Skip to main content

VX Exchanger XL – Fully digital TTS inspection for frontal welds in heat exchangers

VX Exchanger XL is a complete system specifically developed for radiographic tube-to-tubesheet (TTS) weld inspection where access is available only from the tubesheet side of a heat exchanger. This system is the only alternative to the classical film-based method and enables an unmatched increase in productivity while simultaneously improving image quality. VX Exchanger XL can be used for metallic materials (e.g. steel, nickel-based or titanium alloys) with internal tube diameters (ID) ranging from 7 mm to approximately 80 mm.

Radiographic TTS inspection with VX Exchanger XL on a heat exchanger

Advantages of TTS inspection with VX Exchanger XL

Significant cost savings

  • no consumables (no film or development costs)
  • more efficient use of personnel
  • faster inspection: short image acquisition time
    (approx. 10 s per weld) and a shorter overall time
    (approx. 1/10 of the conventional duration)

Extended application areas and inspections with higher requirements thanks to:

  • increased sensitivity: detection of pores down to 0.1 mm. With the conventional inspection method using Ir-192, pores smaller than 0.8 mm are usually not detectable.
  • feasibility of 100% inspection coverage (with minimal inspection time – and almost no additional cost)

Handling

  • inspection results are available immediately
  • computer-assisted analysis
  • automated inspection report generation

Isotope replacement

  • small controlled area (approx. 2 x 2 m² is sufficient) – fewer disruptions to the ongoing production process on site
  • no handling and procurement of hazardous materials
Frontal tube welds of a heat exchanger with artificial defects

Weld sample with artificially introduced defects for evaluating the inspection method

Radiographic image of frontal heat exchanger welds acquired with VX Exchanger XL

Image of a tube-to-tubesheet weld inspected with VX Exchanger XL

VX Exchanger XL is controlled using the ISee! Professional software, which in addition to image acquisition also provides functions for application-specific image enhancement, efficient image analysis and data management. Further information on the software can be found at:

The system consists of:

  • specialised digital X-ray imaging detector with a spatial resolution of 100 µm
  • 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 and the digital detector, 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
Radiographic frontal weld inspection with VX Exchanger XL on a heat exchanger

TTS inspection with the fully digital VX Exchanger XL system

Fully digital X-ray inspection head of VX Exchanger XL

VX Exchanger XL, detailed view of the X-ray source–detector unit (front side: X-ray source)

VX Exchanger XL digital X-ray inspection system

Overall view of the VX Exchanger XL system (the primary components are placed in the case, which can be used for storage and transport of the system)

VX Exchanger model variety

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:

Further technical and sales information

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

Email:
Tel: +49 163 9135650 or +49 30 9653 4837