Dolphitech awarded validation of advanced NDE for manual array ultrasonic testing by Lloyd’s Register
30/04/2025
Dolphitech, a worldwide leader in high-definition ultrasonic non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions, has announced its recent achievement: securing Lloyd’s Register (LR) certification for its cutting-edge matrix array ultrasonic testing (MAUT) technology and the Dolphicam2 device.
Lloyd’s Register, a pioneering organisation with over 260 years of history in providing classification, industry compliance and safety in maritime and offshore industry, has awarded the validation. This certification is a crucial milestone for Dolphitech, showcasing the company’s adherence to the standards set by Lloyd’s Register.
In MAUT, the transducers have elements in two directions, both the X- and Y-direction. Consequently, the elements now cover an area rather than just a point (ultrasonic testing (UT)) or a slice (phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT)). This makes it a matrix array. Each of these elements is used for pulse-echo and each element therefore results in an A-scan. This adds one more dimension compared to PAUT and makes the result even easier to interpret. The gathered data allows for the generation of volume data or 3D data and results can be viewed and interpreted in planar view (also known as a C-scan) or in a 3D presentation, in addition to a B-scan and an A-scan.
This allows a lot more flexibility in representing the NDT results and makes the results from MAUT far easier to interpret than UT and PAUT. This reduces the need for competence of the operator and speeds up inspection.
The certification process was thorough, ensuring that Dolphitech’s MAUT technology and Dolphicam2 met rigorous industry standards and regulatory requirements. Following Lloyd’s Register’s ‘Materials and Qualification Procedure for Ships Book N, Chapter 3 – Validation of Advanced NDE Methods’, the validation covered a broad range of MAUT transmitter-receiver module (TRM) frequency ranges from 0.7 MHz to 10 MHz. The extensive testing phase included 125 tests on 12 independently verified samples, benchmarked against established non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques such as PAUT.
Peter Amin, Senior NDE Specialist at Lloyd’s Register, commented: “Lloyd’s Register is pleased to validate Dolphitech’s innovative MAUT technology, reinforcing our commitment to industry safety standards. This certification underscores our dedication to maintaining superior compliance and reliability in NDT inspection methods, enhancing safety across various sectors.”
Dolphitech’s MAUT technology and Dolphicam2 device represent significant advancements in NDT inspection methods. These tools offer high-definition imaging capabilities and enhanced efficiency, resulting in substantial improvements in inspection accuracy and speed.
The validated technologies provide confidence to numerous industries, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Terje Skaaland, Interim Managing Director at Dolphitech AS, commented: “This certification paves the way for new opportunities for Dolphitech, reinforcing its position as a leader in the NDT industry. It provides industry with NDT equipment, validated by a market leader, that is easier to use and manage day to day.”
The recognition from Lloyd’s Register is expected to bolster the company’s reputation and expand its clientele across various sectors, including marine, energy and offshore industries. Overall, this achievement not only underscores the technological prowess of Dolphitech but also highlights the importance of maintaining stringent industry standards to ensure safety and reliability in critical inspection processes.
