Hello, I'm Ronna Krell, a sales engineer
for Olympus Ultrasonic Flaw Detectors.
Today, we are going to discuss the EPOCH 1000i
and its new optional software feature, Encoded C-scan.
Encoded C-scans allow you to map data
within a gated region relative to probe position
providing a planar map of features within the test piece.
A phased array encoded C-scan
starts by electronically creating either a sector
or linear scan at a fixed probe position.
The probe is then moved along the scan axis,
using an encoder to track its position.
Depth or amplitude data for the gated region
is collected at each probe position
and represented using a color scale.
Encoded C-scans allow you to quickly accumulate data
from a large inspection area for fast visual review
of areas that need additional evaluation.
During C-scan acquisition,
you can view the live A-scan on-screen
along with the C-scan.
Compressed A-scan images can be saved for all C-scan points,
allowing review of single scan points,
as well as recreation of the sectorial or linear scan
from the selected position of the scan.
One common usage of encoded C-scan imaging
is in weld inspection.
In this application, eight or sixteen element probes
are used to create standard phased array sector scans.
These scans provide you with information
over a sweep of angles, usually 40 degrees to 70 degrees,
at a particular probe position.
To create a C-scan image, these weld inspection probes
are attached to a simple positional encoder.
True depth gates are positioned to accumulate data
within the desired leg of the weld.
When you move the probe parallel to the weld axis,
the gated amplitude data is plotted along the length of the weld
at multiple angles defined by the sector scan.
This encoded C-scan capability adds
an additional dimension to standard sector scans.
The C-scan image allows you to determine
the length of the flaw along the weld.
It can also aid in differentiating between defects
geometrically induced reflections such as those
that often occur from the root of the weld.
Encoded C-scans are also frequently used
in zero degree flaw inspection applications.
In these types of inspections,
accumulating a series of linear scans
create a C-scan image showing
a planar view of the test piece from a gated region.
This allows for a faster and more comprehensive inspection
compared to simple spot checking.
Once you have completed a C-scan,
it can be stored in the EPOCH 1000i datalogger.
Along with the C-scan,
compressed A-scans for each C-scan point
are also stored for basic visual analysis
after the scan is completed.
These compressed A-scans
can be used to recreate the sector
or linear scan from a selected slice of the C-scan
for enhanced image review.
The EPOCH 1000i encoded C-scan option
contains powerful imaging capabilities
to enhance inspections for faster
and easier interpretation and reporting.
For more information, please visit our website
at www.olympus-ims.com,
or contact your local sales representative.