Frost & Sullivan: ZETEC Develops the First Fully Integrated Product in the Portable Phased Array Ultrasonic Test Equipment Market

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on its recent analysis of the portable phased array ultrasonic test equipment market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes ZETEC with the 2013 Global Frost & Sullivan New Product Innovation Award for its truly portable phased array ultrasonic and time of flight diffraction (TOFD) system, TOPAZ™.

TOPAZ™ is unique in terms of functionality and flexibility, as it is capable of performing on-board inspection setup, data acquisition, data analysis, and detailed report generation without the need for an external computer. Another distinguishing feature is its sealed frame. TOPAZ™ is housed in a robust magnesium frame that is 33 percent lighter than aluminum with no air intake. This insulates the product from dust in harsh environments and it makes it perfect for field applications. TOPAZ™ also comes with two independent, conventional ultrasonic testing channels, allowing TOFD inspection on welds with thickness ranging from a few millimeters to more than 50 mm.

Unlike its competition, which is reducing capabilities and prices, ZETEC's TOPAZ™ offers extensive functionality and best-in-class performance, increasing its relevance in the high-end portable phased array ultrasonic test equipment market. This clearly sets the company apart from its competition and addresses unmet end-user needs, such as better probability of detection, analysis capabilities, and high inspection productivity.

To facilitate the development and delivery of this product, ZETEC employed a multi-core processor, an advanced 16-bit data sampling rate, gigabyte Ethernet, an on-board solid-state memory drive (SSD), a multi-touch display, and a magnesium casting. By offering this feature-rich product with enhanced capabilities and lower complexity, TOPAZ™ has redefined the portable phased array ultrasonic test equipment space.

"TOPAZ™ offers a number of benefits such as higher productivity, versatility, and a fully integrated product," said Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst Nikhil Jain. "In standalone mode, TOPAZ™ supports a 700 MB file size with up to 512 focal laws, eliminating the need to generate multiple files that require merging on post-processing software. For specific applications, TOPAZ™ can be remotely operated through ZETEC's powerful UltraVision software platform."

TOPAZ™ can help shorten plant shutdowns, as its higher data throughput combined with SSD and GB Ethernet card nearly doubles the acquisition speed compared to existing platforms. The real-time merged and volume-corrected views allow the user to better understand defect positions and make informed decisions without the need for long and cumbersome post-processing on external devices.

Typically, report generation can be up to 50 percent of the total inspection time, depending on the level of detail required. This additional task often consists of creating test object drawings that require indications to be accurately placed. TOPAZ™ generates these drawing automatically on the specimen drawing and plots the indications accurately based on the measurement present in the table of indications.

"Historically, due to ZETEC's origins in the power generation industry, the company's products have focused on power generation applications. However, with TOPAZ™, ZETEC has truly evolved with an instrument capable of addressing the needs of customers in industries such as oil and gas, shipbuilding, and aerospace," noted Jain. "ZETEC has already acquired a notable percentage of the annual unit shipment in the portable phased array ultrasonic test equipment market and is expected to garner a significant share of the market over the next two years."

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated uniqueness in developing a technology that significantly impacts both the functionality and the customer value of new products and applications. The award lauds the relevance of the innovation to the industry.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

About ZETEC

ZETEC leads the way with new inspection techniques driven by the needs and applications of the NDT industry and willing to tackle any challenge. ZETEC delivers automated and semi-automated Eddy Current, Ultrasound, and Phased Array Ultrasound technology as well as remote field and magnetic flux leakage technology, to offer you a broader range of inspection solutions. We are committed to growing the industry through innovative testing solutions and strong relationships throughout the industry, while maintaining a high level of quality.

About Frost & Sullivan

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Contact:
Frost & Sullivan
Mireya Espinoza
P: 210. 247.3870
F: 210.348.1003
E: [email protected]

ZETEC
Laurent Enenkel
P: 418.266.3020
F: 418.263.3742
E: [email protected]

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan