Imperium Inc, a US-based developer and manufacturer of ultrasound imaging cameras for use in non-destructive inspection procedures, has received the 2010 Global New Product Innovation of the Year Award from global research firm Frost & Sullivan. The award recognises the firm’s accomplishments in the world ultrasonic inspection equipment market.
“Our company is incredibly proud to receive this prestigious new product award from Frost & Sullivan,” said Bob Lasser, President and Chief Executive Officer, Imperium.
“We have worked hard to perfect the Acoustocam i600, making it into a powerful technology that can be used for immediate and accurate results for research, testing, inspection, maintenance – and many other applications. This Award validates our technology for widespread non-destructive testing use.”
Imperium says that its i600 Acoustocam generates real-time C-scan video images of sub-surface defects. The output provides similar information to much more complex, legacy systems, but with strikingly clear images.
According to the company, Frost and Sullivan chose the imaging camera because it is easy to use, portable and has broad application in the market place. Current systems require extensive training and skill, much of which is alleviated with the new device.
The i600 uses Imperium's patented digital acoustic video (DAV) technology, which represents a vast improvement over current ultrasound techniques. The DAV-powered Acoustocam produces images that remove the uncertainty typically associated with conventional B-scan ultrasound, thereby improving the performance of the system.
“The capability of the i600 Acoustocam perfectly meets the non-destructive testing requirements throughout the complete lifecycle of a product,” said Sivakumar Narayanaswamy, Industry Analyst, Measurement & Instrumentation Division, Frost & Sullivan.
“Composite materials are increasingly being used across several industrial applications - such as the petrochemical and wind-energy industry. Wind turbine blades are made from composite materials as they provide enhanced performance.”
For the New Product Innovation Award, the following criteria were used to benchmark Imperium's performance against key competitors:
*the innovative element of the product;
*use of leading-edge technologies in the product;
*value-added features and benefits;
*increased customer return on investment; and
*customer acquisition and penetration potential.
The non-destructive testing market's traditional end-users, such as the petrochemical, nuclear, automotive, transportation, aerospace and defence sectors, require ultrasonic scanners in the field for inspecting the test object in order to ensure safety. Portability becomes a key issue as the scanners are usually bulky, which often restricts mobility.
Imperium says that it has invested about $15 million in the development of the portable system. It also collaborates with universities for product development.
Imperium, a privately-owned corporation based in Maryland, develops and manufactures advanced ultrasound imaging systems. Dr Marvin Lasser, former chief scientist of the US Army and director of research for Ford (Philco Division) founded the company in 1996.
Imperium sells its products through direct and indirect sales channels, and through flagship OEM partners in different industries. Applications of its technology, which is protected by several granted and pending patents, can be found in industrial, medical, sub-sea and biometric settings.
For further information, contact:
Imperium Inc, 5901-F Ammendale Road, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA. Tel: +1-301-431-2900, Fax: +1-301-431-0200, Email: sales@imperiuminc.com, Web: www.imperiuminc.com
Frost & Sullivan, 7550 IH 10 West, Suite 400, San Antonio, TX 78229-5616, USA. Tel: +1-877-463-7678, Web: www.frost.com
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