The ENVISION Advantage
CMOS Digital X-ray
An Introduction to Envision’s CMOS Technology and Products
For more info please call : 907-563-1141
or e-mail to johnc@cmosxray.com
Presentation prepared by Tom Dilliner
This presentation and all information contained within is
copyright protected
Any technical data and specifications presented herein are subject to change.
Next
The following slides form an overview of the Envision CMOS Digital X-ray Imaging
products and their related technology. This overview is intended to serve as an
introduction to the methodologies behind the Envision CMOS technology and a
platform to share the various products offered by Envision.
Please check back often or call us as product information sometimes changes or
new products are introduced.
Use the buttons at the bottom of each slide to advance, go back or return to either
the Main Menu or the Products Menu (when you are in the products section).
Please let us know if you have any suggestions or have questions about the
information presented.
Sincerely, John Pursley
President, Envision Product Design LLC
e-mail: johnp@cmosxray.com
Phone: 907-563-1141
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MAIN MENU
A.
Who is Envision Product Design?
B.
An Introduction to Envision’s CMOS Line
Array Technology Listing Key Attributes
C.
The Three Main Modalities of CMOS Line
Array Utilization
Envision’s History
Envision Today
First:
Second:
Third:
D.
EnvisionScan
EnSync
EnMotion
Products Menu
Envision’s Line up of Digital Imaging Products
E.
CR (Computed Radiography) vs. DR
(Digital Radiography)
Envision's History...
Founded in 1993 by John and Sandi Pursley, Envision Product Design has
created industry-leading innovations in gamma and X-ray imaging systems
along with intelligent robotic crawlers and manipulators. In the oil industry in
Alaska, hundreds of miles of pipeline have been inspected using our robotic
imaging systems, operating year-around in one of the most difficult
environments on earth. The use of Envision’s corrosion inspection equipment
has resulted in savings of millions of dollars to the petroleum industry, and
significant protection for Alaska’s arctic environment.
In January 2000, Envision announced the first in a series of x-ray imaging
products based on CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor)
sensors.
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Envision Today...
Today, Envision's product line ranges from a breakthrough hand-held X-ray video
system, to a sophisticated high-energy large format system for rocket inspection.
Envision's CMOS X-ray equipment is used to search for bombs; inspect wings
and fuel tanks on space shuttles, missiles and other defense ordinance,
commercial aircraft parts, medical products, electronic components, composite
structures, agricultural product, automotive castings, tires, railroad tankers,
pipelines, turbine blades, and numerous other applications where manufactures
and researchers are taking advantage of the cost savings of implementing
CMOS imaging technologies.
Since it’s inception, Envision has continuously progressed as a leader in the
development of digital X-ray systems and has been credited for exceptional
commitment and rapid response to it’s customers' needs.
Envision's mission statement: We will strive to design and produce high
performance and long lasting products that exceed the customer's expectations.
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An Introduction to Envision’s CMOS
Line Array Technology
In this section we will look at the primary attributes of the
Envision CMOS line array technology as an industrial digital
x-ray imaging detector.
We will also look at the benefits and design features of the
Envision CMOS detector and learn why Envision may be the
best solution for your digital x-ray imaging needs.
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Key Attributes of Envision’s
CMOS Line Array Technology
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
High Spatial Resolution
Broad Range of Format Sizes
NO BAD PIXELS or Pixel Lines
Durability
Temperature Range
Large Fill Factor
High Sensitivity
Off-Axis Detection
Useful Life - Rated 20,000 Hours
and ...
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more ...
Key Attributes of Envision’s
CMOS Line Array Technology
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
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High Energy Use (High MeV)
High Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Minimum or NO Parallax
No Image Blooming
No Latent Images
Lower Cost
(3) THREE-YEAR Warranty
Key Attributes of Envision’s
CMOS Line Array Technology
Let’s take a closer look at each
attribute listed ...
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Key Attributes of Envision’s CMOS
Line Array Technology
1.
High Spatial Resolution
Spatial Resolution is the size of the smallest detail that can be
seen with an imaging system and is primarily defined by the
size of the pixels in the detector. The Envision CMOS line
array detector has a pixel size of only 80 microns (0.0031").
For example: this is approximately 30% better spatial
resolution than amorphous silicon, which has a pixel size of
127 microns.
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Key Advantages of Envision’s CMOS
Line Array Technology
2. Format Size
Envision CMOS detector arrays offer a wide range of format
sizes. Standard EnvisionScan panel sizes include 3”x6”, 6”x8”, 12”x14”,
18”x18”, and 24”x24”. Custom sizes are also available.
Standard Sizes
Custom
Sizes
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Key Advantages of Envision’s CMOS
Line Array Technology
3.
NO Bad Pixels or Pixel Lines
The Envision CMOS array detector is delivered with NO dead or bad
pixels, not one. Envision has the best warranty in the industry
protecting the customer against this. This is important to note because
some detectors, for example Amorphous silicon detectors, are
manufactured in a way that, because of their design, yields a certain
percentage of bad or "dead" pixels throughout the full area of the
detector. These detectors are usually sold in different "grades" as to the
yield of actual "good" pixels. So, "out of the box", the amorphous silicon
panel is riddled with already "dead" pixels and will continue to degrade over
its use and succumb to an increase in dead pixels and dead pixel
lines. Dead pixel “lines” are a result of the way the amorphous silicon
pixels are "wired together" or amplified causing an entire pixel row to go
"dead".
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Key Advantages of Envision’s CMOS
Line Array Technology
4. Durability
The Envision CMOS detector utilizes an extremely robust metal oxide
design. The CMOS detectors are "hardened" designed to withstand
the everyday rigors of handling and to tolerate shock. The design of
the CMOS detector’s active pixel sensor allows all the electronic
control and amplifier circuitry to be located directly at each pixel
instead of being delicately wired to circuitry at the edge of the detector
array (as with amorphous silicon detectors). Also, amorphous silicon
detectors have the substrate deposited directly on glass making them
relatively fragile as compared to the Envision CMOS array.
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Key Advantages of Envision’s CMOS
Line Array Technology
5.
Temperature Range
All digital detectors are subject to increases in electronic noise
when the ambient temperature increases, but CMOS has far less of
this characteristic as compared to amorphous silicon. Amorphous
silicon panels may require recalibration with as little as 10 degree F
temperature change. CMOS detectors require little or no recalibration across a broad operating range of 32º to 110º F.
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Key Advantages of Envision’s CMOS
Line Array Technology
6.
Fill Factor
The "fill factor" of a detector is the
percentage of the surface area that is
actually active, that is, capable of
detecting photons. For example,
where Envision's CMOS detector
arrays have a fill factor in excess
of 90%, the amorphous silicon
detectors have a fill factor of only
about 63%. The higher the fill
factor, the more sensitive the
detector is.
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Key Advantages of Envision’s CMOS
Line Array Technology
7. Sensitivity
As shown in the previous slide, the fill factor determines the sensitivity
of the detector. The Envision CMOS array is able to capture an image
in as little as 1 milli-second. Pixel for pixel, this is a fraction of the
time required by the amorphous silicon elements.
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Key Advantages of Envision’s CMOS
Line Array Technology
8. Off-Axis Detection
This describes the design of the Envision CMOS detector, which
means the CMOS pixel sensors are protected from the direct xray radiation. This is a main reason that the Envision CMOS
detectors are suitable for the higher energies (including the
upper MeV range) while maintaining sensitivity even at a low
20kV. This design feature also significantly increases the useful life
of the detector over virtually all other detectors on the market. The
Envision CMOS line array detector is also shielded from radiation
by a sufficient thickness of lead and tungsten. A built-in slot
collimator directs the radiation to the ends of micro fiber optic
couplers, which are coated with a scintillating material. The fiber
optic couplers then direct the light photons (created by the
scintillator) to the detector pixels that are "off-axis" (perpendicular)
to the radiation beam. This feature is a very important attribute
of the Envision CMOS array.
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CMOS Line Array Off-Axis Design
Collimated Slot
Radiation Shielding
Tungsten Housing
CMOS Active Pixel
Sensor array (“OffAxis” to Slot) Coupled
to Scintillator via fiber
optics
This simple illustration is intended to
reveal only the general design principle
of the off-axis feature..
