Eddy Current Inspection System (ECIS)
Fully automated, operator independent inspection system
KBR’s eddy current system offers a fully automated inspection capability for various jet engine parts. Operator independent state-of-the-art software controls 8-axis manipulator through the custom designed digital signal path for a minimum background noise during operation. Since the United States Air Force launched the Retirement for Cause Program to implement a “damage tolerance” approach over 25 years ago, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have been required to employ inspection requirements that ensure structural safety, durability, reduced life cycle costs, and increased service readiness.
Under this program, inspection schemes for many high-performance turbine engine platforms have been developed, including those on the F-14, F-15, F-16, F-22, F-35, B-1, B-2, KC-135, AH-64, and H-60. KBR’s ECIS serves as a “System of Choice” for the USAF and many allied countries, including:
- USAF Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center
- USAF Propulsion Program Office
- Jacksonville Navy Fleet Readiness Center Southeast
- Patt & Whittney
- General Electric Aircraft Engines
- University of Dayton Research Institute
- Australian Air Force
- Government of Israel (Israeli Air Force)
- Hellenic Air Force (Greece)
- Japan Air Force
- Netherlands Air Force
- Norway Air Force
- Republic of Korea Air Force
- Safran Aero Boosters SA
- Singapore Technologies Aerospace Engineering
- Patria (Belgium)
Top Five ECIS Benefits
- Detect hidden, and potentially, deadly defects as small as 0.005 inches. Discontinuities, such as conductivity differences and small cracks, result in a disruption of the induced eddy current field. The ECIS captures these distortions in the processed signals, which are reported as defects when they exceed pre-determined thresholds.
- Eliminate inspection-integrity issues associated with human error. The system automatically inspects all parts consistently and reliably to the OEM-specified flaw size limits. Automated part clamping, sensor selection and calibration, and sensitivity verification ensure repeatable results independent of the operator, sensor, or ECIS system used.
- Find inspection data in an easy-to-use database. Users can search for detailed inspection data, or metadata, of inspections. Additionally, engineers can scrutinize all aspects of an inspection through the sophisticated ECIS analytics software. Engineers may even virtually re-inspect a component using modified inspection parameters.
- Inspect complex engine parts. The ECIS utilizes high precision positioning accuracy, sophisticated motion control, and advanced signal processing capabilities to extract small flaw responses from large geometry responses. This allows the ECIS to successfully inspect a wide range of engines that impact numerous platforms, including next-generation fighter aircraft.
- Improved data quality. The latest ECIS version contains specialized digital instrumentation and signal path that digitizes the eddy current response closer to the sensor. This reduces signal noise and extends the operable frequency range of the inspection. It also provides the latest digital signal processing, array capabilities, and improved integration of eddy current sensors that increase throughput and reliability.
Want to know more about our ECIS solutions?
Contact Anthony Todd at tony.todd@us.kbr.com and Eric Shell at eric.shell@us.kbr.com.
M9077-2024-KBR-09-2024 / © 2024 KBR Inc. All Rights Reserved.