Dexon TechnologyDexon Technology wins [secures for website] the SET Award for the Best Innovative Company for the second consecutive year – thanks to the company’s advances in transducer technology and production.
Understanding Transducers
For those new to this technology, here’s a bit of context.
In-line inspection (ILI) tools inspect pipelines by traveling through the pipe, scanning its interior and collecting data to assess the pipeline's integrity.
Dexon primarily uses ultrasonic waves to do this. These waves are sent out, bounce off the pipe walls and any defects, and then return to the tool through the transducers. Judging by the signals that bounce back, the tool can identify issues in the pipe, much like how bats or dolphins use echolocation to navigate their surroundings.
The transducers act as the ears of the ultrasonic device, capturing the signals on their return. These signals are recorded in the tool’s hard drive and later interpreted by Dexon's analysts and specialized software.
The Challenge
Previously, Dexon outsourced the production of these transducers. While this spared the company from handling the manufacturing process in-house, it also introduced several challenges:
Finding reliable suppliers was difficult.
Dexon struggled to get transducers tailored to its exact specifications.
Costs were high, and delivery times were painfully slow.
This led to major bottlenecks. A single ILI tool can use hundreds of transducers, and an order of 1,000 units typically took 12-20 months to be delivered.
For a company like Dexon, known for providing custom solutions, waiting over a year to get these components was a thorn in the side.
The Solution
In 2020, the Research, Development, and Engineering (RDE) team took matters into their own hands.
For two years, they worked to develop the in-house capability to produce transducers. Through research, prototyping, and building the right team, Dexon successfully began producing its own transducers in 2022.
The results were game-changing.
Delivery speed increased tenfold.
Costs were reduced by four times.
UT tools run faster and more efficiently.
UT tools can run in thicker mediums with greater accuracy.
The Outcome
In the inspection business, from the transducer to the mux board to the software used to analyze the data – every element is essential.
With sensitive tools operating at a minute level, ILI providers must leverage every part to increase effectiveness – delivering results that clients can trust their lines with.
SET’s Innovative Company Award recognizes Dexon’s commitment over the last 25 years to continuously push the technology and improve their inspection capabilities.
Last year, the SET awarded the company first place for their UT-CD tool. This year, the SET recognizes another important element of Dexon’s effort to refine its inspection fleet.
With a large RDE team, on-site test yard, and large production facilities, Dexon is now fully independent, able to customize and adapt every aspect to meet the unique challenges of customers.