The Flexible Track Scanner (FTS) was developed for the inspection of linear and circumferential welds on large diameter cylinders.
A single inspector can securely fix the light-weight, FTS guide track to the component surface using pneumatic suction cups and a foot operated vacuum valve switchbox. Two interlocking sections of track enable continuous inspection, by successively alternating them along the full weld extent and the track-mounted carriage assembly easily rotates to relocate the probe on the other side of the weld, with the track remaining fixed in position.
An automated version of the FTS scanner has also been developed.