Unified Testing Services (UTS) has performed a computed radiography inspection of NASA's Glacier, a cryogenic freezer at the University of Alabama Birmingham.
Glacier (General Laboratory Active Cryogenic ISS Experiment Refrigerator) stores experimental samples aboard NASA's International Space Station and maintains storage temperatures from +4C to -160C.
The university hired UTS to verify the proper placement of active cryogenic components within a vacuum jacket.
UTS chose computed radiography for the inspection as it allows for precise imaging and the ability to manipulate variables to produce a more enhanced picture.
The inspection confirmed Glacier was assembled properly.
Among the items the company examined were the safe position of sensor wires and the absence of thermal shorts.
Lance Weise, research engineer at the University of Alabama Birmingham's Center for Biophysical Sciences and Engineering (UAB/CBSE), said: 'The freezer assembly was already assembled and welded together, so X-ray became the only viable means for a thorough inspection.' UTS has traditionally used the computed radiography system to evaluate the subsurface condition of precision castings from the automotive, aerospace and defence industries.
The process is cost effective for clients because the system does not require film to collect the images.
At the university, the engineers used a large vault to shoot large castings and fabrications with iridium and cobalt sources.
They also had three X-ray heads, much like the medical industry, for smaller parts with thinner cross-sections.
UTS offers a variety of testing and inspection services focused on materials, construction, transportation, facilities and environmental engineering.
UTS also offers environmental consulting and testing and destructive and non-destructive materials testing.
