FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW THICK CAN A MATERIAL BE FOR THE DOLPHICAM2?

The dolphicam2 can be used on material from 0.4mm – 100mm however this is dictated by the ability of the material to transmit ultrasound. The target material’s physical and chemical properties, as well as the ultrasonic frequency chosen, will all influence the dolphicam2’s penetration depth and its corresponding maximum inspection thickness.

IS THERE A LIMIT TO THE SIZE OF THE DEFECT THAT THE DOLPHICAM2 CAN DETECT?

We have achieved sub-millimetre detection in a range of materials. The material thickness and the ultrasonic frequency chosen will influence this resolution. The short wavelengths generated by higher frequencies provide superior resolution. This is how bats can use ultrasound to echolocate and catch insects, whereas we can’t do the same with our lower pitch voices! View the different TRM frequencies available.

HOW IS THE DOLPHICAM2 PLATFORM CALIBRATED
(SERVICE CHECK)?

Annual calibration is achieved remotely with our simple three step process. First, the user generates a calibration file on their system using the automatic annual calibration tool. Second, the user sends this calibration file to support@dolphitech.com. After this file is checked by our engineering team, we will issue an annual calibration certificate. This means that your dolphicam2 stays online, without ever needing to leave your facility. Find out more about the dolphicam2 here.

CAN I MEASURE POROSITY IN COMPOSITES?

Yes, this can be achieved in two different ways. If individual voids are large enough, such as for needle voids, they can be resolved and measured directly using our geometrical measurement tools. In cases where micro pores may be too small to resolve explicitly, they can be detected via a reduction in the back wall signal amplitude. This effect can be quantified over a given area using our statistical measurement tools.

CAN I CUSTOMISE
THE SCREEN LAYOUT?

The dolphicam2 software offers a range of different display configurations, providing various combinations of A- B- and C-scans, as well as our 3D visualisation window. These layouts have been tailored to best suit the data being generated. Users can also manipulate certain displays such as the gates, color palettes and measurement tools on the screen.

DO YOU MAKE DIFFERENT SIZE AND SHAPES OF TRM?

At the moment we do not, they are all 40mm x 40mm. However, we take full advantage of the 128×128 matrix array in our current range of probes to provide a superior level of detail in real-time and in three dimensions.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM DIAMETER PIPING THAT CAN BE INSPECTED?

We offer curved delay lines that are matched to fit pipe outer diameters down to 50mm (2”). For more information, please visit our products page.

CAN I USE THE DOLPHICAM2 PLATFORM FOR IMMERSION INSPECTION?

The dolphicam2 Blackbox and TRM are IP66 rated, which means they can withstand powerful dust and water jets, however they should not be fully submerged underwater. It’s safe to immerse the front face of the TRM in few millimetres of water for a water-coupled inspection.

HOW DOES THE DOLPHICAM2 TRM ACTUALLY WORK?

The dolphicam2 transducer module (TRM) works using a crossed electrode principle. Across the face of the transducer, 128 transmitter electrodes cross with 128 receiver electrodes. Between the two electrode layers, a piezoelectric material is placed which converts electrical energy to mechanical (sound) energy. To collect a pulse-echo-signal from a transducer element, a 70V pulse is excited on the transmitting electrode creating an ultrasonic pulse along the entire electrode. The ultrasonic pulse goes into the material and the reflected signal is sampled on each receiver electrode individually.

In other words, each crossing point between the electrodes becomes an ultrasonic element, providing an aperture of 16,384 (128×128) elements, providing unparalleled data capture and resolution.

IS THERE ANY KIND OF BEAM STEERING IN THE DOLPHICAM2 PLATFORM?

The dolphicam2 platform provides straight beam inspection with unparalleled resolution.

WHAT IS THE STARTING PRICE FOR THE DOLPHICAM2 PLATFORM?

We have multiple options depending on your inspection requirements, please contact sales@dolphitech.com for further information.

HOW CAN I CAPTURE AN AREA LARGER THAN THE TRM APERTURE?

We have a range of options available for larger area C-scan mapping. These include manual stitching, our Grid Tool and Rapid Mapper accessories, and using one- or two-axis encoders.

CAN I LOAN A DOLPHICAM2 PLATFORM FROM YOU?

During the Covid pandemic, we are offering a limited number of dolphicam2 units for loan to reduce face to face demos. Please contact sales@dolphitech.com for further information.

THERE ARE LOTS OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS OUT THERE. WHICH ONES CAN THE DOLPHICAM2 ACTUALLY INSPECT?

The dolphicam2 can be used to inspect a wide range of glass and carbon fibre reinforced composites as used in automotive, aerospace, defence, and energy markets. It can be also used to inspect metals in these sectors, as well as for adhesive bonding of similar and dissimilar materials. Finally, plastics, multi-materials and some ceramics can also be inspected. Read our capability studies.

CAN THE DOLPHICAM2 TRM BE USED TO INSPECT CURVED SURFACES?

The TRMs are highly ergonomic and easy to manipulate. With our softer delay line Aqualene and Aqualink models, this can conform to some curvatures. For fixed curvatures such as pipes, we offer a range of curved pipe shoes which match the outer diameter of the pipe.

ARE THE DELAY LINES INTERCHANGEABLE?

Interchangeable delay lines are available on some TRM models.

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