8th International conference and exhibition on “Non-destructive testing and technical diagnosis in industry” Moscow, 18 – 20 March 2009.




The 8th International conference and exhibition on “Non-destructive testing and technical diagnosis (NDT and TD) in industry”, dedicated to 45th anniversary of ZAO “NIIIN MSIA “Spectrum” were held under the aegis of RSNTTD from 18 till 20 March 2009 in the sports complex “Olympiskiy”. The total of 112 scientific reports was presented, among which 40 were of a sectional type and 72 poster reports.

RSNTTD President, director of “ZAO NIIIN MSIA Spectrum”, Academician of Russian Academy of Science, Mr. Klyev V. V. in his brief opening speech noted the role of Introscopy Research Institute in the development of NDT and TD methods, characterized achievements of Russian scientists and specialists in creation of testing and diagnosis aids for the most important branches of the country’s industry and defined unresolved problems. In conclusion, Mr. Klyev noted the importance of achievements and scientific results sharing and called conference participants for active participation in the 10th European conference which will take place in Moscow from 7th till 11th June 2010.

Because of absence of some of the reporters due to reasons in the context of the global financial crisis, a number of poster reports were presented as sectional. The number of reports dedicated to Magnetic and electromagnetic (eddy current) methods was 10%. Among subjects of reports, several trends can be singled out:
• defectoscopy analytical models with the application of contact eddy current transducers (ECT); • determination of mechanical stresses in steel;
• defectoscopy control of metal objects in their production and operation;
• usage of magnetic and electromagnetic methods in combination (complexation) with other physical methods (thermal, acoustic, optical and others).
Reports of the following authors can be referred as the most interesting: A. Vajpayee, Gorkunova E. S., Fedosenko U. K., Bakaunova A. S., Efimova A. G., Shubochkina A. E., Dubova A. A., Shelikhova G. S. and others.
New methods are also developing: thermal eddy current, thick-wall ferromagnetic objects control method with application of low-frequency electromagnetic fields, multifrequent method and others.



At the exhibition electromagnetic gear was presented not only by Russian (“Spektr-group” Association, “Prompribor”, “Luch”, “Votum”, “Kropus”, “Mashinoproekt” academic and research, “Constanta” and others) but also by foreign companies («GE inspection technologies», «Olympus industrial systems EUROPA», «Mac», «Hocking», «Zetek» and others).
The following devices can be referred as the most interesting:
• defectoscopes: VD-90NP, VD-41P, VD-3-71, V3-70, Vector (Russian), «Nortec 500», «Mac 250», «Vector 22», «Phasec 3» and others (foreign);
• thickness meter: ÌÒ-51NP, VT-51NP, «Constanta 5», ÒM-3, ÒÌ-4.
Representation of companies engaged in development and realization of magnetic method NDT equipment notably decreased in comparison with previous years. Russian companies engaged in magnetic method were represented by 8 companies which were ZAO “NIIIN MSIA “Spectrum”, “Technotest” academic and research ltd. and closely associated “Kropus” research and production centre ltd., “Prompribor”, “Energodiagnostica ltd.”, CJSC “Testron”, CJSC “IntronPlus”, and CJSC “Constanta”. Resent developments were presented at “Heling” and ZAO “NIIIN MSIA “Spectrum” exhibition booths. An increase of user’s interest towards structure-scopy can be noted among general trends. Coersimeters used in this method were presented at “Technotest” academic and research ltd. and “SNR” exhibition booths. At the ZAO “NIIIN MSIA “Spectrum” booth, a new coersimeter MS-10 magnetic structurescope with improved metrologic and ergonomic characteristics in comparison to its analogs was presented. Other magnetic method trends were traditionally represented mostly by magnetic thickness meters and magnetic powder control equipment. “SNR” company presented only a single coersimeter KRM-C-K2M. At the “Technotest” academic and research ltd. and “Kropus” research centre booths KIM-2M and a number of magnetic induction coating thickness meters could be observed. CJSC “Testron” presented expendables and equipment for “Babb Co” magnetic powder control. CJSC “IntronPlus” – world’s leading manufacturer of control over different wire ropes presented a wide variety of materials on their developments in defectoscopy of ropes and wire ropes.
Also, defectoscopes for control over rubber-rope conveyor belts, steel plates, tanks and containers. CJSC “Constanta” exhibited only a small part of their thickness-gauging production. All devices are already known from previous exhibitions.
