Delta receives FAA approval to implement PCRT

In the USA, Delta Air Lines’ maintenance division, Delta TechOps, has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to implement process compensated resonance testing (PCRT), a method of non-destructive testing that identifies over-temperature conditions in aircraft engines.

The PCRT inspection method replaces the previous original equipment manufacturer (OEM) sample-based destructive inspection of suspect turbine blades.

Developed by Vibrant Corp, PCRT is a relatively new aerospace technology that provides environment-friendly, cost-effective and fast reporting on the structural integrity of components. In particular, PCRT offers increased sensitivity to defects, less engine down-time and reduced waste from blades that test negative for over-temperature conditions.

Delta was awarded FAA approval as it begins the second year of a three-year agreement with Vibrant as the exclusive commercial aviation supplier.

“This is another example of TechOps applying cutting-edge technology to benefit our manufacturers and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations,” commented David Piotrowski, Principal Engineer, Delta TechOps.

“PCRT increases reliability on the JT8D-219 engine while keeping maintenance costs competitive.”

Greg Weaver, Director of Operations, Vibrant, added: “Delta has been fantastic to partner with in our effort to display the full capabilities of PCRT. In our tests, we are not only uncovering ‘overtemps’ in the blades, but also discovering cracking, inter-granular attacks and thin aerofoil walls.”

Delta TechOps and Vibrant’s collective efforts have not gone unnoticed. Recently, the FAA and the Air Transport Association of America (ATA) recognised the firms as winners of the 2010 FAA-ATA Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) ‘Better Way’ award. This annual award recognises a government or industry team that has developed and applied a technology, technique, process or policy which results in a more sensitive, reliable or cost-effective process for inspecting and testing aircraft or aviation components and systems. Delta has won this honour six times in eight years.

Delta has expanded its original exploration of PCRT applications from turbine blades and vanes to aircraft wheels, fasteners and engine components, including applications targeting CFM 56‐7b and PW4000 engines.

Vibrant is a spin off of Mechtronic Solutions Inc, which has commercialised PCRT for use in the aerospace and power-generating industries. The PCRT technology, licensed from Magnaflux Quasar, is a non-destructive testing technology that can determine if a component is structurally sound and fit for service. Vibrant has developed PCRT applications focused on the safety critical components found in the aerospace industry. These applications bring the power of PCRT to bear on new product quality control and in-service product degradation tracking. The firm is now performing testing services for several major aerospace manufacturers and MRO firms.

For further information, contact:

Vibrant Corp, 5550 Midway Park Place, NE Albuquerque, NM 87109, USA. Tel: +1-505-314-1488, Fax: +1-505-563-4172, Web: www.vibrantndt.com 

Vibrant NDT Ltd, Neocol Works, Smithfield, Sheffield S3 7AR, UK. Tel:

+44-114-2738066, Fax: +44-114-2729842, Email sales@vibrantndt.co.uk, Web: http://www.vibrantndt.co.uk/