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Scintillator at Base of
Slot converts x-ray
photons to light
X-ray Source
Collimated Fan or
Cone X-ray Beam
(depending on application or
configuration of detector system)
Radiation passes down through
the collimated slot in the
detector housing and strikes the
scintillation material; the pixel
elements are shielded against
radiation.
When using a
collimated fan beam,
minimum radiation
shielding is required
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Key Advantages of Envision’s CMOS
Line Array Technology
9. Useful Life
The useful life of the Envision CMOS array is rated at over 20,000
hours!
This is mainly due to the Off-Axis design as previously discussed. All
digital imaging detectors have a useful life (or RAD life) where during
the course of being exposed to radiation eventually reach a point
where they are unusable.
SO ... For example: If the CMOS detector is exposed continuously to
radiation for 8 hours per day for 5 days per week, one would expect to
get a minimum of 10 years useful life from the detector. Nothing else
comes close!
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Key Advantages of Envision’s CMOS
Line Array Technology
10. High Energy
The inherent architecture of the CMOS Line Array detector with the
"off-axis" design chiefly contributes to the detectors long life and
performance characteristics even in the high MeV range. There
simply is no other digital x-ray imaging technology on the market
today that can offer the performance that the Envision CMOS Linear
detector technology offers.
“Highest Energy”, “Largest Format”, “Longest Life”, “Highest
Resolution” ... are all hallmark features of the Envision High
Energy Detectors.
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Key Advantages of Envision’s CMOS
Line Array Technology
11. High-Signal-to-Noise
Because the CMOS line array detector incorporates a collimated slot
and tungsten construction, any scatter radiation to the detector
elements is minimized or eliminated. Any scatter radiation, at higher
energies, can be further reduced by highly collimating the x-ray beam
(as opposed to a cone beam used in conventional radiography and
with amorphous silicon area detectors) This attribute contributes
significantly to maximizing image quality, especially when your
inspection technique requires those higher energies.
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Key Advantages of Envision’s CMOS
Line Array Technology
12. Less Radiographic Parallax
Cone beam techniques introduce parallax in all directions, where as
with the CMOS line array, it is only introduced along the length of the
detector. The EnMotion™, EnSync™ and EnvisionScan NP ™
products from Envision utilize this imaging methodology and will be
explained in detail later on.
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EnMotion™, EnSync ™ or EnvisionScan NP ™ Digital X-Ray Imaging ... EXAMPLE:
No Parallax
Part size: 4” diameter x 28” long
NO PARALLAX
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Note: All radiographic images have been compressed for
download speed and therefore image quality may be reduced.
Key Advantages of Envision’s CMOS
Line Array Technology
13. No Image Blooming
A common occurrence with most other detectors, including amorphous silicon
detectors, is image blooming.
This occurs when individual pixels in the detector are over-driven (or saturated)
by direct radiation (to the pixels). This happens in Amorphous Silicon detectors
because the pixels deliver their signals to the electronic amplifiers in a "bucket
brigade" along each row and column. When one or more pixels are over-driven,
the signal from all other pixels in that row and column can be affected causing
"blooming" or streaks in the observed image. This is also called "edge burn-out"
where blooming occurs at the edge of the part where radiation saturates the
pixel elements of the amorphous silicon detector and prevents the edges from
being seen.
CMOS detectors eliminate this problem because each pixel is amplified
independently (at each pixel) and thereby pixel signals do not affect adjoining
pixel signals. Again, NO edge "burn-out". This is another major attribute of
the CMOS array.
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Key Advantages of Envision’s CMOS
Line Array Technology
14. No Latent Images
A historic issue with amorphous silicon panels is the problem with latent
images. This is where, to the operator, you may see image data "leftover" from a previous exposure showing up in your new image. This
usually requires time-consuming re-calibration measures to correct for
this problem. The Envision CMOS detector NEVER experiences
this problem.
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Key Advantages of Envision’s CMOS
Line Array Technology
15. Cost
The initial investment of the Envision CMOS detector is usually less
than virtually all competing digital technologies. Its robust design
ensures years of trouble free service and in the unlikely event of failure
or damage, the CMOS array can be repaired relatively quickly and
easily at a truly nominal cost, making "cost of ownership" significantly
lower than any other digital imaging technology.
