Salient Features of the NDT_CARE™ (Computer-Aided Rope Evaluation) software package from NDT Technologies, Inc.

• For data acquisition, each user can use his or her own hardware and software. Here, it is important that data be available in an Excel-compatible format, i.e., in the CSV (comma separated value) format.

• Hardware-software data acquisition packages, from numerous manufacturers, can provide data in the widely used CSV format. Presently available data acquisition PC cards allow notebook computers to be used as portable and battery-operated data acquisition systems.

• The NDT_CARE™ software requires Excel Version 7.0 or higher. It is available as an Excel Add-In. The Add-In retains all the advanced charting and data processing features of Excel.

• The program makes test results completely independent of rope speed, and it allows scaling and customized formatting of charts.

• The software allows the display of test results in the forward and reverse direction. This is useful for comparing results from subsequent inspections where the rope was running in opposite directions.

• An overview chart of the entire rope length on one page is also available. This allows easy location of critical rope sections for a more careful evaluation.

• The program allows the convenient calibration of test results by using our proven and very simple "calibration wire" method.

• A very special feature is Signal Enhancement, which allows LMA (loss of metallic cross-sectional area) measurements of unprecedented accuracy. Previously, results at this accuracy level could only be obtained with annular coils that have to be wrapped around the rope for each inspection. (An awkward procedure, which is impractical and unfeasible for actual field inspections). Our Signal Enhancement method offers results that are equal to the inspection accuracy of annular coils while, at the same time, retaining the usual and convenient "clamshell" design of our sensor heads.

• The software also allows zero adjustment of the LMA trace. This is important when the inspection is started on a deteriorated section of the rope. The adjustment procedure is completely graphic and consists, essentially, of a click-and-drag operation on any one of the charts.

• The program’s Post-Calibration feature allows fine-tuning of the inspection results. This procedure is also graphical and is performed by clicking-and-dragging on one of the charts.

• Using Excel VBA, the user can also write his or her own subroutines that are custom tailored to specialized requirements. This feature is particularly useful for research projects.

• Using the chart formatting capabilities of Excel, the user can change the appearance of all charts as desired. Many other features, too numerous to mention, are also available. For example, the test data can be compressed and/or sent by e-mail. Or charts can be exported and pasted into Word documents, which is convenient for report writing.