What is On-Line SLA?
A thin layer and pre-selected area of
the surface of a machine component is
labeled with radio-isotopes. Once the
activated part has been installed and
the machine reassembled, specific
measuring equipment can detect the gamma
rays emanating from the activity.
During the wear or corrosion
process, the loss of material results in
a loss of activity at the surface of the
part and an accumulation of activated
particles in the lubricant. By placing a
gamma ray detector near the activated
component or near the lubricant circuit
reservoir or filter, the movement of the
activity is very precisely measured.
These measured values are
computer-processed rapidly, and the
on-line monitoring of the degradation is
delivered.
The system is
able to deliver a non-contacting and
continuous measurement of wear and
corrosion, even for parts at
inaccessible locations. The results are
extremely precise
(0.1µm--0.01µm). Moreover,
the exact location of the loss is known.
The measurements are performed under
real operating condition.
MAIN FEATURES
Very high sensitivity ==>
Faster development
On-line measurements ==>
Dynamic studies
Selective labeling ==>
Exact localization of wear
Remote measurements ==>
Study inaccessible locations
Residual Method (aka Direct or TLD)
This method consists of placing the
detector near the activated component's
labeled zone. The activity can be
detected through the engine wall. As the
activated material is removed from the
zone, the activity decreases. This loss
of activity is then converted on-line
into the equivalent material loss.
Flow-Through Method (aka Concentration or Debris)
This method is used when the wear
particles can be collected in a
lubricant circuit. The increasing amount
of activity in suspension in the
lubricant is monitored, or the wear
particles are captured by a filter or a
magnet. This increase of activity is
then converted on-line into the
equivalent material loss.
Activation Services
ANS Technologies operates its own
activation facility at the University of
Montreal. We are equipped to perform
proton, deuteron and heavy-ion
activations on a wide variety of
components, materials and geometries. We
also cooperate with other facilities to
provide additional services of neutron
activation, Be implantation, specialized
profiles, and heavy targets.
Track-Wear Products
In order to perform SLA tests, a variety
of equipment is required. ANS
Technologies has developed most of the
equipment that we use, and these
products are available for purchase and
rental for in-house users of SLA. These
products include:
On-Site Services
ANS Technologies has personnel who travel across North America performing SLA
tests at the customers' facilities. Our personnel are available both short and
long term, at very reasonable prices. We pride ourselves on providing the best
support possible. Your test is our test !
Off-Line Applications
Off-line applications can be performed for interested customers. ANS performs
the activation of the needed components and sends them back to the customer.
Once the experiment is completed, the components are sent back to ANS. Residual
measurements are made, and the results are fully described in a written report.
Service Packages
Service packages are available to meet the customer's specific needs. Some
typically examples are:
- Full Service Package: all aspects of the
test, including planning, activations, on-site testing, radioactive material
logistics, data analysis and a final report.
- Routine
Application: Sale or lease of equipment, activations, test procedures,
consulting, training.
- Activation Service: components are
activated, measured & shipped. Activity-Depth profile is provided.
- Consultancy Services: provided either from our center, or at the
customer's location.