Also, a lease purchase may be the easiest way to move into “digital xray” by simply switching your current operating costs of your film based
operation over to the digital equipment lease. Once the lease
agreement is fulfilled, it’s money $$$ to the bottom-line! We can show
you how!
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Key Advantages of Envision’s CMOS
Line Array Technology
16. Warranty
Envision now offers an unprecedented (3) THREE - YEAR Warranty on its
Envision CMOS Line Array detector products. This extension of the
warranty period was prompted because of the remarkable success and
performance from the numerous installations over the previous six years.
This is unmatched by any other digital detector manufacturer in the
industry!
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The Three Main Modalities of
CMOS Line Array Utilization
First:
Using a fixed x-ray source, producing a cone beam, the line
array is put into motion similar to a flat bed scanner.
This modality is used in the EnvisionScan™ Panel system.
See next slide for
animated illustration
EnvisionScan™ Digital Imaging Panel
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Illustration showing the basic operation of the
EnvisionScan™ Panel detector
EnvisionScan™ Panel
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Animation may take a
moment to start
The Three Main Modalities of
CMOS Line Array Utilization
Second:
Using a motion system, the detector array is moved
in-synchronous with the x-ray source along the
length of the part.
This methodology is incorporated in Envision’s
EnSync™ system.
See next slide for animated illustration
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EnSync™ Methodology
X-ray tube and detector
move “in-synchronized”
motion while test part
remains stationary
No Parallax in the scan direction!
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Click to start
scanning
The Three Main Modalities of
CMOS Line Array Utilization
Third.
The detector array and x-ray source are fixed while
the test sample is conveyed through the x-ray beam.
This methodology is used in the EnMotion™
Systems ... And now in the EnvisionScan-NP.
See next slide for animated illustration
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EnMotion™ Methodology
X-Ray tube and detector remain
stationary while test part is conveyed
thru collimated x-ray beam.
Click to start
scanning
No Parallax in the scan direction!
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Envision’s Lineup of X-ray Imaging Products
Envision Movement Systems Integrated Motion Control
EnvisionScan™ Detector Panels
EnvisionScan-NP™ Integrated Conveyorized Panel
EnMotion™ Complete Turn-key Inspection Systems
EnSync™ Radiographic Inspection Systems
EnXtreme™ - High Energy CMOS
Envision 4x4™ Portable Ultra-High Resolution System
EnvisionScan GW-2™ Weld Scanning System
ScanTrack PL – Pipeline Gamma-ray Scanner
SegmentedArray™ - Line Array Detector
Tire Inspection System
OpenVision LT™ Portable Hand-Held X-Ray System
Security Inspection Systems
EnStereo™ – 3-D Stereo-Scopic Scanning System
EnSpect™ and iX-Pect™ Image Acquisition and Processing Software
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Envision Movement Systems
In over thirteen years, Envision has developed and refined a broad range of
application-specific movement systems from simple conveyors to five-axis
manipulators and autonomous robotic vehicles for mobilizing digital X-ray
systems. CMOS imaging technology can also be readily adapted to any
existing movement system where Envision provides the motor controllers,
feedback encoders, and software adaptation. Any number of axes of motion
can be controlled with load requirements of a few ounces to thousands of
pounds.
Envision designs and builds its own intelligent motion controllers, or if there is
already a commercial motion control system is place, an interface can readily
be provided in software. Precise and robust closed-loop control with pulsewidth-modulation is easily adapted to motion stages of all sizes.
Because the imaging software has been developed with motion control already
fully integrated, the cost to add control to existing motion systems or to provide
control of a new set of motion stages is minimal.
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EnvisionScan™ CMOS Panels
Sizable Panels with standard sizes of 3”x6”, 6”x8”, 12”x14”,
18”x18”, and 24”x24”. Custom sizes are available.
80 Micron High Resolution
Comprehensive and intuitive iX-pect image acquisition and full
feature image processing software.
Packaged with fully equipped computer workstation and highresolution flat panel monitor.
Energies from 40kV up to 15meV
Robust Design
Versatility: whether in the production lab or in the field.
