Enhanced inspection performance and reduced complexity, the OMNISCAN MX eddy current array instrument for surface and near-surface inspections

ECA (eddy current array) detection technology, aside from enhancing the electronic conversion capability between chips, is actually indistinguishable from ECT (eddy current testing) technology. The operation and calibration of the ECA detection are very straightforward. The OmniScan MXE 3.0 ECA software has been redesigned to not only facilitate the transition from traditional ECT instruments (such as Olympus' Nortec 500) to ECA instruments but also to provide ECA performance in a more convenient manner.

Single Channel ECT                                                                  Concurrently utilizing 32 channels

Nortec 500's Main Menu OmniScan MXE 3.0's Main Menu

Real-time impedance plane graph

ECA calibration is almost identical to traditional ECT calibration. The same principles of lift-off, gain, and balance adjustments are applied during the calibration process, so the calibration should not be more complex or time-consuming than usual.

When using an ECA probe, it can generate lift-off signals in real time, just like when using a traditional ECT probe.

You can use the OmniScan's jog wheel to adjust the phase angle in real time. You can also adjust the gain, vertical gain, and balance point (H/V) position in the same manner.

Alternative to traditional NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) methods

The process of removing paint layers is outdated.

The eddy current array possesses a unique capability for detecting through thin coatings on conductive materials. Compared to existing detection methods such as penetration, magnetic particle, or magnetic optical imaging (MOI), this feature offers significant advantages due to the elimination of the need to strip off coatings or plating before detection and reapply them afterward. Over time, this detection method can save users a substantial amount of cost, and most importantly, it does not use any chemical agents during the detection process.

使用渗透法检测工件（红色渗透剂可见）                                                  使用标准ECA探头检测得到的扫描视图，带有与渗透检测相同的红颜料       
Image (patent protected). Sensitivity adjustable to display more or fewer defects.

Key Advantages:

• No paint stripping required.

• Imaging and archiving.

• One-step testing, high-speed scanning, results instant.

• Saved a significant amount of time (typically 10 times or more).

• Greatly reduced turnaround time.

• Capable of defect depth assessment.

• Adjustable sensitivity; post-processing analysis available.

• Environmental-friendly methods (no chemical additives).

A variety of familiar color palettes available, offering more possibilities.

MXE 3.0 ECA software offers a series of patented image formats that represent data with a color palette, maintaining the appearance of traditional NDT data representation and facilitating the intuitive display of ECA signals.

Penetration Testing (Fluorescent) Magnetic Particle Inspection (Red Powder) Magnetic Particle Inspection (Fluorescent)

Analysis, reports, and archiving

After inspection, confirm or re-inspect

Even after on-site testing is completed, the OmniScan MX ECA can still provide its value in data storage, analysis, and report generation. With OmniScan MX ECA, users can view individual defect indicators and make corrections as needed. The MXE 3.0 ECA software features a new design and intuitive data cursors, allowing direct operation from the instrument (on-site) or via a connected mouse through a USB port (in the office).

The selection cursor for the MXE 3.0 software is very  , allowing for easy correction of recorded data.

Intuitive, allowing for quick selection of any defect indication. The above example demonstrates adjustments made to the gain (contrast).

MX Report Instant Report, Easy to Archive

OmniScan MX features a one-click report generation function. Advanced users can also customize and define reports themselves. However, the manufacturer's default report format already includes screen captures and carefully selected, pre-imported data panels, aiming to eliminate the hassle of customizing reports by users.

Archiving test data files is extremely easy; simply press a button during collection or analysis to store the data on the instrument's memory card.

Users can quickly and efficiently perform data analysis with mouse input. With a CompactFlash card reader, users can archive files to their PC.

Code scanning for easier data readability

The optimized calibration process consists of only 3 steps.

The OmniScan MX ECA not only displays ECA signals in conventional ECT impedance plane views but also offers various other views and layouts, allowing users to experience the truly powerful performance of the encoded ECA technology. These displays can be part of the calibration process, making the eddy current detection process clear, and even enabling pass/fail judgments based on user-defined qualification standards.

Benefiting from its intuitive interface design, the OmniScan MX ECA allows for quick and easy configuration and operation. The setup process consists of just three simple steps.

1. Utilize real-time impedance plane graphs to adjust common ECT controls in real time. 2. Activate encoder and C-scan views. 3. Fine-tune settings and prepare for detection.

Continuous Encoder Mode

The advantage of time-based detection lies in its ability to provide nearly limitless scanning performance without excessive intervention to the instrument. The benefit of coded scanning (C-scan images) is that it generates valuable color-coded images and information indicating the location, shape, and dimensions of defects.

MXE 3.0 ECA software introduces a new Continuous Encoder Mode, generating calibrated images from encoders while maintaining user-friendly timing detection. This mode offers high detection efficiency and allows users to freely decide whether to record defect indicators.

Robust color imaging capabilities

Utilize color-coded C-scan to assess the depth of defects

In most surface or near-surface applications, the severity of defects is closely related to the amplitude of the eddy current signals, just as with conventional eddy current technology. By using a color-coded amplitude-based system and plotting each channel's return signal onto an image with encoded position information, the resulting C-scan displays become highly clear and intuitive. These scan images can be saved to removable CF cards and can be compiled into reports within the OmniScan MX instrument.

Calibrate the ECA (Eddy Current Array) sensitivity and adjust... The calibrated ECA scan images utilize various... The images show actual corrosion defects on the aircraft skin.

When measuring, it is necessary to use a guide with known depth ranges to express the depth of each defect with color. Different colors indicate varying depths of the defects.

Defective reference standard test blocks.

Determine whether an item is acceptable or defective based on the threshold value for defects

When using OmniScan MX ECA, users can make pass/fail decisions on defect indications based on the C scan color view. The MXE 3.0 ECA software includes a variety of factory-tested color palettes to optimize signal display in ECA applications.

Additionally, the C scan alarm function simplifies the threshold setting for discard signals, as it can instantly change the C scan color when the signal on the impedance plane enters the alarm zone.

MXE 3.0 ECA software comes preloaded with various color palettes suitable for different applications. The alarm function changes the color of the C-scan whenever the signal is in the discard area.

(Patent rights are protected.)