Remote-Field Array (RFA) Probe

Name: Remote-Field Array (RFA) Probe
Brand: Eddyfi Technologies

Remote-field array probes deliver high-resolution C-scans of ferrous heat exchanger tubes at conventional RFT speeds, with improved detection near support plates and tubesheets.

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Remote-Field Array (RFA) Probe product image

Overview

Product overview

The Remote-Field Array (RFA) Probe family inspects ferrous heat exchanger tubing, with a design focused on carbon steel. It combines a high-density coil array with conventional bobbins and dual drivers to provide C-scan imaging that helps characterize defect morphology and assess tube bundles.

A patent-pending low-frequency multiplexing protocol enables array acquisition at speeds equivalent to conventional remote-field testing. The family uses up to 30 coils and supports heat exchanger tube sizes from 15.8 mm to 31.75 mm (0.625 in to 1.25 in). Conventional, absolute and differential channels are acquired and displayed simultaneously.

Small array sensors increase sensitivity to pits and other small defects near tubesheets and support plates. In general, RFA reduces blind zones around these external features by up to 75% compared with standard RFT inspections. Integrated centering devices maintain constant liftoff in field conditions and improve sizing on both standard and array signals.

Inspection uses the same cleaning and fill factor preparation requirements as conventional RFT, with a typical pulling speed of 300 mm/s or 12 in/s. Acquisition and analysis require Magnifi PRO version 5.1 or higher and one of the specified Ectane 3 instrument configurations.

Key Features

Key capabilities

High-resolution C-scans

A high-density coil array provides imaging for improved interpretation of defect morphology.

Low-frequency multiplexing

A patent-pending multiplexing protocol supports array imaging at conventional RFT acquisition speeds.

Detection near external features

Small sensors improve sensitivity to pits and small defects close to tubesheets and support plates.

Reduced blind zones

In general, blind zones around external features are reduced by up to 75% compared with standard RFT inspections.

Familiar inspection preparation

Cleaning and fill factor requirements match those of conventional RFT.

Integrated centering

Centering devices maintain constant liftoff and improve sizing capabilities on standard and array signals.

Simultaneous signal acquisition

Conventional, absolute and differential channels are acquired and displayed simultaneously.

Specifications

Published technical specifications

Values as published by Eddyfi Technologies. Where models or variants differ, each is listed separately.

Probe design

Coils: up to 30 coils
Supported heat exchanger tube sizes: 15.8 mm to 31.75 mm (0.625 in to 1.25 in)

Performance

Blind-zone reduction compared to standard RFT: up to 75%

Data analysis

Magnifi software required: PRO, 5.1 and higher for acquisition and analysis
ABS signal representation: Impedance or voltage plane
Number of frequencies: 2
Driver activation: independent
Data modes: Conventional and array (C-scan)

Specifications

Recommended fill factor: 78% or more
Diameters available: 11.0 mm (0.433 in) to 23.0 mm (0.906 in)
Typical pulling speed: 300 mm/s or 12 in/s
Frequency range: 50 – 2,000 Hz
Number of drivers: 2
Material: Ferrous (designed for carbon steel)
Cable sheath: 9 mm (0.375 in) or 12.7 mm (0.5 in) strong, premium, non-kinking nylon
Connector: 41-pin
Protective sleeve: Stainless steel
Centering devices: Ceramic feet with foam induced pressure
Instrument model required: Ectane 3-E64RNM(I) or Ectane 3-E128RNM(I)

Standard equipment

Integrated centering devices with ceramic feet and foam induced pressure
Stainless steel protective sleeve

Documented compatibility

Magnifi PRO, 5.1 and higher
Ectane 3-E64RNM(I)
Ectane 3-E128RNM(I)

Operating conditions & limits

For ferrous tubing; designed for carbon steel.
Supports heat exchanger tube sizes ranging from 15.8 mm to 31.75 mm (0.625 in to 1.25 in).
Recommended fill factor is 78% or more.
Requires the same cleaning and fill factor preparation as conventional RFT.
Acquisition and analysis require Magnifi PRO, 5.1 and higher.
Requires Ectane 3-E64RNM(I) or Ectane 3-E128RNM(I).
The stated blind-zone reduction is up to 75% compared with standard RFT inspections.