About 10% of the total was dedicated to NDT radiation method. The most interesting scientific works presented by “Diagnostica M ltd.” and “Flashelectronics ltd.” The report from ZAO NIIIN MSIA “Spectrum” dedicated to operational experience of thickness-meters at nonferrous metallurgy enterprises made it possible see modern equipment service maintenance requirements provided to Russian metallurgical plants in a new light. The joint scientific work of TSNK MIREA and FGPU NIIIN from Tomsk, called “Appliance of betatrones in the systems of radiometric control of large-scale objects” describes results of works on creation of search systems and determines prospects for the development. A number of FGPU NIIIN reports were dedicated to Compton tomography, collimators and creation of fast reverse projection algorithms.
At the exhibition, X-ray equipment was presented at exhibition booths of Russian engineering companies “Diagnosis Centre”, CJSC “NIIIN MSIA “SPECTRUM”, “SPECTRELECTRONICS”, “Testron”, “Unitest”. Foreign companies of this segment were represented by their Russian distributors such as TKC, GE Rus and others. It should be noted that a wide variety of equipment was presented by trading companies and solutions providers such as “IndustriaService”, Indumos and others.
The scientific programme of the conference displays notable interest increase among researchers and practicians towards capillary control. Seven reports related to this subject were presented (in the previous conference scientific programme there were no reports dedicated to capillary control).
The reports were presented by FSI “13th Russian Ministry of Defense State Research Institute”, ZAO “NIIIN MSIA “SPECTRUM ”and“ DELTACORE ltd. research and Production Company The reports were dedicated to metrology of capillary test-objects matters; correct arrangement of capillary control over gas-turbine engines parts in the process of repairs with respect to the nature of operational stratum, repair operations and possible existence of fatigue cracks (“13th Russian Ministry of Defense State Research Institute” – Glazkov U. A.). Modern requirements to sets of defectoscopy capillary control materials were considered. The main requirements are sensitivity in a wider variety of materials and climate conditions; reliability of control procedure; high durability of expendables; personnel and environmental safety (ZAO “NIIIN MSIA “Spectrum” – M. V. Filinov).
Topics on creation of counterstrains and luminophores for penetrants are presented in the reports of “DELTACORE ltd.” research and production company (authors: O. R. Khrolova and others). The following manufacturers and brands of capillary control aids were presented at the exhibition: BYCOTEST (ZAO “NIIIN MSIA “Spectrum” representative, Moscow) Chemetall (ASK-Rentgen representative, Saint-Petersburg also represented Sherwin Babb Co.), Elite (PA MEGA, Moscow), Helling GmbH, and MAGNAFLUX (represented by “Kropus” research and production centre. Capillary control test objects as well as defectoscopy materials applying aids were presented only by BYCOTEST and Helling GmbH.
A set of defectoscopy materials for operation under winter conditions at temperatures from -15°C (RP20LT), was, traditionally, presented only by BYCOTEST.
In the optical method scientific programme, reports were presented by ZAO “NIIIN MSIA “Spectrum”, SZTU (Saint-Petersburg) and JSC “Tsniitmash” scientific-production association.
Hydroprotected videoscopy systems for municipal facilities control etc. were represented wider than before. Videocrawlers (PERGAM Company and MEGA industrial association) were widely presented for the first time.
Among foreign endoscope equipment we want to single out the Olympus portable videoscope complex IPLEX FX in a shock-resistant design and with high-quality viewing, recording, digital image processing, image objects measurement and workstation or local network data transfer capabilities. Russian endoscope equipment was presented by CJSC “Omtex” (Moscow) and ZAO “NIIIN MSIA “Spectrum” (Moscow). Both Companies presented classic flexible endoscopes and optical sources; CJSC “Omtex” also presented borescopes. Material science microscopy equipment was presented by ZAO “NIIIN MSIA “Spectrum” and CJSC “Melitech” (Moscow). CJSC “Melitech” traditionally demonstrated OLYMPUS equipment such as strait and inverted static laboratory microscopes including measuring microscopes as well as microscopy and image analysis system digital cameras.
Optical and television systems department of ZAO “NIIIN MSIA “Spectrum” presented operational complete cycle metallography equipment: MPM portable metallographic microscopes, MPM-2U-P profilograph designed for measurement of surface corrosion micro damages, portable micro section equipment. A range of service add-ons for MPM microscopes was presented: vacuum retention system on non-ferromagnetic material surfaces, microscope mount for free-positioning over an object of testing, a table for examination of samples prepared by the classic approach. The new image processing and analysis software pack SPECTR MET 5.7 was presented.
