Download BrochureAutomated Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection Equipment
REL, Inc. builds custom, modular automation equipment for liquid penetrant and fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) processes. REL brings innovative process methods and a robust equipment design approach to deliver extraordinary results for clients. REL delivers to specific customer requirements of automation between equipment, automated rinsing of complicated geometry, and built-in tank farms. This equipment is EPA approved, meets requirement of ASTM E-1417, and can be UL-Listed.
Our intelligent Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (iFPI) Equipment is designed with modular stations. View station descriptions, pictures, and videos in the tabs below.
- Loading
- Penetrant
- Dwell
- Pre-Rinse
- Emulsifier
- Post Rinse
- Dryer
- Dry Developer
- LED UV Lighting
- Inspection/Unloading
- Controls
The Load Station aligns the carrier to the Automated Material Handling System (AMHS). Carriers with parts are manually set onto the load station to begin the process. The loaded parts must not protrude outside the processing size envelope of the FPI line.
The Penetrant Application Station utilizes electrostatic spray application. Separate guns are used for top and bottom spray application, as well as penetrant type/level of penetrant. This station will allow operator interaction through an access door on the front. When needed, the operator can stop the process and open the access doors to inspect the parts for complete coverage. The station incorporates a turntable that rotates the carrier 360° to allow complete coverage from the electrostatic spray and visual inspection of all four sides of the carrier. There is typically a handheld electrostatic spray gun for use in touching-up areas on the parts, and a HEPA filtration system, controlled by the PLC to remove the spray mist from the enclosure.
The Penetrant Dwell Station controls the time required for the carrier to sit while the penetrant is ‘wetting’ the part surface area. The dwell allows for multiple carrier staging between the Penetrant Application and Pre-Rinse Stations.
Rinsing is accomplished by a pressure controlled spray header. This spray header stays stationary while the carrier pops up and rotates through the spray streams. The rinse water supply pump utilizes recycled water for the initial part rinsing followed by a freshwater supplied rinse.
This dip system is pneumatically or electrically powered and controlled to allow for smooth accelerations and consistent processing time during transit to ensure that the process specifications called out by ASTM 1417 are met. For this station the control system doesn’t allow parts to dip if there is a basket in the post rinse station. This is to ensure that the parts are being rinsed within the specified 2 minute window after emulsification.
Rinsing is accomplished by a pressure controlled spray header. This spray header stays stationary while the carrier pops up and rotates through the spray streams. The rinse water supply pump utilizes recycled water for the initial part rinsing followed by a freshwater supplied rinse.
This station can be powered by electricity, gas, or steam. REL puts a heating coil in the duct that is circulating the air in the station. Temperature control in the oven chamber is accomplished through the PLC. REL ovens come with a customer specified calibration port for oven temperature verification.
This station applies dry developer to part surfaces by the use of a cloud. Electrostatic spray is available also. A Dust Collector with a HEPA filter keeps dust from migrating outside of the station area.
REL’s Glo-Black LED UV Inspection Lights utilize the latest in safe high output UV-A LED technology. Each light module contains a high flux-UV LED emitter that has a built in static-electric discharge circuit to allow the light to perform in all harsh environments regardless of ambient conditions.
All five lights are designed to meet all intensity requirements of Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) and Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI). Tested to comply with both ASTM E3022 Standard and Roll-Royce RRES90061 requirements.
Parts are inspected with blacklight in this climate controlled multi-station inspection area. Fire suppression systems & process monitoring can also be included with the system.
iFPI (intelligent Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection) systems and iREL equipment are provided with the control systems that integrate into the customers control scheme. Whether the plant has a central DCS or the equipment needs to be controlled locally, REL has a control solution for the application. UL Listing of complete panels is also available.
Assembly and Shipping of an iFPI System
After the system components are designed and fabricated, the NDT line is assembled, complete with automation controls and qualified in REL’s expansive facility in Calumet, Michigan.
Once the system is approved by our customer, the system is disassembled and shipped to the customer site. The video to the right shows the fast-paced equipment tear down and shipping.
Upon arrival of the system at the customer’s facilities, a team of REL’s engineers and technicians are onsite to set up the FPI line and integrate it into the facilities work flow and controls system.
Buy the Best FPI Equipment, Definite ROI
In addition to modular stations, REL offers a turnkey system; a robust, automated non-destructive testing line that is not available in a catalog. REL will meet customer requirements of low effluence, integration into plant networks, and complete automation for repeatable component processing.