3 Year Warranty
Envision
CMOS
Line Array
Technology Inside
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EnvisionScan™ CMOS Panels
Can be placed in virtually any
existing cabinet or vault or ... Let
Envision design a complete
system for you!
In the lab or in the field ...
... EnvisionScan stands up to
the rigors of any environment!
ESP-24 Fully Battery Operated
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EnvisionScan NP™
Conveyorized Panel Detector System
3”, 6”, 12”, 18” or 24” Wide
Panel integrated with conveyor movement system and Envision’s CMOS Line
Array Technology.
Available in a range of sizes from 3” to 24” wide.
Conveyor can be any length up to 10 feet.
X-ray beam can be collimated (fan) for minimized radiation shielding.
Truly innovative design!
Take advantage of NO parallax imaging.
Incremental or continuous imaging
Realtime Scrolling
Adaptable to most radiographic cabinets or let Envision build you a turnkey
system.
Envision
CMOS
Line Array
Technology Inside
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Envision EnMotion™
Digital X-Ray Imaging
EnMotion™
● Real-Time Scrolling
● Automatic Image Acquisition
● Automated Data Management
● Parts 2” or 200” Long: NO Parallax!
Automated Conveyorized
Digital X-Ray Inspection
Envision
CMOS
Line Array
Technology Inside
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● Automatic Defect Recognition (ADR) Available
● Available with 160, 225, 320 or 450kV x-ray
sources including a wide range of
microfocus x-ray sources
● Conforms to Lean Manufacturing Methodologies
● Custom Built to Any Size for Your Application
● Can be adapted with Envision’s EnStereo™
Stereoscopic 3-D imaging package
● Fast Return on Investment
EnMotion™ Digital X-Ray Imaging
Lean Manufacturing Methodology
High-resolution
High-production
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Custom Designed Specifically
for Your Needs!
Envision EnSync™ System
This system utilizes the in-synchronous (EnSync™) methodology as
explained in an earlier slide.
Scan parts 2” long to over 200” long in one just one image: Image Size
Format = Length of CMOS Detector x Length of Part (or scan).
No Parallax in the scan direction.
Real-time Scrolling
Fully custom designed. If you can imagine it, we can design it!
For large parts or assemblies where space is limited or part cannot be
moved.
Great for honeycomb core assemblies.
Can be used with fractional focus or microfocus x-ray.
Size format is up to you.
Automatic Defect Recognition Available
Fully integrated for control of all motions,
x-ray system parameters, image acquisition
and image archival.
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Envision
CMOS
Line Array
Technology Inside
Example of an EnSync™ System
Taking advantage of
NO Parallax imaging
along length of scan
System shown used for the inspection of honeycomb core closeout along periphery
edge and splices on fuel tank panels for Boeing’s 777 aircraft.
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Envision EnXtreme™
High Energy CMOS
MeV Energy Range
Energy range: 1 to 15MeV
Tungsten +
Off-axis detector design
Special scintillation design
Lengths from 3 inches to 6 feet
For integration into any line array based
Envision Product!
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EnSync™ High Energy Application
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High Energy Large Assembly Application
using EnMotion™
15” Diameter x 60” Long Object 3” to 5” carbon
steel shot at 6 MeV
Note:
Example shows image format size for large objects. All
radiographic images have been compressed for download speed
and therefore image quality may be reduced.
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Envision 4x4™ Portable CMOS Ultra-High
Resolution X-Ray Imaging System
Envision’s small lightweight ultra-high resolution CMOS panel system.
Fully Battery or AC operated.
4”x4” image area
48 Micron Pixel Size
USB for Ultimate Portability using
small Laptop Computer
Images can be acquired using any number of x-ray sources including the
pulsed XR200 battery operated x-ray tube, microfocus x-ray and
conventional x-ray systems up to 160kV.
Optional Wireless Control
Envision’s EnSpect™ software included; a complete image acquisition and
image processing software that is loaded with features.
