The new Seifert x|blade from the Inspection Technologies business of GE Energy, Measurement & Control Solutions, is the latest addition to the company's extensive platform of digital radiography solutions. It combines robotic positioning of parts to be inspected, with an imaging chain which can be customized to meet specific applications and a DICONDE-compliant image review, sharing and archiving system to offer fast, flexible inspection and immediate review. It is specifically targeted at the aerospace sector, where it can be used in the inspection of cast turbine blades, up to 400mm in length and 8kg in weight, in line with the guidelines of the Metals Affordability Initiative (MAI) and ASTM standards.

As Shana Telesz, Radiography Product Manager for the Inspection Technologies business, explains, "The barriers to the implementation of digital radiography are now being lifted. Standards have been created, concerns around Probability of Detection (POD) verified and eliminated, guidelines released, and personnel training needs identified and available. We see the introduction of x|blade as an important step, creating an additional workflow enhancing (robotic) option in the digital radiography inspection portfolio."

Utilizing many field proven platform concepts and components, including radiation protection cabinet, x|blade features a robotic parts positioning system to enable multiple inspection views through an automated inspection plan. A typical workflow can handle around 280 images/hour, positioning parts within an imaging chain optimized for productivity and image quality between source and detector. Many of the detector options offer GE's Endurance scintillator technology that eliminates detector ghosting and lag. Image review, sharing and archiving is by means of GE's DICONDE-compliant Rhythm software platform. Rhythm Review features application tools for image analysis, measurement and enhancement, such as GE's Flash!Filter, which uses a dynamically adjusting algorithm to provide consistent and clear image presentation with a single mouse click. Its ability to create workflows allows inspection data to be shared across multiple workstations so that review can be carried out in line with inspection, avoiding bottlenecks. Rhythm Archive is a comprehensive solution to the management and archiving of large volumes of inspection information and stores not only the raw inspection data but also any enhanced images developed at a Rhythm Review workstation.