IP Library Granted Patent US 8,386,404
Granted Patent B2
US 8,386,404 · App. 12/689,576 · Granted Feb 26, 2013

Methods for automated eddy current non-destructive testing analysis

Inventors: Jeff Strizzi (Kirkland, WA); Tom Matelich (Spokane, WA)
Assignee: Zetec, Inc.
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,386,404
App. No.
12/689,576
Granted
Feb 26, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

A system and method for precisely detecting tubing flaws using a computer architecture that combines scalable processing power with an extensible array of detection and classification possibilities involving eddy current data analysis, as well as detection algorithms for pinpointing exact tubing regions and wherein these regions can be further divided into manageable segments for flaw analysis. Multiple classification tools utilized to discriminate detection and to precisely assign proper report codes to detect flaws repeatedly and accurately.

Claims (20)

1. A system for the comprehensive monitoring, analysis and managing of tubing flaws, said system comprising:

a computer platform whose architecture involves a distributed processing system for supporting parallel execution of automated analysis tasks, said platform comprising a locale analyzer and a detection classification unit for pinpointing tubing flaws;

means for channel aliasing for analyzing data in terms of a particular class of datastream;

an auto final acceptance means that automatically applies analyst-configured rules to reduce forms of overcall that would result from using high probability of detection automated analysis methods; and

locale mapping means for generating settings to certain areas of the tubing and associated components, said locale mapping means implementing landmark edge correction, mapping a damage mechanism to a plurality of related analysis locales, and algorithms that involve expansion transition detection, adaptive threshold detection and locating schemes.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising an algorithm training interface.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said detection classification unit comprises a plurality of ratio or different measurements to be made between frequencies for voltage, angle, depth and length of said tubing.

4. A method for the comprehensive monitoring, analysis and managing of tubing flaws, said method comprising:

loading and calibrating historical data and acquired data on a computer platform;

sorting said historical and acquired data by locale;

mapping said data for generating settings to certain areas of the tubing and associated components;

detecting flaws based on said mapped data;

classifying said flaws using at least one ratio or direct difference measurement between frequencies for at least one of the group consisting of voltage, angle, depth and length; and

applying analyst-configured rules for reducing overcall and for selecting a single final result to report from among a plurality of redundant results.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of utilizing channel aliases to permit analyzing said data of a particular class of a data stream.

6. The method of claim 4 wherein said step of mapping comprises implementing landmark edge correction.

7. The method of claim 4 wherein said step of mapping comprises mapping a damage mechanism to a plurality of related analysis locales.

8. The method of claim 4 wherein said step of mapping comprises implementing algorithms that involve expansion transition detection.

9. The method of claim 4 wherein said step of mapping comprises implementing algorithms that involve adaptive threshold detection.

10. The method of claim 4 wherein said step of mapping comprises implementing algorithms that involve locating schemes.

Assignments (5)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 3, 2026
From: NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
To: ZETEC INC.
Reel/Frame 074843/0323 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 30, 2025
From: NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
To: ZETEC, INC.
Reel/Frame 071881/0566 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 5, 2025
From: PREVIAN TECHNOLOGIES INC.; PAVEMETRICS SYSTEMS INC.; EDDYFI CANADA INC.; ZETEC, INC.; EDDYFI ROBOTICS INC.; EDDYFI CORP.; EDDYFI UK LIMITED; SENCEIVE LIMITED
To: NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
Reel/Frame 071328/0530 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 15, 2023
From: ZETEC, INC.
To: NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
Reel/Frame 062983/0469 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 30, 2010
From: STRIZZI, JEFF; MATELICH, TOM
To: ZETEC, INC.
Reel/Frame 024157/0053 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 61145666 · Jan 19, 2009
Related Publication 20100185576A1 · Jul 22, 2010