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Envision 4x4™ Portable CMOS Ultra-high
Resolution X-Ray Imaging System
Mini Laptop computer with
EnSpect™ Software
Also available
in a very small
profile 2x2 for
specialized &
limited access
applications
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Stows away in compact case
(Shown with XR200 pulsed x-ray source)
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EnvisionScan™ GW-2
Pipeline Girth Weld Scanner
Using the latest CMOS X-ray imaging
technology, the GW-2 can complete a 3-inch
wide, high-resolution scan of a 24-inch pipeline
in one to two minutes depending on pipe wall
thickness.
The GW-2 is an automated digital X-ray scanner for
inspecting pipeline welds during new construction.
It has also be used in a variety of other applications
including railroad tank car inspection.
The system is sturdy, compact and
lightweight, easily deployed on the
pipeline by one person. Using a
unique flexible track system, the
GW-2 can be mounted to the
pipeline, ready to scan, in less than
30 seconds.
The GW-2's small rugged computer
handles the scanning tasks, while
the operator's portable workstation
captures the inspection allowing
instant analysis and digital storage of
the inspected weld.
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ScanTrack PL™
Pipeline Gamma-ray Scanner
The ScanTrack PL™ is an automated digital Gamma-ray
scanner for inspecting in-service pipelines for internal and
external corrosion under insulation.
Using the latest CMOS X-ray imaging technology, the
ScanTrack PL™ can conduct a survey of just the bottom of a
pipeline, or provide 100% circumferential coverage.
The system is robust, compact, and automatic. Using a unique
auto-steering track system, the ScanTrack PL™ can be
mounted to the pipeline by one man and ready for operation in
a couple minutes.
A small rugged computer handles the scanning tasks, while the
operator's workstation captures the digital Gamma-ray image in
real-time, allowing instant analysis and storage of the inspected
area images.
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SegmentedArray™
Adaptable Detector Technology
In addition to the modalities already
shown, the line array is also adaptable
to a variety of possible unique
applications including inserting the
array into a cylindrical object and
rotating the object about the fixed array
... single wall with consistent density.
The line array can also be shaped
while providing a continuous image
along its entire length. This 5segment configuration is used in
Envision’s Tire Inspection system
as shown in the next slide. A
special panoramic x-ray tube is
used in this case.
Line Array
“Envision what you can do!”
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Tire Inspection System
High-production Tire Inspection system used by world
leading tire manufacturers including Michelin and
Dunlop.
Robust and Reliable
Uses special panoramic
x-ray tube.
Uses 5 individual line
array segments
shaped as a horseshoe.
Call for more information.
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Envision
CMOS
Line Array
Technology Inside
Envision OpenVision LT™
Hand-Held Real-Time X-Ray Imaging System
A light-weight C-arm system for portable xray inspection including Corrosion Under
Insulation (CUI). Includes a highly sensitive
X-ray imager and battery-operated 70Kv Xray tube designed for portable field operation.
This unit’s 4” x 6” imaging area allows the
operator to safely inspect large sections of
insulated pipe much more quickly than any
previously available system.
Images are presented on a High-Resolution,
military grade, heads-up display mounted to
standard safety glasses. Optional viewing
monitors and recording devices available.
This unit is ideal for looking for corrosion
in aircraft wing sections and a host of
other applications! “Envision what you
can do!!”
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Features at-a-glance:
○ State-of-the-art x-ray imaging
○ Light-weight hand-held C-arm
○ NO isotopes to deal with
○ NO need to stop work in
surrounding area
○ 250 micron resolution
○ Full Dynamic Real-time Imaging
(30 frames/sec)
○ Includes two lithium-ion batteries
and a 1-hour battery charger
○ Custom sizes and energies available!
Envision OpenVision LT™
Hand-Held Real-Time X-Ray Imaging System
Rugged
Simplistic
Effective
Easily stows away in a
Pelican Field Case
Entire C-arm weighs only 15 lbs!
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EnStereo™ - Stereo-Scopic
Scanning System
Presents 3-D Stereo-Scopic Images on a special monitor that
the operator can view without the use of special glasses or headgear.
Utilizes Dual CMOS Line Arrays for Enhanced Perspective Imagery
Aides the operator in providing a fast relative perspective of
internal features within the part being x-rayed.
Two separate images having two different perspectives are
recorded for 2-D viewing and or 3-D viewing.
