An eddy current array, in its simplest form, is a series of single elements arranged in a row, allowing users to cover a larger area in a single pass than conventional, single-coil probes (i.e., pencil probes using ECT). However, this could lead to suboptimal results. That’s why ECA probes use multiplexing.

Multiplexing involves activating and deactivating coils in specific sequences to leverage the probe’s width. Multiplexing also minimizes the interference between coilsin close proximity (mutual inductance) and maximizes the resolution of the probe.

ECA probes effectively eliminate the raster scanning necessary when using ECT pencil probes. This has a significant impact on inspection speeds.

 

Benefits

ECA is a major improvement over single-element ECT because:

• Faster inspections

• Wider coverage

• Less operator dependent — eddy current array probes yield more consistent resultscompared to manual raster scans

• Better detection capabilities

• Easier analysis because of simpler scan patterns

• Improved positioning and sizing because of encoded data

• Eddy current array probes can easily be designed to be flexible or shaped to specifications, making hard-to-reach areas easier to inspect