RMS2 - High speed, Automated Ultrasonic C-scan corrosion mapping system

Data Acquisition Software

The corroison mapping control software has been written especially for the latest generation notebooks which fully utilises the Microsoft 7 operating platform. The intuitive data acquisition and analysis software shows a real-time display of the ultrasonic A-scan, C-scan, thickness measurement and positional data whilst scanning at 730 mm per second with a maximum resolution of 2 mm x 2 mm. All of this information is recorded when a scan is saved.
 
The RMS software seamlessly integrates scanner control, data capture, data analysis and reporting tools into one user friendly package. The software features a modular user interface, designed so RMS operators can quickly hide infrequently used controls, restore hidden controls with one click and save specific screen layouts for future use.

The ultrasonic controls built into the RMS software are similar to those found on a standard ultrasonic flaw detector so a trained ultrasonic operator can quickly become familiar with all controls and functions.

Multiple A-scan gates can be added to measure between several parts of the A-scan trace. This means it is possible to measure the signal amplitude, part thickness, internal surface profile and external surface profile simultaneously.

The RMS software is designed around the use of C-scan ‘layers’. This allows the RMS operator to quickly switch between each of the multiple C-scan views generated when using multiple A-scan gates. During a scan, the A-scan trace and resulting C-scan image are shown within the RMS software in real time.

A-scan gates can be added or adjusted even after a scan is completed. This allows the operator to re-analyse the A-scan data after correcting the gate settings to produce a more accurate C-scan image. This powerful tool minimises the need for re-scanning due to changes in surface condition or minor set-up errors.

The RMS software automatically stores the A-scan data, C-scan image and gate information. Once a scan has been completed, the data can be analysed using a range of display options including A-scan, B-scan, C-scan and 3d C-scan views. These powerful viewing tools provide detailed information and allow high resolution and accurate reports to be generated quickly.

The A-scan window displays a live view of the A–scan during a scan. It also shows each of the A-scan gates currently in use. The A-scan window is also used to display the A-scan trace from a specific area of a saved C-scan. The operator can simply move or hover the cursor over a part of the saved C-scan image to view the A-scan trace for that area.

Generally, the C-scan window shows a plan view of the scanned area, with differing thicknesses represented as changes in colour. All C-scan colour options are fully customisable.

The X and Y position and the recorded thickness measurement are displayed next to the cursor while the cursor is moved or hovered over the C-scan image. A 2-axis B-scan thickness profile is displayed above, and to the side of the c-scan image. The B-scan thickness profile is also updated by moving or hovering the cursor over the C-scan image.

C-scan layers can be used to display a detailed, rotating 3D C-scan view of the saved scan. This view shows the thickness of the part, and also the external surface profile, and the internal surface profile. All A-Scan, B-scan and C-scan views can be either printed directly from the software, or saved as digital images in order to create a detailed report. Saved RMS data can also be exported as .csv files for analysis with other 3rd party software such as Microsoft Excel.