Acoustic imaging for Dreamliner ISI
04/11/2013
Imperium Inc’s ultrasonic imaging device, Acoustocam™, is in the final stages of being included as an inspection option on Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner. Boeing is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Acoustocam is a non-destructive testing solution that generates real-time high-resolution images of composite materials that can be easily interpreted by inspectors for internal anomalies.
Boeing develops inspection procedures to be used by its customers. The Acoustocam procedure is intended initially for in-service inspection (ISI) of the 787 Dreamliner to inspect the new composite fuselage.
The Boeing procedures are designed to address possible maintenance issues or are in response to requests by its customers. All Nippon Airways (ANA) approached Boeing about including Acoustocam in the non-destructive testing manual because Acoustocam provides simple, quick and easy-to-interpret images of internal composite structures.
In recommending the approval of Acoustocam, Hiroshi Kobayashi, an ANA Senior Manager of Structural Engineering, said: “The device is very helpful in capturing the images of internal structures quickly with the C-scan mode.” Kobayashi also noted that Acoustocam provided superior results over its current device: “Our airline would like to use Acoustocam and intends to purchase the ultrasonic imaging device when Boeing’s NDT manual for the Acoustocam is established.”“We are thrilled Acoustocam will be available for airline use on the 787 Dreamliner. Acoustocam incorporates our patented DAV technology, which offers superior images and detailed results to benefit the aerospace industry,” said Imperium President and CEO, Bob Lasser. “The Flight Safety Foundation estimates that ramp damage costs operators nearly $10 billion annually. When aircraft are grounded, although rare, due to composite damage, lost revenue can be upwards of $50,000 per day. Acoustocam can help to reduce those costs and missed detections by providing high-resolution images of the internal composite structures on the aircraft.”
www.imperiuminc.com
