Solving the Challenges of Wind Blade Inspection

The Olympus wind blade solution enables users to inspect blade spar caps and shear web bonding made with thick, attenuative materials, such as carbon fiber (CFRP) and glass fiber (GFRP). With wider coverage compared to conventional ultrasonic testing (UT), this phased array probe solution makes these challenging inspections easier with:

• Improved scan speed
• Increased data point density
• Reliable data
• Comprehensive, intuitive imaging

Optimized for Highly Attenuative Materials and 2-Encoded Axis Scanning Compatibility I5 Phased Array Probe and SI5 Probe Holder Series 0.5 MHz and 1 MHz phased array probes are available for this PA solution. You can also choose between the semicontact probe holder for scanning thicker parts or the Aqualene delay line probe holder for improved near-surface resolution. Each can be configured to scan in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the blade using a Mini-Wheel™ encoder for a one-line encoded scan or the GLIDER™ scanner for full 2-axis encoded inspection. Other benefits of the kit include: 22 mm elevation phased array probe for maximum energy Beam coverage width of up to 96 mm Lightweight plastic construction

I5 phased array probe and SI5 probe holder series

Easy-to-Implement Ergonomic Scanning RollerFORM™ XL Phased Array Scanner The RollerFORM XL scanner is a wider version of the original and proven RollerFORM scanner, designed to address the challenges of large-component inspection. It is available with a 1 MHz phased array probe with larger elevation to provide improved signal performance on attenuative materials such as composites. Offering a more convenient approach to wind blade inspection, the RollerFORM XL scanner is ergonomic, easy to use, and requires only a mist of water to achieve good coupling. With its built-in start acquisition and clicker buttons as well as a laser guide, the RollerFORM XL scanner is capable of 2D mapping when combined with an OmniScan™ flaw detector. Other benefits of the kit include: 13 mm elevation phased array probe Beam coverage width of up to 128 mm 25 mm water delay line enables inspection of composites up to 50 mm thick

The RollerFORM on a wind blade sample with an OmniScan X3 showing C-, S-, and A-Scans.

Intuitive Imaging for Spar Cap Inspection

Monitoring the integrity of spar cap material is important for manufacturers. As soon as a flaw is detected, they need to quickly adjust production parameters to help ensure the quality of the glass or carbon fiber materials.

The intuitive imaging provided by our phased array flaw detectors makes it easier for inspectors to detect:

• Delamination
• Wrinkles
• Porosity
• Disbonds

Typical defect types detected by phased array ultrasound

Fast, Reliable Shear Web Bonding Inspection

Inspection of shear web bonding is critical for the long-term reliability of the blade. This phased array probe solution can travel along the blade or across it—use the Mini-Wheel™ encoder for manual one-line encoded scans or the GLIDER™ scanner for two-axis, semiautomated encoded scans.

The scans produce intuitive C-scan images that show the inspected area mapped with color-coded signal amplitude.

This solution makes it easier to identify bond quality and measure the width of a bond. At bonded zones, if the bond is good, the ultrasound travels through the adhesive and disperses into the shear web, resulting in weak echo at the bonded interface (represented in blue or yellow on the C-scan). In some applications, the corresponding A-scan can be used to measure the thickness of the adhesive.

The C-scan view is used to easily identify bond quality as well as measure the width of the bond.

In this example, the A-scan can be used to measure the adhesive's thickness.

Acquisition Performance

While the OmniScan flaw detector is the preferred instrument for manual or semiautomated inspection during manufacturing and in-service maintenance, the FOCUS PX^™ acquisition unit can be used as part of a custom automated inspection system in manufacturing.

Semiautomated inspection using the 72-inch long GLIDER scanner and OmniScan flaw detector

For conventional ultrasonic testing (UT) applications, holders are available that enable the M2008 probe to be used with the GLIDER™ scanner or the Mini-Wheel™ encoder.

SM2008-0L-AQ25 (left). M2008 0.5 MHz probe (center). SM2008-0L-SC (right).

Radii Inspection Solution

Our Phased Array Composite Inspection Solution for radii features holders and curved linear arrays that cover the entire corner in a single pass. The geometry of the probe enables all of the ultrasonic beams to coincide at 90° with the surface of the corner similar to flat-surface inspection. The inspection is performed in water immersion, either from the inside or from the outside of the radii, depending on the shape and size.