Oct 10 2012
Exova, the world’s largest independent testing group, has invested a six figure sum in non destructive testing (NDT) at its Droitwich laboratory.
Exova Droitwich in Worcestershire, which specialises in NDT, has installed the Dürr HD CR43 digital radiography system, meaning it is one of the few sub-contract suppliers with this testing capacity or offering this service.
Digital radiography systems have significant benefits over traditional counterparts as there is no film storage required, no chemicals involved in image processing and advanced software functions to analyse results and improve image quality.
The purchase also marks the first time that German-based Dürr NDT has supplied the specialist equipment to a sub-contract laboratory.
The investment is intended to complement previous investment at the lab in immersion and phased array ultrasonic technology.
Digital radiography systems, essentially a form of hi-tech digital photography with no films, chemicals or processing required, are used across a range of industrial sectors and testing types such as weld and casting inspections.
The CR43 system involves exposing an image plate with x-ray or gamma radiation utilising conventional equipment, with a focused laser beam in a scanner triggering release of the stored image data in the form of visible light.
The light is detected, captured and converted into electrical signals which can be displayed on a high resolution computer monitor with adjustable images. The new, £109,000 digital system will complement Exova’s traditional x-ray and gamma radiography facilities and the ultrasonic and eddy current technology already in place. Jonathan Pugh, general manager for NDT services at Exova Droitiwich, said the investment is a significant commitment by the lab.
He explained: “While digital radiography is a service carried out in-house by a number of prime manufacturers, there are very few sub-contract suppliers which offer the testing. “Exova is committed to investing in the latest innovative and high-tech testing systems ensuring the business remains at the forefront of the testing sector and able to offer customers a significant range of testing in-house.”