Among reports dedicated to ultrasound testing method we want to single out the following authors: Shevaldykina V. G., Remezova V. B., Kachanova B. K., Syrbu V. N. and others.
In the area of ultrasound (US) testing almost nothing sufficiently new was presented at the PNDT 2009 exhibition in comparison to the last year exhibition. As an exception we wish to point out the metalware defectoscopy system using two types of US waves: 1. Rayleigh waves that are sent to an object by means of electromagnetic transducer. 2. Transverse waves that develop in the defect zone and detected by another electromagnetic transducer (author: Malinka S. A.). The system has fairly high sensitivity but requires complete scanning of a testing object surface for defect finding.
Presented by the Moscow company “Acoustic Control Systems”, AKR1224M the combined US defectoscope has several operation modes. It provides distance finding of defects in rails. This company also presented equipment for complete control of large-diameter pipeline walls utilizing waveguide effect.
One ought to review several new solutions in the most progressive branches of US testing i.e. defectoscopy with appliance of phased array antennae. “OLYMPUS” presented “EPOH 1000” series US defectoscopes with one of them having array antennae operation mode with testing results presenting in the format of a tomogram. The mode of a default defectoscope with changeable US transducers and A-scan signals is also remained. Selection between these two modes is fast and simple. Another good technical solution presented by this company at the exhibition was the small-sized phased array in a case of a standard angled US transducer. The case is borrowed from the well-known transducers of “MWB” type such as “Krautkremer” “MWB45-4” with 24 × 14mm work-face dimensions. Appliance of such an array will make it possible to conduct control in hardly accessible spots of an object at small surface of an accessible surface and even at curvelinear surfaces with not too small curve radiuses. But it should be noted that the front resolution capability of a defectoscope with this array is rather low.
Russian company “Acoustic Control Systems” presented “A1550 IntroVisor” – the significantly upgraded model of a defectoscope with phased array antennae. Arrays of the device got a new ergonomically designed plastic case. Display image quality increased significantly. In particular, the blind spot of the device was almost completely reduced. Side hole image with 2 mm diameter at the 3 mm depth in the CO-2 sample displays at a tomogram without any artifacts as a small bright spot.
Defectoscopy with tomographic imaging of inner structure of an object under control is the most developing US testing trend and so far is closely connected with traditional defectoscopy methods. Mainly the basis for defectiveness assessment of an object is the amplitude determination of criticalness and equivalent size of discontinuity flaw. Defectometry has yet to be developed into a separate method. All foreign equipment of this type works on the principle of imitation of a common US beam being deflected on different angles or self-parallel transferred by means of phased array antennae. Traditional terminology is used: “angle of incident” etc. But tomographic imaging of results provides brand new capacities that are of a limited use so far. The future of such equipment seems to be similar to what had been achieved in the area of medical US topography equipment. That is discontinuity flaw outlines drawing and detailed imaging of positional relationships of small wave scale deflectors. Only in this case it will be possible to deviate from amplitude method analysis of testing results and to determine actual instead of equivalent size of defects.
A brilliant report with a large number of examples was presented by V. P. Vavilov (Introscopy Research Institute, Tomsk, Russia).
The following companies demonstrated their production in the area of thermal viewing: Pergam (FLIR Systems è Cedip Infrared Systems), Testo, Tekkno, Energoaudit 2000, MEGA and Diagnost. In particular, Pergam company presented a variety of improved P series uncooled thermal viewers, among which the FLIR P660 (640õ480 p., 45ìK, 10Ñ, integrated GPS receiver and so forth) model should be singled out. Among small-scale models the FLIRi50 camera can be noted (140x140 p. with integrated video camera and with “picture-in-picture” function). Among Cedip models the following should be noted: Silver 220S – a near infrared bandwidth thermal viewer in 0,8 – 2,5 micron spectral range with high-sensitivity cooled scanner and with 320x240 p. resolution; and also “Titanium” model (320õ256 p. or 640õ512 p., 18 ìÊ, 3 -5 or 8 – 12 microns). Testo Company promoted Testo 880 the famous hand-held, small-scale thermal viewer in several versions (with recommendations on conduction of thermograhic tasks). Tekkno Company presented the famous thermal viewers series “Fluke” with capability of infrared and visual images alignment at a single display. The company Energoaudit 2000 demonstrated a series of SAT thermal viewers among which the Hotfind model with the average price of 180 000 rubbles can be pointed out. MEGA company presented a wide variety of thermal viewers of various companies: Focus IR (France – China), Dali (China), NEC (USA – Japan), Fluke (USA), Jenoptic (Germany). From the presented production the Jenoptic VarioCAM model should be pointed out. This new thermal viewer has a special “Microscanner” capability that provides thermogram of 1280x960 p. resolution. “Diagnost” Company demonstrated production of the famous NEC and Guide (China) companies. Mob IR M8 the new compact Chinese measurement thermal viewer (160x120 p., 0,10C, 0,35 kg, 154x69x45 mm) and “Thermo Shot” the 350 g. pocket infrared measurement camera in the shape of a film camera could be observed (NEC).
