasonic instrument used to nondestructively evaluate resistance spot welds. By combining OEM hardware, custom software, and advanced packaging, EWI created a hand-held device that is commercially available today (Progenero Products). Using the same technology, a flexible, automated system is currently being developed for integration onto factory floors at OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
THE CREATION OF A LASER INSPECTION PROCESS FOR PIPELINES IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY. Using laser topography to scan the internal weld of the pipe with a pigging system eliminates many of the problems of nondestructive evaluation methods, such as the high false positive rate. EWI has now produced nearly 20 units, which use a laser scanner, three motorized axes, and a video camera, allowing the operator to rotate the video camera freely. The entire process of lining up the pig, scanning, and analyzing the results can be completed in a few minutes.
Identify.
Develop.
Implement.
WE MANUFACTURE INNOVATION.
When you engage with us to solve your inspection challenges, you get the support of every EWI expert with applicable capabilities from across our multi-disciplnary working groups, including materials engineering, modeling, laboratory testing, and optics design. Finally, you’re supported by a network of external resources, including EWI member collaborators.