Position sensor modules

FlawInspecta Position Sensor Options Standard C-scan position sensor trolley This trolley provides a simple and effective mechanism to achieve position sensing for rapid manual C-scanning. The combination of an optical encoder on a solid axle ensures accurate and repeatable position information along a straight line swathe at rapid scan rates. Twin push-button controls on the trolley allow user control of the scan without needing to revert to the main controls. The trolley is fixed to the wide assortment of array heads by a simple screw-lock to allow rapid interchange of the head between C-scan and freehand B-scan modes. This mechanism also allows the system to adapt to different radii of curvature. Large area stitching jig This jig provides a very simple and flexible approach to extending the width of the standard C-scan swathe to cover a larger area. The software is able to align adjacent swathes into a large matrix but needs a mechanism to define the start position and orientation of each swathe. The jig achieves this by providing a set of equi-spaced markers (can be user adjusted) for the operator to use to start each individal C-scan swathe. The jig if fixed to the surface with manual vacuum cups. Cable position sensor The main difference between the Cable sensor and the Standard position sensor trolley is that the former remains in a fixed position on the scanning surface while the latter travels with the array. This ensures that the scanning head size is minimized and so it is well-suited to scanning of areas with limited access. A sprung-loaded, nylon-coated stainless steel cable is used to measure the distance between probe and sensor housing. Twin buttons on the housing provide user interface control without reverting to the main keyboard. The cable provides no means for constraining the array to move at right angles to the cable direction. Although a freehand scan can give good qualitative results of any anomalies, some type of guide is needed for quantitative assessment. Some array standoffs have wheel assemblies to perform this function but a line drawn on the inspection surface can also be used. ANDSCAN® “R-Theta” position sensor The ANDSCAN® was developed by QinetiQ (formerly DERA) as a means to ensure 100% coverage with single-element transucers and to document the result as a C-scan image and it is now in use worldwide on many different applications. Continuous refinements over the years have ensured that it evolves to work with the FlawInspecta to acquire full-waveform with linear arrays for maximum scan flexibility and speed. The key to its original success was the combination of accuracy and simplicity of the “R-Theta” where sensors monitor the angle and radius of the extensible arm. Existing ANDSCAN® systems can be upgraded to use the FIRE-technology of the FlawInspecta to acquire full-waveform data over large areas at speed using linear arrays. The array orientation can be locked relative to the arm or an optional 3rd axis sensor can be used for flexible orientation which can be particularly useful in scanning close to all edges of surface obstructions. KitScanner motorized C-scanner The KitScanner is a new development from QinetiQ that is compatible with their ANDSCAN® area acquisition system for automated scanning. It can be configured to perform a user-defined scan pattern with the data being acquired under the standard full-waveform ANDSCAN® software.

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