Rhythm Is The Total Inspection Software Package. From Data Acquisition To Archiving

Huerth, Germany, April, 2005

The Rhythm suite of user-friendly proprietary software from GE Inspection Technologies offers advanced image review tools and data management for all X-ray inspection modalities, including computed radiography, digital radiography and film digitization. Its advanced data sharing capabilities allow significant improvements in productivity and enable faster identification of quality problems, leading to reduced production defects or better in-service asset management. Using industry-standard, non-proprietary data transfer formats, Rhythm provides an elegant and cohesive solution to data management and sharing needs, while creating a stable platform for future NDT software capabilities.

The new Rhythm software suite comprises three individual applications: Rhythm Acquire; Rhythm Review; and Rhythm Archive, all of which use off-the-shelf hardware. Rhythm Acquire interacts with the inspection source to collect digital information which it passes on to Rhythm Review. It contains a database of the relevant inspection techniques and can control the inspection equipment. Rhythm Review, which can also accept data from other Rhythm Review workstations and removable media, such as CD and DVD, provides application tools for analysis, enhancement, measurement and storage of received data. Rhythm Archive provides both on-line and near-line data storage, to allow simplified information sharing and faster access to information.

All data is saved and transferred in DICONDE format, an adaptation of the DICOM standard developed by the medical sector, which is fast gaining acceptance in industry as the preferred data transport technology. DICONDE compliancy ensures that operators are not constricted by current, proprietary formats, eliminates the need for future data conversion and simplifies data integration from other NDT information systems, such as pipe management databases.

One of the major factors which allows Rhythm to increase inspection efficiency is its integral range of advanced, application-specific tools. These include: a wall thickness measurement tool to detect local corrosion in projection radiographs by use of tangential or penetration wall measurement techniques; a tool to calculate the loss of material around a porosity; a tool which simulates the conventional film method of laying two or three films of different sensitivity on top of each other to create different depths of view; and a tool which can be used to measure the depth of a defect by showing material loss.

The new system also features extensive built-in functionality. DICONDE images can be exported in other file formats, such as jpeg and tif and a copy of the Rhythm DICONDE viewer can be included on a burnt disc to allow the content to be displayed on any standard Windows PC. An archive index tool allows rapid location and identification of specific inspected component archives, advanced filters enhance the visibility of low contrast features in digital radiographs and there are various tools to perform mathematical and geometric analysis.

The scalable architecture of all components of the Rhythm software package provides versatility and flexibility and modules can be added to meet evolving needs.

The powerful new software system will find immediate application throughout the manufacturing and process sectors but especially in aerospace, power generation, oil and gas and the automotive industry. Customers who currently use GE Inspection Technologies RADView and Radworks systems can conveniently upgrade hardware and software to convert to Rhythm Review and Rhythm Acquire and add Rhythm Archive to enjoy the significant benefits of the new total package.

About GE Inspection Technologies
GE Inspection Technologies is a global leader in technology-driven inspection solutions that deliver customer productivity, quality and safety. The company designs, manufactures and services radiographic, ultrasonic and eddy current equipment to test materials without deforming or damaging them. Its products are used in a wide range of industries, including Aerospace, Power Generation, Oil & Gas and Automotive. The company has 9 application centres around the globe and offers a range of services including repair, calibration, training and upgrades. GE Inspection Technologies has 1,000 employees at more than 25 facilities in 25 countries worldwide.