The ACFM (Alternating Current Field Measurement ) method is an electromagnetic inspection method which enables to detect and size superficial and subsurface cracks quickly and reliably.
This method can be applied on any type of material as long as conduces electricity, it is not necessary firvtye material to be tested to be ferromagnetic. Carbon steel, stainless steel, cast, aluminum, copper, bronze or other metals or alloys, all are perfectly inspectable.
Due to its characteristics and technical results, it is a perfect and superior replacement for manual and rudimentary techniques such as liquid penetrante or magnetic particles, since it has enormous advantages over these methods:
- It is not a contact technique, so it does not require surface preparation, previous cleaning or removal of paints or coatings;
- It does not require any type of supplies since it does not use couplings, liquids, or aerosols of any kind;
- It can be applied in conditions of reduced visibility since it is not necessary for the inspection;
- Detects and sizes indications, so it does not need to rely on complementary techniques such as angular UT, PA or Radiography, for dimensioning.
LIZARD M8
The Lizard M8 is a technology with unique features, which positions it as a technological reference in the methodology at international level.
The instrument excites a signal and processes the responses obtained from the piece under study, discriminating impedance and phase. This allows to unequivocally determine the dimensions of the cracks, both in length and depth. Additionally, some advanced software feature enable to display 3D profiles or FGI images, generating an exact copy of the geometry of the indications.
The probes used by the equipment are multichannel. They have sensors on all their faces, which ensures the correct coupling, regardless of the position or angle in which it is placed. Additionally the software continuously senses the coupling to fully ensure the reliability of the readings.
There is a large range of probes for different applications and other probes can be designed, if required, for a particular application. All probes have a submersible version, making them suitable for underwater inspections in marine environments.
Different materials require different inspection frequencies. Lizard probes are adjustable in frequency via software with operating ranges that vary between 10KHz and 500 KHz. This, in addition to being extremely practical, reduces the overall cost of the equipment since it is not normally necessary to purchase more than one probe.
The equipment can be used directly (one operator) or remotely (two operators) if the objective of the inspection is an area of difficult access.
Lizard probes can also be used with extensions up to 200 meters and in high temperature applications up to 500°C.
The instrument uses dedicated software that enables on-site inspection and generates raw records of inspections, also allowing for in-depth analysis and in-office review.
The software self-checks the signals continuously, has a live inspection function and enables the user to set alarms.
