VX Exchanger IBW - Vision in X industrial imaging GmbH

VX Exchanger IBW - for the inspection of internal welds in heat exchangers (inner bore welds)

VX Exchanger IBW streamlines the inspection of internal tube welds in heat exchangers, offering an efficient and straightforward alternative to the classical isotope-based method. By using a specialised X-ray tube, it increases inspection productivity, reduces process costs and shortens inspection time, while simultaneously providing a drastic improvement in image quality. VX Exchanger IBW can be used for metallic materials (e.g. steel, nickel-based or titanium alloys) with an internal tube diameter (ID) from 18.2 mm (from 14.2 mm in the special version).

Inspection process with VX Exchanger IBW

Attach imaging plates, packed in their protective sleeves, to every second tube-to-tubesheet weld (to increase productivity, several welds can be prepared in one setup)
Insert X-ray source from the front side
Exposure can be performed immediately after inserting the source. Exposure of one connection typically takes approx. 5 seconds
Similarly, insert the X-ray source into the next tubes prepared with imaging plates to perform further exposures
After all exposures have been completed, the imaging plates can be collected and scanned (in a single batch)
After scanning the first plate, evaluation and documentation can be started in ISee! Professional , while scanning of additional plates can continue in parallel
If team size permits, mounting and exposing a second set of imaging plates (if available) is possible while the first set is being scanned and evaluated

Advantages

Significant cost savings

more cost-effective than isotope-based methods
faster and more efficient inspection
faster production process through better utilisation of personnel and equipment

Better image quality

reduced geometric unsharpness thanks to a focal spot smaller than 0.6 mm
less noise and higher CNR (contrast-to-noise ratio) compared to the use of isotopes
therefore improved detectability of indications, e.g. wire sensitivity down to 50 µm, leading to more reliable inspection results

Isotope-free method

no cumbersome procurement or storage required
production-parallel inspection possible without disrupting operations
simplified radiation protection
(X-ray inspection typically operates at 70 kV)
smaller controlled area

More efficient inspection

inspection with VX Exchanger IBW is 10x faster
compared to isotope-based methods
automated inspection report generation

View inside the heat exchanger

The VX Exchanger IBW system during operation

VX Exchanger IBW is supplied with the powerful ISee! Professional control and evaluation software, which provides functions for application-specific image enhancement and efficient image analysis, and is also suitable for other radiographic inspection tasks. Further information on the software can be found at:

ISee! Professional

The system consists of:

metal-ceramic X-ray tube (rod anode)
high-voltage generator
notebook (or optionally a desktop PC with a high-quality evaluation monitor)
ISee! Professional software with modules for controlling the X-ray source, for image processing and analysis, and for inspection report generation and archiving (optional)
transport and storage case that accommodates all system components and can be transported in the trunk of a passenger car

Main technical parameters

suitable for internal tube diameters from 18.2 mm (from 14.2 mm in the special version)
suitable for tubesheet thicknesses up to 700 mm
focal spot size: 0.6 mm
radiation energy: 50–100 kV
image quality: 50 µm wire sensitivity
typical exposure time: 5 s
dimensions: approx. 87 x 62 x 47 cm
weight: approx. 100 kg

X-ray tube for the VX Exchanger IBW system

Overall view of the VX Exchanger IBW system

Variants

In addition to application-specific solutions for VX Exchanger, we also offer a combined system for inspecting external and internal welds. Please feel free to contact us directly if you are interested. See also:

VX Exchanger XL for the digital inspection of external tube-to-tubesheet welds

VX Exchanger RT for lower inspection volumes

Further technical and sales information

If you have any further questions, we are happy to assist you using the following contact options:

Email: info@vision-in-x.com
Tel: +49 163 9135650 or +49 30 9653 4837