ANDT Inspection, LLC, a Future Tech Consultant (FTC) subsidiary, stands at the forefront of non-destructive testing, offering innovative solutions across various sectors, including aviation, oil, gas, and education. Embracing state-of-the-art technology, ANDT has been pivotal in enhancing inspection standards for safety and efficiency.
Key staff from ANDT, including William Waterson (RSO-NDE Manager Level III), Ken Krautheim (National Sales Manager), and Mike Marchese (President), engaged in an enlightening discussion, sharing their comprehensive insights and experiences with Comet X-ray’s ECO 160DS portable X-ray system. Their conversation provided a vivid illustration of the transformative impact this advanced X-ray technology has on specialised inspection tasks, with a particular emphasis on the demanding and intricate field of aviation.
Primary Application of the ECO 160DS System
ANDT notably utilised the ECO 160DS system for a critical application – the thorough inspection of airplanes. The system was pivotal in examining an 18-year-old Hawker plane, requiring comprehensive imaging from rudder to nose cone. “We needed a system that could intricately inspect every part, from rudder to nose cone, and the ECO 160DS delivered exceptionally,” said William Waterson. This extensive inspection, which took approximately three weeks, exemplified the system’s capability to deliver detailed, high-resolution X-ray images, crucial for ensuring aircraft safety and compliance with stringent FAA regulations.
We needed a system that could intricately inspect every part, from rudder to nose cone, and the ECO 160DS delivered exceptionally.
William Waterson – RSO-NDE Manager Level III
Decision to Purchase the ECO 160DS System
ANDT’s decision to acquire the ECO 160DS was driven by the need for a more efficient, reliable, and technically advanced X-ray solution for their specialised inspection services. ANDT chose the ECO 160DS for its unmatched technical prowess in X-ray imaging. “We were looking for a system that was not just efficient but also provided us with the clarity and detail essential for aircraft inspections”, Ken Krautheim explained. “The ECO 160DS stood out due to its superior image quality, ease of use, and portability – factors essential for the intricate task of airplane inspections.”
We were looking for a system that was not just efficient but also provided us with the clarity and detail essential for aircraft inspections.
Ken Krautheim – National Sales Manager
Future Plans for ANDT with Comet X-ray Products
Encouraged by the success and efficiency gains from the ECO 160DS, ANDT is actively considering expanding its fleet of Comet X-ray products. “Seeing the benefits we’ve reaped with the ECO 160DS, we’re definitely looking into incorporating more of Comet X-ray’s products into our workflow”, stated Ken Krautheim. “The potential for utilising higher KV models for broader applications, including structural inspections and more complex aviation tasks, is being explored.” “The possibility of using higher KV units for more complex inspections is something we are excited about”, added William Waterson.
The versatility and advanced capabilities of Comet X-ray’s product line present exciting opportunities for ANDT to enhance its service offerings in non-destructive testing further. Through this in-depth exploration, the prowess and versatility of the ECO 160DS in meeting the stringent demands of aviation inspections are vividly demonstrated, setting a new standard in the field of non-destructive testing.
Seeing the benefits we’ve reaped with the ECO 160DS, we’re definitely looking into incorporating more of Comet X-ray’s products into our workflow
Ken Krautheim – National Sales Manager