The faster, cleaner, more reliable NDT inspection method

PCRT FOR TURBINE BLADES

Winner of the FAA-ATA Better Way Award and the SAE NDT Better Way Award

Process Compensation Resonance Testing (PCRT) is a whole-part resonance inspection method that effectively detects damage in turbine blades with higher quality results compared to liquid penetrant inspection. PCRT also features minimized part handling and does not require the blade to be cleaned or the coating to be removed before testing, saving valuable time and reducing waste.

Efficient Turbine Blade Inspections

PCRT provides operators and MROs with a faster, less intrusive, and cleaner NDT method for turbine blades. Each blade is quickly tested in as little as five seconds without the need to clean it or remove its coating, significantly shortening testing times. PCRT is also fully automated, requiring no training or specialized skill from operators.

Vibrant’s PCRT performs outlier screening and targeted defect detection on production and in-service turbine blades. Resonance frequency data is recorded and analyzed against algorithms and statistical scoring, returning a clear pass/fail result, eliminating operator misinterpretation.

SEE PCRT BENEFITS

Benefits

Improved efficiency: cleaning and coating removal not required for PCRT inspection
High accuracy with a reduction in false reject rates
Test higher volumes faster than traditional NDT
Automated testing eliminates subjective operator interpretation

More sustainable: eliminates excess blasting media, penetrants, and coating waste
Defects discovered that penetrants and eddy currents miss
Up to 90% reduction in inspection time

How Turbine Blade PCRT Works

Each turbine blade is placed on the PCRT test nest either manually or robotically. The part’s temperature is taken, the test is run, and a pass or fail indication is provided. Each test takes between 5 seconds and 3 minutes. Test results and resonance data are stored by serial number for future reference and use in PTI sorting for future tests. The blade does not need to be cleaned before testing and coating does not need to be removed.

The PCRT system is a ‘direct reading instrument.’ It does not require the operator to be certified NDT personnel.

Operators or MROs can arrange to have PCRT equipment installed in their shops or to ship parts to Vibrant for testing. Vibrant bills on a per-part-tested model, where the fee reduces per part as volumes increase.

SEE IT IN ACTION

Vibrant Automated Multi-Part Turbine Blade Casting Inspection System

PCRT FOR TURBINE BLADES

The Award-Winning and Cost-Effective Solution

Most commercial engines have more than 100 turbine blades. These expensive, high reliability critical parts must work together flawlessly. No company can afford to have one fail, costing more than $3 million in engine repairs, not to mention risk to the safety of a flight.

Vibrant began offering PCRT for turbine blade NDT to provide OEMs and MROs a cost effective, rapid, accurate testing option for each blade. We began this service with Delta TechOps in 2006, which proved to be a large success. In 2010, Delta Air Lines and Vibrant’s Application of Process Compensated Resonant Testing (PCRT) team received the FAA-ATA NDT Better Way Award for demonstrating the technique’s ability to reduce costs while providing a more rapid, reliable, and sensitive inspection.

Vibrant’s expertise in PCRT was also recognized in 2016 when the company won the SAE NDT Better Way Award with a group from P&WC for their work on the “Application of Advanced NDT Methods for Field Performance Improvement of the PW100 Series Engine”. The team evaluated turbine blade castings with PCRT after P&WC had failed to solve a “shrink porosity” problem with increased x-ray inspection.

We have since expanded services to a wide range of manufacturers and operators, including Delta Airlines, American Airlines, P&WC, Rolls Royce, Honeywell, and MTU, to name a few.

P&WC Case Study

Delta TechOps Case Study

A Better NDT Solution

Are you experiencing recurring issues not discovered by your current NDT? Are you seeking a different kind of inspection that is faster, cleaner, and free of operator interpretation? PCRT is your solution. Contact us today to learn more.