Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SECURE (the new gold standard for nondestructive testing in industry, using next generation electromagnetic induction techniques)

Teaser

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a critical process in industry, used to ensure safety, quality control and asset management (i.e. accident prevention). NDT techniques range from simple visual inspection and magnetic particle inspection to advanced technologies like ultrasonic...

Summary

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a critical process in industry, used to ensure safety, quality control and asset management (i.e. accident prevention).

NDT techniques range from simple visual inspection and magnetic particle inspection to advanced technologies like ultrasonic testing, radiography, and eddy current testing.

Each solution has features that make it more or less suitable for determined sectors and applications. Due to the vast variety of materials and applications in the NDT market, no single NDT method can find all defects in all cases. Applying several technologies to an entire, complex industrial asset is not cost effective.

The biggest challenge for the NDT market is to provide high quality inspection in the shortest possible time. High quality inspection in less time allows NDT technicians to have better data and more time to evaluate the results and make critical decisions on the condition of the asset, which reduces the probability of a catastrophic accident occurring.

SECURE is a breakthrough solution for non-destructive testing that is able to detect defects in both surface and subsurface inspection, and over coating or insulation, on all conductive materials.

SECURE is the first NDT solution that can work in a truly wide range of sectors and applications. Our proprietary method, based on advanced electromagnetic induction technology, offers unprecedented sensitivity for in-depth flaw detection with a quick scan, and is affordable and easy to use.

Work performed

In Phase 1, TQCC:
• Conducted interviews with industry stakeholders, key people and potential beta customers to test the market’s willingness to pay for SECURE and also to understand the industry’s major current issues and trends. The results are very positive and encouraging. Asset owners are ready to try safer and more accurate methods, even if these are not entirely established, provided they are convinced of its advantages. Particularly, if these techniques enable inspections that are over and above what was normally being done, then they are extremely positive in trying them out. NDT service providers have also shown impressive interest in SECURE, as they are in constant need of faster inspection techniques to minimize time required for a job and deal with lack of personnel. Also, three beta customers were selected.
• Performed in-house experiments in order to assess and report on SECURE performance in comparison to other NDT methods, when testing a number of different materials and defects. SECURE proved to be the best NDT solution on every case both for surface and subsurface inspection, even without the optimal probe. Cost and benefit comparison was included in the tests. A performance matrix was created for future reference.
• Submitted a provisional patent for SECURE. Also, a freedom to operate analysis was performed by our technical experts team and an expert patent lawyer.
• Conducted various experiments with the prototype, using different probes, currents and frequencies for the detection of defects in non-ferrous and ferrous specimens in order to understand how to optimize the technique. As a result, we determined with specificity the probes we need to make to cover all applications and their characteristics.
• Is on the first stage of manufacturing an industrial prototype (Minimum Viable Product) suitable for scaling field applications.
• Performed a market analysis for the Global NDT Equipment Market to gain insight into the market conditions and segmentations. Also performed a competitor analysis and developed risk mitigation strategies.
• Updated the commercialization plan according to the above results and conclusions.

Final results

At the end of the project, a new, portable, robust solution for both surface and subsurface NDT will be ready for market launch, along with specialized probes for various materials and applications. SECURE will revolutionize NDT, eliminating the need for multiple inspections and allowing inspection in parts previously unchecked in a structure, adding value and enhancing safety. We will initially target the largest areas and applications of NDT, such as welding and corrosion mapping in the Oil & Gas and Energy sectors. With over 7,000 NDT inspection companies worldwide, our total addressable market is worth over 600 million euros. With the successful commercialization of SECURE, we project accumulated revenues of 54 million euros and the creation of 285 direct jobs in the first 5 years.

Website & more info

More info: http://www.tqcc.gr.