Active Ultrasonic Mode Imaging System for Examining Pipe and Plate Structure Thickness

Antech proposes to develop a commercial-ready Ultrasonic Mode Imaging (UMI) system that can reliably and completely scan a minimum of 20-foot pipe segments or 20 ft2 plate structures in 30 minutes or less and produce high resolution tomographic images of the results. The proposed project will mature the technology for the Navy customer shipboard applications, enhance it further, and implement logistics and manufacturing strategies. Maturation Strategy Define customer requirements; improve active sourcesexcitation method; develop an Active UMI system calibration capability; mature the software user application and interface; develop automated UMI inspection reports; and conduct rigorous Lab, Field, and Shipboard testing on piping and plate samples. Technical Strategy Improve sensor sensitivity and design for the shipboard applications, enhance resolution and sensitivity of the electronics board, and implement Machine Learning tools to enhance signal analysis. Logistics Strategy Develop maintenance requirements, implement supply line and inventory management tools, develop support equipment requirements and facility plans, determine asset management and configuration control processes, develop NDT technician training, and establish a customer support infrastructure. Manufacturing Strategy Obtain FCC Part 15 certification for the new electronics boards, develop board manufacturing test equipment, develop vendor management processes, and manufacture new boards to demonstrate high-rate production capability. Maturing Antechs Active UMI pipe and plate scanning technology offers substantial cost saving opportunities during ship overhaul periods in U.S. shipyards both public and private. The Chief Engineer at NNSY has indicated that there is the potential for significant man-hour and cost savings for Navy ships associated with inspecting propulsion steam and feedwater piping that would be sufficient to pay for the investment proposed by this CCRPP project. The Active UMI Pipe and Plate scanning system represents the first new NDT&E technology in decades. The technology uses ultrasonic guided waves to inspect bare or covered structures over distances and surface areas with high resolution tomography and speed not possible with other methods. It provides the ability to inspect pipe and plate under coverings to reduce inspection times and disruption from lagging, insulation, and covering removals and replacement.   It uses diced composite piezo-electric sensors to improve sensitivity, eliminate wave mode cancellation, and extend scanning range. The ultra-low noise electronics are state of the art for 2024, will be further enhanced during the CCRPP project and perform at levels that are three orders of magnitude quieter than commercially available for ultrasonic guided wave amplification, analog-to-digital conversion, and digital processing.   The system uses solid state hardware components proven reliable in an at-sea shipboard environment for extended periods of time. NDT&E using UMI technology is a game changing development long overdue.

Periodic inspection of critical steel, aluminum, and metallic alloy pipe and plate structures for launch and space vehicles, lunar landers, and lunar gateway to identify defects. Especially suited to high flow rate piping and high flow impingement structures and for structures where it is difficult to inspect due to interferences, ceramic and insulative coverings, or with limited access. Active UMI is lightweight, low power and can be installed for a critical area permanently, or used in a portable configuration powered by battery or 120 VAC. Periodic inspection of critical steel, aluminum, and metallic alloy pipe and plate structures on Navy and commercial ships, unmanned vehicles, underground piping, heat exchanger shells, and above-ground storage tanks. Piping and tank inspections are important first commercial applications of market interest on ships, mid-stream petrol chemical piping, and the power generation industry.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.