Abstract: There is described an eddy current array probe for detection and depth sizing of a surface-breaking defect in a metallic material, said eddy current array probe comprising: a probe body comprising a plurality of probe elements arranged in a linear configuration, the probe elements each comprising at least one coil, the probe body being adapted to be displaced along a surface of the metallic material so that a longitudinal axis of the coil be parallel to the surface of the metallic material, the coil, when in use, being adapted to induce an eddy current within the metallic material detect the eddy current; and a set of active elements of the plurality of probe elements being adapted to be selectively operated at a plurality of time-spaced instances.

Abstract: A Pulsed Eddy Current device for inspecting an object made of an electrically conductive material comprising: at least one dual-purpose coil serving a dual purpose of producing a supplied magnetic field in the object and measuring a produced magnetic field emitted by the object, a transmitter circuit driving the dual-purpose coil(s) with an electrical signal, a shut-off current circuit for the transmitter circuit for cutting-off a current in the dual-purpose coil(s) during a cut-off phase of the electrical signal, the shut-off current circuit applying a voltage inversion on the dual-purpose coil(s) and a receiver circuit for reading the produced magnetic field from the dual-purpose coil(s). A method for inspecting an object comprising supplying a voltage on at least one dual-purpose coil, cutting-off a current in the dual-purpose coil(s) by applying a voltage inversion on the dual-purpose coil(s) and receiving, at the dual-purpose coil(s), a produced magnetic field.

Abstract: A Pulsed Eddy Current device for inspecting an object made of an electrically conductive material comprising: at least one dual-purpose coil serving a dual purpose of producing a supplied magnetic field in the object and measuring a produced magnetic field emitted by the object, a transmitter circuit driving the dual-purpose coil(s) with an electrical signal, a shut-off current circuit for the transmitter circuit for cutting-off a current in the dual-purpose coil(s) during a cut-off phase of the electrical signal, the shut-off current circuit applying a voltage inversion on the dual-purpose coil(s) and a receiver circuit for reading the produced magnetic field from the dual-purpose coil(s). A method for inspecting an object comprising supplying a voltage on at least one dual-purpose coil, cutting-off a current in the dual-purpose coil(s) by applying a voltage inversion on the dual-purpose coil(s) and receiving, at the dual-purpose coil(s), a produced magnetic field.

Abstract: There is described an eddy current array probe for detection and depth sizing of a surface- breaking defect in a metallic material, said eddy current array probe comprising: a probe body comprising a plurality of probe elements arranged in a linear configuration, the probe elements each comprising at least one coil, the probe body being adapted to be displaced along a surface of the metallic material so that a longitudinal axis of the coil be parallel to the surface of the metallic material, the coil, when in use, being adapted to induce an eddy current within the metallic material detect the eddy current; and a set of active elements of the plurality of probe elements being adapted to be selectively operated at a plurality of time-spaced instances.

Abstract: An electromagnetic probe for non-destructive inspection of a twisted tube of a twisted tube heat exchanger comprising a probe body having a sensing section being configured to allow circulation of the probe body within the length of circular tube and the length of helical oval tube and to allow displacement of the electromagnetic sensor(s) from a radially inward contracted position to a radially outward expanded position in close proximity to an interior surface of a crest of the oval tube; a conduit attached to a proximal end of the probe body, the at least one conductor extending within the conduit to a remote end of the electromagnetic probe.

Abstract: An eddy current array probe comprising a probe body adapted to be displaced along a scan direction; a plurality of coils arranged in a linear configuration on the surface of the probe body, the coils being adapted to be operated in one mode among a transmit mode, an inactive mode and a receive mode at each of a plurality of time-spaced instances, at least two adjacent coils of the plurality being adapted to be operated in the inactive mode between a coil adapted to be in transmit mode and a coil adapted to be in receive mode in the linear configuration at each of the time-spaced instances; at least one conductor extending from the probe body; each coil of the plurality being connected to one of the at least one conductor and a common return path. In one embodiment, the coils have an elongated shape.

Abstract: An electromagnetic probe for non-destructive inspection of a twisted tube of a twisted tube heat exchanger comprising a probe body having a sensing section being configured to allow circulation of the probe body within the length of circular tube and the length of helical oval tube and to allow displacement of the electromagnetic sensor(s) from a radially inward contracted position to a radially outward expanded position in close proximity to an interior surface of a crest of the oval tube; a conduit attached to a proximal end of the probe body, the at least one conductor extending within the conduit to a remote end of the electromagnetic probe.

Abstract: A composite part comprises a sheet of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material and a sheet of non-reinforced thermoplastic material superposedly attached together. Both sheets are iointly deformed substantially differently along different axes. A tool for manufacturing the part made of the sheet of thermoplastic material comprises a female die and a male die. The female die has a cavity, whose wall has a bottom portion and a top portion. The male die has a backing structure, a support attached to the backing structure and a heat-resistant bladder. A method of manufacturing the part made of the sheet of thermoplastic material comprises the step of applying pressure on the thermoplastic sheet against the wall of the female die from the bottom of the female die to a splitting line of the female die by inflating a deformable portion of the male die.

Abstract: A tool for manufacturing a part made of a sheet of thermoplastic material comprises a female die and a male die. The female die has a cavity, whose wall has a bottom portion and a top portion. The male die has a backing structure, a support attached to the backing structure and a heat-resistant bladder. The bladder has an inlet for connection with a source of compressed fluid. The support is used to support the bladder. The male die further comprises a base attached to the bladder. The base is deformable so as to enter the cavity of the female die. The bladder is adapted to apply a pressure substantially perpendicular to the cavity wall. The base is adapted and positioned to deform the thermoplastic sheet upon entering the cavity by making the thermoplastic sheet first contact the bottom portion of the wall. The bladder expends while applying a pressure on the thermoplastic sheet against the wall from the bottom portion to the top portion.