Delta Air Lines\u2019 (NYSE: DAL) maintenance division, Delta TechOps, has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to implement Process Compensated Resonance Testing (PCRT), a method\u00a0of non-destructive testing that identifies over-temperature conditions in aircraft engines. The PCRT\u00a0inspection replaces the previous Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) sample-based destructive\u00a0inspection of suspect turbine blades.<\/p>\n
Developed by Vibrant Corporation, PCRT is a relatively new aerospace technology that provides environmentally friendly, cost-effective and fast reporting on the structural integrity of components. Specifically, PCRT offers increased sensitivity to defects, less engine down time and reduced waste from blades that test negative for over-temperature conditions. Delta was awarded FAA approval as it begins\u00a0the second year of a three-year agreement with Vibrant as the exclusive commercial aviation supplier.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is another example of TechOps applying cutting-edge technology to benefit our MRO operations,\u201d\u00a0said David Piotrowski, principal engineer, Delta TechOps. \u201cPCRT increases reliability on the JT8D-219\u00a0engine while keeping maintenance costs competitive.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDelta has been fantastic to partner with in our effort to display the full capabilities of PCRT,\u201d said Greg Weaver, director of operations of Vibrant Corporation. \u201cIn our tests, we are not only uncovering overtemps\u00a0in the blades, but also discovering cracking, inter-granular attacks and thin airfoil walls.\u201d<\/p>\n
Delta TechOps and Vibrant\u2019s collective efforts have not gone unnoticed. Recently, the FAA and ATA recognized them as winners of the 2010 FAA-ATA Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) \u201cBetter Way\u201d award.\u00a0The annual award recognizes a government or industry team that has developed and applied a\u00a0technology, technique, process or policy that results in a more sensitive, reliable or cost-effective process for inspecting and testing aircraft or aviation components and systems. Delta has won this\u00a0honor six times in eight years.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Delta has expanded its original exploration of PCRT applications from turbine blades and vanes to\u00a0aircraft wheels, fasteners and engine components, including applications targeting CFM 56-7b and PW\u00a04000 engines.<\/p>\n