Independent Electronic Inspection Inc.

Probes: Tri-Tip Flaw Detector T5 HyTec

Tri-Tip Flaw Detector

IEI owns the Canadian and US patents for the “Tri-Tip” probe, a universal, three-in-one probe capable of detecting all types of defects found in air conditioner and chiller tubing. This three-in-one construction includes bobbin, cross axis, and AC3 coils; each playing an important role in flaw detection in copper tubing with enhanced or “turbo” fins. See the diagram below for a detailed explanation.

Leading Edge Technology!

U.S. Patent # 6,281,678

Canadian Patent # 2,316,614

EXTENSION WAND

X-axis coil pairs involve over 1.00" of tubing and therefore excel at detecting overall wear patterns by faithfully following tube geometry. The lobed signal pattern enables probe rotation for detailed troubleshooting of freeze bulges and saddle damage. The depth analysis is less than optimum.

Differential coil pairs excel at detecting small defects on both sides of the tube and depth analysis is very accurate throughout the tube wall. Gradual wall thinning is not detected since the test area of the tube is approximately 0.060" .

Probe

"AC-3" coil pairs excel at eliminating gradual geometry changes thereby enabling discovery of circumferential cracks and pre-circumferential cracks.

Portion of Heat Exchange Tubing

Triple Action Probe

I.E.I. has patented our probe. We have the ability to use three coil pairs in one probe. This gives us the ultimate advantage of utilizing all facets of eddy currents for nonferrous tubing. For instance: one coil scans for specific pitting. Another scans for gradual wear. The last coil scans for cracks only. We inspect the entire tube, from crownsheet to crownsheet.

This allows us to provide a better test by acquiring the most information possible, WITH ONE PROBE!

We feel this is very important for one simple reason. It allows our the data to be repeatable. If the data is repeatable year after year, we can develop wear patterns that may or may not be detrimental to your bundle.

"TriTip™FLAW DETECTOR" Defect Flow Chart Red Indicates Optimum Coil Pair For Each Defect As Per Our Experience Optimum means Maximum Test Speed, Accuracy & Repeatability (Absolute Coil Purposely Excluded)
	Coil Pairs
Defect Description and % into wall	Diff	X-Axis	AC-3
Linear Phase Readings Throughout I.D./ O.D. Range	BEST	POOR	POOR
Sensitivity To I.D. And O.D. Defects	BEST	FAIR	POOR
I.D. & O.D. Pits % Into Wall	BEST	FAIR	POOR
Zipper Cracks % Into Wall	BEST	FAIR	POOR
Circumferential Cracks In Distorted Landed Area	UNABLE	POOR	BEST
OD Metal Loss At The Support (Saddle Damage)	POOR	BEST	POOR
Freeze Bulges	POOR	BEST	POOR
Roll Damage (Which Side of Supports)	POOR	BEST	POOR
Differentiate Between or Saddle Damage	UNABLE	BEST	UNABLE
Continuous Fin Saddle Damage In %	BEST	POOR	POOR
Metallic Chips Locked In Fins	BEST	BEST	POOR
Distorted Land Areas	UNABLE	BEST	POOR
Missed Expansion And On Which Side Of Support	UNABLE	BEST	UNABLE

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