Visual Plus 3 Cylinder Inspection
Endorsed by major cylinder manufacturers, including Luxfer, Worthington SCI, and Catalina,
Visual Plus 3 is the best inspection technology you can buy today − and because of its exclusive
software and versatile calibration features, Visual Plus 3 will be the equipment of choice for
inspecting new aluminum alloys in the future.
Visual Plus is a non-destructive testing (NDT) device which utilizes eddy currents to detect neck
and shoulder cracks, folds or other similar imperfections in aluminum cylinders such as scuba,
SCBA (all metal, hoop-wrap or full wrap), beverage, medical, industrial gas cylinders, fire
extinguishers, etc.
An electromagnetic wave is introduced into the metal of the vessels near the area which is
desirable to inspect for imperfections (the threaded area). The wave causes currents to flow in a
circular manner in the metal. They are called eddy currents because the flow is circular. An
imperfection can increase the path that the currents have to flow and so make the material appear
higher in resistance in that region where the imperfection is present. This generates a spike on
the computer generated report which alerts the technician to a problem that requires further
investigation. Hydrostatic testing alone does not reveal cracking in the neck/shoulder area of
aluminum cylinders unless they are leaking. Visual Plus identifies 100% of these defective
cylinders. Don’t leave it to chance!