Metalogic Inspection Services is a complete nondestructive testing provider that provides advanced inspection services, and in particular phased array ultrasonics. The company offers services to asset owners and contractors in various industries around the globe.
The main purpose of the company is well-stated by its president, Bob Simmons, who states that the main task is to assist customers in reducing operational risk as well as the general costs.
In order to do this, Metalogic has come up with an organized approach to these inspections called MetaPhase. The methodology combines the use of the latest ultrasonic devices, thorough training of the technicians, and unique software that is designed to analyze and report data.
Simmons stresses that in order to have a steady quality, repeatability and productivity, there must be high investment in infrastructure. This involves both hands-on training centers and special software. He further adds that the success lies in the exploitation of high performance platforms both in phased array testing as well as in conventional ultrasonic testing.
Making TOPAZ the Standard.
After an extensive process of screening three key equipment suppliers, Metalogic has chosen the Zetec TOPAZ series and UltraVision as its standard inspection platform.
Simmons says that the TOPAZ system offers technicians a flexible and mobile solution that is capable of performing numerous inspection tasks. These involve pipeline weld inspection during new construction as well as in-service pipelines, corrosion mapping, and crack identification and monitoring.
The phased array equipment standardization also extends to uniformity in the training programs, data analysis procedures, and inspection procedures in North America.
An Integrated System of Higher Value.
Metalogic boasts of the largest practical training center in phased array ultrasonic testing in North America. Technicians are highly trained to maximize the potential of the TOPAZ system so that they can provide the same value to customers.
Simmons emphasizes that the set of proprietary software, organized training, and TOPAZ features enable the company to send its technicians to various locations efficiently and keep the quality of inspections and the level of reporting the same.
The TOPAZ system also embraces modern inspection methods, including Full Matrix Capture (FMC), Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD), and Total Focusing Method (TFM). It is also capable of storing raw A-scan data to enable storage to allow the raw data to be documented or to be analyzed later.
Moreover, the system eases the inspection set-up and interpretation of data. The technicians do not have to download focal law files externally or use external remote PC-based control systems which enhances the efficiency of workflow.
Substitution of Radiography with Phased Array.
Metalogic has created custom inspection kits that are based on the TOPAZ platform in order to facilitate the shift towards phased array-based radiographic testing. These systems are supplied with proprietary scanners, and a range of probes and wedges designed to suit specific inspection situations.
According to Simmons, radiographic inspection can be adjusted by changing the amount of film and exposure duration, but in phased array inspection, much more complex configurations are possible. The personalized inspection kits solve this by allowing the automatic configuration of the kit depending on the probes and accessories chosen to minimize the chances of delays or pauses in the course of operations.
Enhancing Effectiveness by integration of software.
Metalogic also has created its own data analysis and automation software. These tools help technicians to identify, define, and quantify defects more efficiently.
The UltraVision software development kit (SDK) is available and allows an easy integration of the proprietary software of Metalogic into both the UltraVision and TOPAZ systems.
This in turn improves the accuracy of inspection and results can be relayed to customers nearly in real time. This integration, according to Simmons, allows data analysis and reporting to be carried out at the location of the weld.
He concludes that the integration of TOPAZ into the inspection system of the company has been instrumental in realizing its goal of minimizing the risk and cost to customers.
Source: https://www.zetec.com/metalogic-inspection-services-an-advanced-inspection-approach/
