Phasec 3 Series eddy current flaw detectors

Citation

(2008), "Phasec 3 Series eddy current flaw detectors", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 80 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2008.12780fad.003

Phasec 3 Series eddy current flaw detectors

Article Type: Equipment and software From: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Volume 80, Issue 6

The three members of the new Phasec 3 family of eddy current flaw detectors from GE Sensing and Inspection Technologies offer a large colour display, with colour coding of each channel to enhance signal interpretation. They are lightweight, battery-powered and small enough to fit into a toolbox or even a large pocket, so that eddy current inspection can be used for crack and corrosion detection and conductivity and coating thickness measurement in the most difficult of inspection environments. In addition, the Phasec 3 series features USB connectivity for easy downloading and reporting of data.

The new 1/4 VGA TFT, large colour screen of the Phasec 3 series brings significant user benefits. Colour coding can now be used to highlight specific data, to allow easier, more reliable and faster interpretation of displayed signals, as each channel is assigned its own colour. Colour coding can be used to differentiate between stored and active signals and it is possible to use colour to differentiate the graticule from the signal. With a choice of eight colour combinations, viewability can be optimised for specific situations according to personal taste.

Portability is another major feature of the Phasec 3 range and instruments weigh just 1.1 kg, including batteries, and are roughly the size of a hard back book. As a result they are easy to carry to site and to use on site, with a battery life of around 6 h. Each instrument is housed in a tough, robust case, and the instrument internals have been designed to resist moist, tropical or salt-laden atmospheres. A rubber boot further increases shock resistance.

The new Phasec 3 range claims enhanced ease-of-use and easy-to-read display texts. The on-screen menu allows all functions and parameters to be set, stored in the memory and recalled as required. The on-board memory has the capacity for 200 set-ups and 200 traces and USB connectivity permits safe and fast downloading to a PC. It can be operated equally well by both left-handed and right-handed users and large tactile buttons give good feedback even when wearing gloves. To provide for bench use, an integrated stand is available on the rubber boot so that a comfortable viewing angle can be set.

Incorporating all the functionality of earlier Phasec models, the new range of instruments can operate in phase plane, Y(t) and bar graph modes and spot information gives the co-ordinates on screen. Digital alarm systems can be audio or visual and help to ensure that all defects are identified.

There are three models in the Phasec 3 range and they are all compatible with all commonly used, relevant, eddy current probes. The Phasec 3 is a single frequency instrument for crack and corrosion detection and conductivity and coating measurements in a wide range of applications in virtually every industrial segment. The Phasec 3s adds dynamic rotating inspection capability, which ensures increased probability of detection and faster operation when inspecting bolt holes or other bores. The Phasec 3d adds dual frequency capability to the functionality of the 3s so that it is possible to inspect at two different depths and optimise weld inspections.

Detail available from: GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies. Tel: +44 1925 604095.