1. Ultrasonic Technology Eddy Current Technology
Non-Destructive Analysis of Mechanical Damage and Corrosion in SAVY Containers
Matthew Davenport, Adrian Abeyta, Angus Guider, Rajendra Vaidya
LA-UR
 Abstract
 Methods & Materials
Mechanical System
Ultrasonic Technology
16 channel Focus PX
38DL-Plus Handheld Instrument
15 MHz Delay Line Transducers
Eddy Current Technology
OmniScan MX
32 channel ECA probe
ECA Semi-Rigid probe
Mechanical System
Gantry system
Ball bearings
Electric motors
Custom analysis software
10 Sonopen Delay Line Ultrasonic Probes rigidly mounted with 0.5” spacing and Pewter shielding to protect the transducers.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) for mechanical damage, plastic deformation, and corrosion within SAVY containers will augment current container monitoring procedures. Our user-friendly, automated system conducts precise wall thickness measurements and damage analysis to check the structural integrity of SAVY containers. This system will reduce the average cost and time per inspection, enabling novel surveillance capabilities.
The system will be mounted on a mobile cart along with a computer, the OmniScan MX, and the Focus PX for on board data processing.
Example of PBC Electric Slides being used as an XY positioning system.
 Introduction
SAVY containers are prone to interior corrosion and are sometimes damaged during normal use and shipping. Currently, container surveillance is performed in a glovebox by an experienced technician. An automated NDT system will improve worker safety and surveillance cycle efficiency, allowing for unprecedented capabilities in container management.
OmniScan MX
Baseplate of automated system. Flange-mount ball transfers (bearings) are mounted such that each SAVY size (shown in black) is supported. The small holes position electric motors that rotate the can. Probe mounts are positioned through the slots.
 Ultrasonic
 Eddy Current Array (ECA)
Ultrasonic testing can precisely measure the wall thickness of a SAVY container. Thickness changes over time indicate corrosion.
Eddy Current Array will detect flaws and cracks in SAVY containers due to damage that may occur during shipping or storage.
Transducer Emits Pulse
Delay line transfers energy and dampens transmit pulse
Transducer records time between entry echo and back wall echo
Thickness is calculated
 Conclusion
Feasibility studies have been concluded and optimal technologies were chosen. The Olympus Focus PX with delay line ultrasonic transducers and the OmniScan MX with an Eddy Current Array probe have been ordered. Certified 316L SAVY plates have been procured from Vollrath Manufacturing for initial system testing.
A magnetic field is produced around the coil.
The coil is placed on conductive material and an eddy current is induced in the coil
A defect signal can be obtained by measuring the coil impedance variation.
The Focus PX can simultaneously record measurements from 16 transducers.
 Future Development
Controlled experiments will characterize the performance of both NDT technologies on certified SAVY stainless steel in a laboratory setting. An electric slide system will be chosen and fit to our models. Our system will be assembled and functional within two years.
SAVY cans used to store hazardous materials in the vault
Focus PX Integrated Instrumentation
 Proposed Applications
Non-Destructive automated system useable on all sizes of SAVY containers
Receipt Inspection of SAVY containers
Expeditious corrosion inspections
Color coded damage maps for visual inspections
Each new container will serve as its own control
Detailed record over the lifetime of each storage container.
SAVY container after a series of drop tests with different initial orientations. Plastic deformation changes material properties.
 References
“Introduction to Eddy Current Testing” Olympus IMS. Web. Accessed July
“Ultrasonic Thickness Testing” NDTnet. Web. Accessed July
“SIMO Series Linear Motion Platform” PBC Linear. Web Accessed July
SAVY container with general surface corrosion