Above: Ultrasonic inspection being carried out using the PeakNDT MicroPulse ultrasonic inspection system, one of the hardware types compatible with TWI Crystal.
 
TWI Crystal is a unique, easy-to-use application that drastically simplifies inspection procedures when compared to existing phased array inspection techniques. Built around a robust, scalable architecture, it allows for deployment within a wide variety of industry sectors, including aerospace.

 
From small-form-factor systems (comprising a laptop and portable pulser/receiver), through to factory and academia solutions utilising rack-mountable hardware (with support for up to three pulser/receiver units), TWI Crystal can grow with inspection requirements.
 
Integration with existing PAUT hardware
The Crystal acquisition and analysis package drives third-party phased array ultrasonic hardware that is commonly available and already widely deployed in industry. It extends the capability of this hardware by providing fully focused imagery throughout the inspection volume with minimal user input.
 
Through extensive consultation with industry, TWI has developed a solution that contains a rich set of features including B-scan and C-scan imaging modes with support for linear arrays and encoded scanning, volumetric merge of data and inspection calibration. Crystal also supports full reporting, with automatic sizing tools allowing -6dB and -3dB drop measurements to be recorded with a click of a button.
 
Full matrix capture is a major research theme at TWI’s Wales technology centre, and is seen as the next evolution in ultrasonic inspection. Extensive development work has allowed TWI to engineer solutions that allow for improvements over standard imaging algorithms, and the ability to visualise what would previously be invisible by accounting for inspection setup and material properties. This makes the solution suitable for a wide range of weld and composite inspection scenarios.
 
Currently supported hardware platforms are the PeakNDT MicroPulse (operating under Windows or Linux) and the Cephasonics cQuest Cicada (operating under Linux). Support for more instruments is planned for the future.
 
Crucially, TWI Crystal is intended to be both scalable and adaptable, allowing for rapid delivery of new features and hardware based on individual customer requirements. New imaging modes and algorithms are provided as part of the licensing agreement.