Modern Inspection Systems - Term Paper Example

Modern Inspection Systems Insert Name Course Institution Instructor Date of Submission Table of Contents Introduction 1.0 Small Inspection Systems 1.1 Associated Technology and Theory 1.2 System Details 1.3 Purpose of the Device 1.4 Means of Use and Associated Ancillary Equipment 1.5 Advantages and Limitations of the Device 2.0 Large Inspection Systems 2.1 Associated Technology and Theory 2.2 System Details 2.3 Purpose of the Device 2.4 Means of Use and Ancillary Equipment 2.5 Merits and Demerits of the Device Conclusion References Appendices Introduction Heightened security and trade operations around the world have necessitated the development of the inspection systems within organizations and institutions. Inspection systems are applicable in almost all areas of operations whereby they ascertain trade quantities and ensure authenticity of goods or persons. Modern inspection systems integrate a number of features such as organizing inspection requirements, scheduling inspections and maintaining inspection records. The integration of these features has been made possible by recent technological advancements. This report seeks to discuss about both small and large inspection devices by focusing on their technology, theory, purpose of each system, additional ancillary equipment as well as the pros and cons of each system. 1.0 Small System Inspection 1.1 Associated Technology and Theory Small inspection systems are mobile technology equipments with the capability to be moved to a different area for inspection purposes. These systems are preferred due to their mobility and user-friendliness. Additionally, these systems are less expensive compared to the large systems that are highly designed. For the purposes of this report, the Lexid hand-held x-ray imaging device will be discussed. The device manufactured by the Physical Optics Corporation is used to view objects hidden behind obstacles such as walls and/or containers1. The device is a one-sided X-ray inspection and imaging system providing through-the-wall images of people and objects. Advancements on technological innovation have enabled people to conceal contraband material, weapons and people behind objects and this resulted into the development of the device. The optical principle states that optical rays are able to penetrate material hence the development of the device that enables inspection officers ensure their safety and that of their premises without necessarily going through an individual’s property2. X-ray focusing optics are located at the front of the device that garner signals that are digitally enhanced and consolidated into an object that is then displayed on the device’s LCD screed. The device is equipped with LEXID operating software that synchronizes the acquired image for display. 1.2 System Details Firstly, the LEXID X-ray imaging device has a handle on one end that enables the user to maneuver the device across the object. On the other end, the device is made up of hard X-ray optics that goes through the object and collects images that are enhanced by the LEXID operating software3. Afterwards, the collected images are displayed on the liquid crystal display that is located above the user handle. The LCD screen enables the user identify the objects located behind the obstacle and allow entry or otherwise. The device is plugged onto a 20watt battery or wall plug with a standby period of 18 hours. Its weight is estimated at about 18lb and measures 18”x16”x6”4. 1.3 Purpose of the Device The device is designed to inspect motor vehicles, briefcases and other carrying devices for explosive or contraband materials, weapons, hidden objects and people that are not allowed within a premise. The LEXID x-ray imaging device is also used to prevent the transit of materials from within a premise without proper authorization from the executives. Identification of unwanted materials within a premise ensures the safety of the occupants as well as controls the movement of people within the premise. Additionally, the device serves an unmanned ground inspection tools that is able to survey an item without necessarily deploying security or inspection personnel. This device can be mounted on mobile equipment with the capability to move around an area. Lastly, the LEXID x-ray device can be used within industries where the x-ray vision system can be used to assess the quality of the manufacturing process and identify hitches within the process5. 1.4 Means of Use and Associated Ancillary Equipment The LEXID x-ray screening device is powered by a switch that allows the flow of electrical energy to the device. During inspection, the user holds the device by the handle and points it towards the inspection object. The x-ray vision is able to pick up the contents of the objects and display them on the LCD screen. Due to its small nature, the user has to go round the inspection object gathering images of the object. It should however be noted that the device can be used to inspect objects that have a thickness of 0.4mm for steel material, 0.6mm for aluminum and 12.7 for cardboard. Notably, the device is used on its own and does not require ancillary equipment for it to work efficiently. 1.5 Advantages and Limitations of the Device The advantages of the LEXID X-ray imaging device include:- 1. It enhances the inspection process by avoiding time wastage incurred by going through material 2. Uses low energy levels hence the user is not exposed to high levels of energy that result into health problems. 