GE Launches Handheld Electromagnetic Technology with Real-Time Data Stream
Posted: 2014-4-17
GE’s (NYSE: GE) Measurement and Control business today introduced a first-of-
its kind, handheld electromagnetic inspection technology – GE Mentor EM – that
integrates testing intelligence and deep industry experience into an easily
adaptable platform. For the first time, regardless of skill level, technicians can
immediately access the critical information and guidance they need to perform
efficient and highly accurate weld, rotary and surface inspections in the most
complex industrial environments.
The work of eddy current technicians, who specialize in the electromagnetic
modality, is highly critical, performed in challenging conditions and requires
extreme accuracy. Eddy currents are electrical currents induced within
conductors by changing magnetic fields. They are commonly used in
nondestructive testing (NDT) and corrosion monitoring of structures with painted
surfaces. Traditionally, technicians relied on service bulletins or paper-based
instructions that outline each step of the test to ensure accuracy and their own
safety. This, however, can add to the complexity, cost and timeliness of the
testing, and provide opportunity for error, often requiring a second technician to
read the instructions and record the result, which itself is an error trap.
By decreasing the need for paper-based service bulletins and cumbersome
manuals, the powerful new GE Mentor EM technology replaces legacy processes
and takes full advantage of the power of the Industrial Internet. This new
technology makes eddy current inspections easier, more accurate and faster than
ever before. Technicians are given instant access to critical information by simply
connecting to a local network to share data, immediately download up-to-date
procedures and workflows and collaborate with Level-3 experts in real-time – all
directly from the device. Additionally, reports can be generated on the spot, from
the site of inspection. The GE Mentor EM application-specific user interface
makes it easy to use across multiple industries, such as oil & gas, aerospace,
automotive, power generation and manufacturing. By placing workflows directly
on the device, GE Mentor EM helps to ensure strict compliance with codes,
guidelines and standard practices.
Leveraging innovative GE Mentor Create software, manufacturers and service
providers can create customizable, on-device inspection workflow applications
that provide consistent, up-to-date and easy-to-follow instructions for
technicians of all levels. Inspection technicians gain easy access to on-device
photos, procedures and videos for reference while setting up, acquiring data or
analyzing data. By limiting the range of adjustments available to the operator,
the opportunity for error is substantially minimized. Depending on skill level,
operators can select to use the device in "Expert Mode" or "Workflow on Device
Mode."
"In high consequence inspection environments, it is essential that technicians
have access to the information they need, when they need it," said Dave
Jankowski, North American Commercial NPI Leader, GE’s Measurement & Control,
a GE Oil & Gas division. "GE Mentor EM with Mentor Create eliminates the
cumbersome paper trail traditionally associated with electromagnetic eddy
current testing, dramatically improving the safety, efficiency and accuracy of the
testing process. Additionally, GE’s innovative technology will help transform the
industry by bridging the skills gap and addressing the current global shortage of
experienced inspection personnel in the workforce today."
The high-resolution display is easy to see in any light, the touchscreen is
designed to work with gloves and the interface allows technicians of all levels to
easily communicate with one another. For more details, please visit
www.mentor.ge-mcs.com.
its kind, handheld electromagnetic inspection technology – GE Mentor EM – that
integrates testing intelligence and deep industry experience into an easily
adaptable platform. For the first time, regardless of skill level, technicians can
immediately access the critical information and guidance they need to perform
efficient and highly accurate weld, rotary and surface inspections in the most
complex industrial environments.
The work of eddy current technicians, who specialize in the electromagnetic
modality, is highly critical, performed in challenging conditions and requires
extreme accuracy. Eddy currents are electrical currents induced within
conductors by changing magnetic fields. They are commonly used in
nondestructive testing (NDT) and corrosion monitoring of structures with painted
surfaces. Traditionally, technicians relied on service bulletins or paper-based
instructions that outline each step of the test to ensure accuracy and their own
safety. This, however, can add to the complexity, cost and timeliness of the
testing, and provide opportunity for error, often requiring a second technician to
read the instructions and record the result, which itself is an error trap.
By decreasing the need for paper-based service bulletins and cumbersome
manuals, the powerful new GE Mentor EM technology replaces legacy processes
and takes full advantage of the power of the Industrial Internet. This new
technology makes eddy current inspections easier, more accurate and faster than
ever before. Technicians are given instant access to critical information by simply
connecting to a local network to share data, immediately download up-to-date
procedures and workflows and collaborate with Level-3 experts in real-time – all
directly from the device. Additionally, reports can be generated on the spot, from
the site of inspection. The GE Mentor EM application-specific user interface
makes it easy to use across multiple industries, such as oil & gas, aerospace,
automotive, power generation and manufacturing. By placing workflows directly
on the device, GE Mentor EM helps to ensure strict compliance with codes,
guidelines and standard practices.
Leveraging innovative GE Mentor Create software, manufacturers and service
providers can create customizable, on-device inspection workflow applications
that provide consistent, up-to-date and easy-to-follow instructions for
technicians of all levels. Inspection technicians gain easy access to on-device
photos, procedures and videos for reference while setting up, acquiring data or
analyzing data. By limiting the range of adjustments available to the operator,
the opportunity for error is substantially minimized. Depending on skill level,
operators can select to use the device in "Expert Mode" or "Workflow on Device
Mode."
"In high consequence inspection environments, it is essential that technicians
have access to the information they need, when they need it," said Dave
Jankowski, North American Commercial NPI Leader, GE’s Measurement & Control,
a GE Oil & Gas division. "GE Mentor EM with Mentor Create eliminates the
cumbersome paper trail traditionally associated with electromagnetic eddy
current testing, dramatically improving the safety, efficiency and accuracy of the
testing process. Additionally, GE’s innovative technology will help transform the
industry by bridging the skills gap and addressing the current global shortage of
experienced inspection personnel in the workforce today."
The high-resolution display is easy to see in any light, the touchscreen is
designed to work with gloves and the interface allows technicians of all levels to
easily communicate with one another. For more details, please visit
www.mentor.ge-mcs.com.