Immediately determine relative depth of defects and the order of
features within the test part (e.g., two linear features crossing each
other can be readily distinguished as to which is closest to the
surface and the relative distance between the two).
Can be used with any EnMotion™ system or EnSync ™ system
configuration.
Consists of Envision’s EnStereo ™ software and hardware along
with the CMOS line array adaptation.
Phenomenal 3-D Perspective Images!
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Security
EnvisionScan ESP-24™
Large Format. Battery Operated
OpenVision LT™
Handheld. Full Dynamic Video. Battery Operated.
OpenVision LT™
Ultra-Resolution. Ultra-Portable. Ultra-Fast. Battery Operated
Robotic Crawlers
Remote Controlled. Rugged and Dependable.
Mobile Scan
Cargo Scanning System. Large Format. High-Resolution.
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Envision’s Dynamic
Imaging Software
iX-Pect™ Software for all Envision CMOS Line Array detector
systems.
User friendly and has all the features you want and more.
Adaptable to meet your specific requirements
EnSpect™ Software for the Envision 4x4 detector system
Feature packed and easy to use
Everything you want in an imaging software package
ADR (Automatic Defect Recognition) Software from Envision
Optional Software for production applications
Reduces or eliminates the subjectivity of operator
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Characteristics of
Computed Radiography (CR) vs.
Envision’s Digital Radiography (DR)
The Procedure
Portability
Resolution
Format Sizes
Speed
High-Production Use
Cost
Pros of each Method
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Computed Radiography (CR) vs.
Envision’s Digital Radiography (DR)
The Procedure
CR
Like film radiography, CR requires exposing the cassette. Typically a cassette
(rigid or vinyl) is loaded with the CR phosphor plate and then used in the
same manner as film. The cassette is then transported from the inspection
site to the reader/processor location. The CR plate is loaded into a processor
unit, much like a film processor, and the plate is scanned with a laser optic
method. A digital image is subsequently produced, and the image is
evaluated on a PC. The plate is then erased. If a “re-shot” is required, the
cassette is returned to the inspection site for another exposure and the
process is repeated.
DR
DR is much like going from film based photography to a using digital camera.
An image is captured by simply exposing the digital panel. The images are
immediately available for review and evaluation on the display monitor. Like
the digital camera, if a re-shot is necessary, a new exposure can be taken
right away. In the case of the Envision scanning array detector, images can
be presented and viewed in realtime as the detector is scanning.
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Computed Radiography (CR) vs.
Envision’s Digital Radiography (DR)
Portability
CR
CR cassettes are very portable. The technology excels when the technician
must access difficult locations where a DR cable would be impractical to
manage; there is very limited access behind the inspection object; or where it is
necessary to conform the imaging plate to a curved surface. The CR
reader/eraser is not typically portable; smaller portable CR readers are now
available but lack the performance typically associated with the requirements of
most NDT operations.
DR
The DR panel can be field portable, depending on the panel size. The DR
workstation can also be a laptop PC. The Envision EnvisionScan panels are
extremely robust and designed for even adverse conditions in the field. These
panels are now available in a completely battery operated (ESP-24) version.
The Envision 4x4 portable, ultra-high resolution CMOS panel, is extremely
versatile, lightweight, and portable and is operated off a mini laptop computer;
fully battery operated.
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Computed Radiography (CR) vs.
Envision’s Digital Radiography (DR)
Resolution
CR
The resolution at which the cassette is read is selectable; with the highest
currently available being 100 microns. Higher resolution systems may become
available in the future. The trade-off with higher resolution capabilities is that
the technique will require more exposure time and read time. At 100 microns,
the time required to read/digitize a CR plate is 1 to 5 minutes, depending on
model/brand.
DR
The resolution at which the DR panel captures images is selectable, the highest
available with DR is the Envision 4x4™ panel at only 48 microns. The large
format Envision line array detectors are just 80 microns.
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Computed Radiography (CR) vs.
Envision’s Digital Radiography (DR)
Format Size
CR
The sizes available for CR plates are typically limited to that of film with the
largest at 14” x 17”. Portable CR systems are typically limited to 8” x 10”.
DR
The Envision line array detector system is available in a wide range of sizes.