3. The device can be mounted on ground vehicles for inspection purposes hence reducing the exposure of the inspection personnel especially where hazardous material is involved. 4. Enhanced image quality that is processed by the LEXID operating software installed in the device6. However, the limitations of the hand-held x-ray device include: 1. The user has to hold the device still for 5-10 seconds for it to gather the image and process it for the user7. 2. The device is unable to effectively inspect material contained in containers that have a thickness greater than the specified limits. 2.0 Large Inspection Systems 2.1 Associated Technology and Theory The LA –Wave System manufactured by Quality Network, Inc is ultrasonic testing equipment that can be applied in process development and quality control8. This device uses the nondestructive inspection method that seeks to prevent interference with the manufacturing process. With this inspection system, organisations are able to manufacture quality products that are adequately inspected during the manufacturing process. Technically, the system is designed on the acoustics principle and theory whereby sound emitted by the instrument is reflected and the instrument measures this dispersion9. The acoustics theory provides that the dispersion of sound on a material’s surface can be used to determine the content of the material underneath. 2.2 Detail of the System The LA-wave system comprises of a computer monitor connected to an acoustics machine that sends sounds to the material being inspected and receives the sound deflection from the material10. The deflection is recorded in the form of a curve that is displayed on the monitor to enable the user make inspection decisions. A table is placed besides the acoustics machine where the monitor is placed for the inspection officer to monitor the inspection process. The acoustics machine consists of the pulser and transducer as well as an inbuilt algorithm that determine the thickness of the material’s film coating11. However, the system is only able to inspect materials coated with the diamond-type carbon, ceramics, metals, dielectrics and polymers. 2.3 Purpose of System This inspection device assists in the inspection of manufactured materials while still undergoing production. Through the non-destructive inspection capability, the device is able to inspect manufactures materials without interfering with their manufacturing process. The system is suitable for conducting inspections into piping systems and turbine shafts where the interior is inaccessible. 2.4 Means of Use and Ancillary Equipment The pulser in the acoustics machine produces electrical pulses that have a high voltage while the transducer generates the ultrasonic energy that also has a high frequency. The sound energy in form of waves penetrates the testing material and reflected back where there are material discontinuities along the wave path. In return, the transducer transforms the electrical signal that is displayed on the monitor12. On the monitor, the inspection officer is able to identify sections of the material that are sub-standard. 2.5 System Merits As an ultrasonic inspection system, the LA-wave has the following advantages:- 1. It is able to inspect surface and inner surface discontinuities 2. This system is able to test thick materials compared to the optical inspection systems. 3. The system requires minimum surface preparation compared to other non-destructive systems. 4. Lastly, the system is exceptionally accurate in identifying reflector positions as well as estimating size and shapes13. On the other hand, the ultrasonic inspection system’s limitations include:- 1. Inability to test all materials since all materials subjected to testing should be able to transmit ultrasound14. 2. Requires intensive and extensive personnel training to operate the system. 3. Materials for inspection ought to have even surfaces, size, thickness and shapes. 4. In most cases a coupling medium is required in order to enhance the transmission of sound energy into the material being specimen15. Conclusion The optical and ultrasonic inspection systems are categorised under non-destructive testing methods. These methods are highly reliable and versatile in inspection exercises especially due to their non-interference with the production or manufacturing process. During the manufacturing process, inspection exercises are very important as they enhance the production of quality products as well as ensure quality production processes. Flaws within the manufacturing process could result into the production of low-quality products as well as result into massive operational losses. Therefore, the modern inspections systems that do not impact on the manufacturing process seek to enhance manufacturing quality through regular inspection exercises. References Mawby, DW. Integrating Inspec. Mgmt into your Quality Imprvmnt Sys. ASQ Quality Press, Michgan, 2006. NDT Resource Centre. ‘Basic Principles of Ultrasonic Testing’, < http://www.ndt- ed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/Ultrasonics/Introduction/descripti on.htm >, 2010 (accessed 03 March 2010 ). Physical Optics Corporation. ‘LEXID-Handheld X-Ray Imaging Device’, < http://www.poc.com/emerging_products/lexid/default.asp >, 2003 (accessed 3 March 2010). Quality Network, Inc. ‘Ultrasonic Testing: LA-Wave System’, < http://www.qnetworld.com/ultrasonic_testing/la_wave.html >, 2009 (accessed 03 March 2010). Appendices Fig 1: The LEXID X-ray imaging device Fig 2: The LA-Wave System Read More