SBIR-STTR Award

Imperium, and its partner Oceaneering, propose a fast, accurate, reliable, underwater hull inspection system based on Imperiums unique ultrasound camera technology. The proposed device generates images which are striking for its clarity and simplicity. It is based on a patented 2D ultrasound array with 120 rows by 120 columns of individual piezoelectric elements. The device has performance which far exceeds other ultrasound testing systems. Images over an area, or C-scans, appear in real time. The proposed inspection device has resolution far superior to current underwater hull inspection devices and can detect backside corrosion pits 1/8 0x9D in size in hull plates 1 0x9D in thickness. The system developed under this program will detect 100% of all corrosion pits greater than 1/8 0x9D in size and will announce hull corrosion which is greater than 25% of hull thickness, providing capabilities beyond what was requested. The system will also measure precise hull plate thickness using the integrated A-scan ultrasonic sensor. The program will mitigate risk by leveraging 15 years of development. The PI of this project, Dr. Marvin Lasser, is the former Chief Scientist of the Army and Director of Army Research for 17 years with over 45 years of experience in pioneering camera technology.

Benefit:
The capability to quickly and easily find internal pits in shipboard hull structures offers a large commercial and military opportunity. The size of the market for such a device is significant. The usage would include not only naval and commercial shipping, but also offshore oil platforms, harbor imaging, and homeland security.

Keywords:
ultrasonic, ultrasonic, Underwater, Subsea, video, C-Scan, pitting, NonDestructive