The EnvisionScan panels are available in standard sizes of 3” x 6”, 6” x 8”, 12”
x 14”, 18” x 18”, or 24” x 24”. Custom larger sizes are also available. The
image scan area is user selectable with any EnvisionScan panel. For
example: If you have a 24” x 24” EnvisionScan panel and only want to image
an area of 4” wide, then you can select only that area of interest to be
scanned.
The Envision line array detectors can be adapted to a variety of system
configurations with lengths from 3” up to 72”! For example: With the Envision
EnSync™ or EnMotion™ system, a part 54” in diameter and 60 feet long could
be radiographed in just one image!
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Computed Radiography (CR) vs.
Envision’s Digital Radiography (DR)
Speed
CR
Like film, CR requires the secondary step of processing an image plate in a
remote processor unit. Actual exposure time is typically close to that of film.
Reading an image varies from one model/brand to another. Turn around time
can typically be anywhere from 2 minutes to 10 minutes.
DR
DR can provide images within just a few seconds. With Envision’s CMOS line
array images can be presented in realtime as scanning is taking place; with
Envision’s 4x4™ detector, 6-7 frames per second can be achieved (LVDS
Model).
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Computed Radiography (CR) vs.
Envision’s Digital Radiography (DR)
High-Production Use
CR
Because CR is much like traditional film, it requires the same multiple steps
before an image can be displayed. For high-production use, several CR
imaging plates are required. These are typically handled like film and must be
managed in the same way. If re-shots are required, it may be several minutes
before it is known.
CR requires sometimes multiple personnel to carry out the production operation
and does not readily lend itself to any type of automation or ADR (Automatic
Defect Recognition) capabilities.
DR
DR lends itself to the high-production, “lean manufacturing” environment. It is
easily adaptable with any level of automation and can be outfitted with ADR
(Automatic Defect Recognition) capabilities. In a variety of inspection
applications, ADR offers the opportunity to remove the subjectivity of the
interpreter, where the software automatically interprets the image data either
fully or at an operator assist level. Also DR offers larger image formats,
especially the CMOS line array systems offered by Envision.
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Computed Radiography (CR) vs.
Envision’s Digital Radiography (DR)
Cost
CR
The typical CR system consists of a reader/eraser workstation with PC, display
monitor and software. A supply of image plates and cassettes is also required.
The CR image plates are sometimes damaged through normal handling and
either have to be replaced or the artifacts on the plate managed from one image
to another. Image plates are a consumable item and their cost should be
considered. One CR reader unit can be used to support more than one x-ray unit
but often DR can eliminate the need for a secondary x-ray booth.
DR
When it comes to initial cost, DR is comparably priced to CR system,
however for cost-of-ownership, DR excels especially with the performance
and survivability of the Envision CMOS line arrays. There are no
consumables with DR. With Envision’s unprecedented three-year warranty
on its line array detectors, you won’t be concerned with after-the-sale
costs.
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Computed Radiography (CR) vs.
Envision’s Digital Radiography (DR)
Pros of Each
CR
CR excels for those applications where access is limited. CR is often
considered a direct film replacement, however, as already discussed, requires
the same intermediate steps as film. If the imaging plate needs to conform to
a curved shape, then CR may be the only option. CR is often the best choice
for use with isotope sources.
DR
DR excels for production applications where speed and/or image quality are
paramount. It is often said that “If you can go with DR, then you will definitely
want DR”. It makes little sense to go with CR, unless you absolutely need to.
Often CR and DR can augment each other in the inspection environment
where the image data from both systems can be brought into one image
management program for image archival.
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So what’s next?
Call today for more information or to discuss your particular application,
needs or interest. We want to hear from you.
We can provide you a complimentary evaluation of your sample ... just send
your sample directly to Envision at the address on the next slide. Please
call us first to schedule your application study.
You are welcome to come visit Envision’s facilities in Anchorage, Alaska ...
You’ll be glad you did!
We may want to schedule a visit to your facility and perhaps arrange an
onsite demonstration. Again, just give us a call today.
Get more info: Call 907-563-1141
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Contact information
Please call:
John Cope
907-232-3592 cell
907-563-1141 office
Envision Product Design is located at:
7800 King Street
Anchorage, AK 99518
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