Why Is It Essential to Use a Drone-Based Couplant for Drone Ultrasonic Testing?
Couplant for Drone Applications
Drones are becoming increasingly popular in the ultrasonic testing process to improve efficiency, safety, and accuracy. However, it can be difficult to find a reliable and compatible ultrasonic testing (UT) couplant specifically designed for drone based applications.
The experts at Echo Ultrasonics are dedicated to continually improving and evolving our couplants to meet changing customer needs and industry standards, remaining on the cutting edge of technological advancement. Our AeroSoniX and EchoPure™ couplants are developed with drone UT applications in mind.
Here’s what you need to consider before purchasing couplants for drone-based applications.
Photo courtesy of Voliro
Echo Ultrasonics Specialized Couplant Options for Drone-Based UT Applications
The experts at Echo Ultrasonics partner with industry-leading drone manufacturers to fully understand the considerations and requirements that must be prioritized in the development of couplants for drone UT applications. This partnership led our team to develop our AerosoniX couplant, specifically designed for drone UT at high temperatures.
The AeroSoniX couplant offers a variety of design and development features, making it ideal for drone use during UT procedures including:
- Optimal viscosity that pumps like a fluid and stays in place like a gel
- Broad temperature range of -50˚ to 775˚F (-45˚ to 412˚C)
- High auto-ignition point
- Will not form gums, varnish, or impede small pumps and tubing in intricate drone assemblies
- Low evaporation rate so it remains until the full inspection process is complete
- Non-toxic and environmentally benign
The EchoPure™ couplant, like our AeroSoniX couplant, is pumpable like a fluid and stays in place like a gel once it’s delivered to the test object. EchoPure™ allows for full coverage of the surface, ensuring the most accurate data can be recorded during the UT process. This couplant is ideal for drone-based UT at low temperatures and does not freeze, remaining usable for the complete inspection process.
EchoPure™ addresses crucial drone UT operation applications and considerations including:
- Broad operating range of -60°F to 350°F (-51°C to 176°C)
- Multi-metal compatibility
- Water soluble with mild ferrous corrosion inhibition
- Does not contain Glycerin and all ingredients are approved for incidental food contact
- Environment and operator friendly
Photo courtesy of Flyability SA
Because of its low viscosity, our EchoPure™ couplant is ideal for ambient and extended temperature drone inspections. However, because it is water-free, it is also compatible with higher temperature applications where slow evaporation and long inspection windows are required.
Select the Best Couplant to Meet Your Needs
The experts at Echo Ultrasonics will work with you to understand your drone UT applications to ensure you select the best couplant to meet your needs. Have questions about our drone-based UT couplants? Contact us today!