In the area of endoscopy, production was presented by a number of famous companies. Thus, “Diagnost” company demonstrated EFER industrial and aircraft endoscopes including several types of ultraviolet endoscopes and endoscopy vision systems created on their basis.
MEGA Company demonstrated a variety of General Electric (GE) modern portable endoscopes, widely used by well-known Russian airlines.
The well-known company KARL STORZ demonstrated a variety of videoscopes one of which is considered as a recent development due to of implementation of multipoint (multichannel) measuring system that increases reliability of control process.
JSC “Omtex” presented TSKT-30 a system for visual examination of inner surfaces of objects. Within sight of the camera panoramic and perspective views of a surface and its fragment angled at 900 are combined.
In the area of search complexes, the new modified developments of TSNK MIREA laboratory and such models as “KALAN - 4”, “Orel”, “Shtok” and “Beta - Scan” are of the most interest.
Reports of scientists and specialists from different regions of Russia such as: Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Omsk, Orel and Nizhniy Novgorod were dedicated to conjunctive use of NDT and TD methods and industrial control.
One sectional report dedicated to “Standardization and certification of NDT aids and personnel” was presented by Lisytsin V. I. from ZAO “NIIIN MSIA “Spectrum”. At the exhibition in the area of “Standardization and certification of NDT aids and personnel”, four Moscow organizations took part: “Scientific and training center “Kachestvo” ltd., Federal State Institution NUCCK “Sertnik” Bauman MGTU affiliated, Scientific and training centre “Control and Diagnosis” and “Lider NDT” examination centre. These organizations at their exhibition booths distributed informational materials, basically containing information on their accreditation scope, provided services and their cost. They didn’t present any reports.
The joint report of NIIIN Tomsk and German Fraunhoffer institute (Klimenov V. F., M. Kroening, Kapranov B. I. and others), dedicated to development improvement issues of education process and forming an education and scientific environment in the area of NDT.
Summarize; it can be notified that the exhibition participation activity this year was on the level of the last year and maybe even higher but the conference participation was significantly weaker. Most probably it was due to lack of “Certification and standardization of NDT aids and personnel” as a separate section.
Production variety presented at exhibition booths for 90% repeated the ones presented at the last year conference and exhibition. Many of the Conference and the Exhibition participants who defended their thesis at the NIIIN council defined the role of ZAO “NIIIN MSIA “Spectrum” as the head institute on NDT and TD branch. The kindest wishes dedicated to the 45th anniversary of the institute were expressed to RSNTTD base organization and “Spektr-group” association.
The traditional innovation contest attracted keen interest of developers and distributors of NDT and TD aids. Out of 18 submitted contest applications the contest committee recommended to point out the following devices:
1. VD-90NP eddy current defectoscope (Science and research association - 12, ZAO “NIIIN MSIA “Spectrum”, Moscow);
2. UT-04EMA ultrasound thickness-meter (Delta) (SNR, Kharkov);
3. Rapidscan 2 ultrasound defectoscope (CSJC PANATEST);
Also in the following categories:
1. Reliable aircraft industry control aids: “DAMI-S” – the composite materials defectoscope (Votum, Moscow).
2. Innovative solution of vibration control problem for different types of equipment of different industries: ONIX vibration analyzer (Diamech, Moscow).
Results of the NDT and TD specialists’ contest that was conducted by RSNTTD and “Kachestvo” science and training center were summed up at the last day of the exhibition. Specialists from 10 Russian regions were awarded with diplomas and valuable gifts. The winners were warmly congratulated by: RSNTTD President, academician of Russian Academy of Science Mr. Klyev V. V., “Kachestvo” science and training center General Manager Birukov N. P., Rostekhnadsor officials and NTC “Industrial safety”.