Using DICONDE for NDT Data Exchange

Abstract

The processing of multiple data sets from different NDT vendors and systems can be challenging. Accessing the data requires dealing with different and often proprietary data formats. In addition to that the correct spatial alignment requires knowledge and information about the acquisition system and must consider different approaches for markers and reference coordinate systems. The key features of NDE 4.0 and digital twin concepts are storage and interoperability with standard data formats. In this example data from thermography, manual ultrasonic testing and immersion ultrasonic testing are considered. For established devices multiple tools exist for the conversion of data into image-based formats. However, besides the lack of spatial alignment there is a need to access the raw data for further processing. In medical and CT-like applications the DICOM format has become a widely used exchange format. Its derivative DICONDE transfers this into the field of NDT. This study demonstrates the use of this format for data processing from multiple NDT methods and addresses issues related to interoperability and the integration of less structured data from inspections.