Eddyfi Technologies|Surface ECA & ECT probes

Sharck HR

Name: Sharck HR
Brand: Eddyfi Technologies

Sharck HR uses tangential eddy current array technology and image sharpening to detect and depth-size surface-breaking cracks in carbon steel pipelines.

ECATECA

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Overview

Product overview

Sharck HR is an eddy current array probe family developed for in-ditch assessment and depth sizing of surface-breaking linear indications in carbon steel pipelines. Its applications include stress corrosion cracking, hydrogen induced cracking, fatigue cracks and surface-breaking defects associated with DSAW, ERW and A.O. Smith welds.

The probes combine patented coil topology with Tangential Eddy Current Array (TECA) technology. When correctly calibrated, the signal separates crack response from lift-off effects, allowing depth measurements to be dynamically compensated for lift-off. The configuration also compensates for changes in pipeline properties, particularly magnetic permeability, that can otherwise affect depth sizing.

A dedicated sharpening process operates on C-Scan data to improve crack definition and depth sizing in dense SCC colonies. Without sharpening, depth readings begin to be overestimated when cracks are circumferentially spaced by 3 mm (0.12 in); sharpening reduces this spacing threshold to 1 mm (0.04 in).

The range comprises HR 60, HR 33 and HR Pencil probes. HR 60 and HR 33 provide different coverage widths and minimum pipe diameters for axial and circumferential scanning, while HR Pencil addresses isolated cracks and restricted-access locations such as deep dents, areas near girth or spiral welds, and seam weld toes.

Key Features

Key capabilities

TECA depth sizing

Patented tangential eddy current array topology supports depth sizing of surface-breaking cracks in carbon steel.

C-Scan sharpening

Dedicated image processing improves crack definition and depth sizing in high-density SCC colonies.

Lift-off compensation

Dynamic compensation accommodates lift-off up to 1 mm (0.04 in).

Permeability compensation

Compensation addresses permeability changes across X42 to X70 pipeline grades.

Sprung sensing elements

Ceramic spring-loaded fingers and independently sprung sensors support surface-breaking weld defect inspection.

Integrated scan controls

The design incorporates control buttons, an embedded spring-loaded encoder and a guidance laser.

Restricted-access probe

HR Pencil targets isolated cracks and indications in restricted-access locations.

Specifications

Published technical specifications

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

Performance Benefits

Speed: 600 mm/sec (24 in/sec)
Min. detectable crack: 1.5 mm (0.06 in) long x 0.25 mm (0.01 in) deep
Max. measurable depth: 3 mm (0.12 in)
Axial resolution: Can resolve cracks 1 mm (0.04 in) apart
Circumferential resolution: Can resolve cracks 1 mm (0.04 in) apart
Depth sizing accuracy: +/- 10-15%
Dynamic lift-off compensation: up to 1 mm (0.04 in)
Permeability compensation: X42 to X70

Sharpening Process

Circumferential spacing at onset of depth overestimation without sharpening: 3 mm (0.12 in)
Circumferential spacing threshold with sharpening: 1 mm (0.04 in)

Features

Elements and coverage: Up to 60 elements/coverage 75 mm (3 in)
Pipe diameter range: 152 mm (6 in) in up to flat surface (axial and circ. scans)
Cable length: 5 m (16 ft)

HR 60

Compatible instruments: Reddy or Ectane2 with 64 channels or more
Pipe diameter range: 254 mm (10 in) up to flat surface (axial and circ. scans)
Coverage: 75 mm (3 in)
No. of elements: 60
Frequency: 100 kHz (fixed)
Cable length: 5 m (16 ft)

HR 33

Compatible instruments: Reddy or Ectane2 with 64 channels or more
Pipe diameter range: 152 mm (6 in) up to flat surface (axial and circ. scans)
Coverage: 37 mm (1.5 in)
No. of elements: 33
Frequency: 100 kHz (fixed)
Cable length: 5 m (16 ft)

HR Pencil

Compatible instruments: Reddy or Ectane2 with 32 channels or more
Frequency: 100 kHz (fixed)
Cable length: 5 m (16 ft)

Documented compatibility

Reddy
Ectane2

Operating conditions & limits

Designed for depth sizing of surface-breaking linear indications in carbon steel pipelines.
The stated TECA signal characteristics depend on correct calibration.
Sharpening can only be applied on a C-Scan view.
Maximum measurable depth is 3 mm (0.12 in).
Dynamic lift-off compensation is limited to up to 1 mm (0.04 in).
HR 60 supports pipe diameters from 254 mm (10 in) up to flat surfaces; HR 33 supports diameters from 152 mm (6 in) up to flat surfaces, for axial and circumferential scans.
HR 60 and HR 33 require Reddy or Ectane2 with 64 channels or more; HR Pencil requires Reddy or Ectane2 with 32 channels or more.
Depth overestimation begins at circumferential crack spacing of 3 mm (0.12 in) without sharpening; sharpening reduces this threshold to 1 mm (0.04 in).