Abstract: A weld inspection system uses fluoroscopic flaw detection particularly sensitive to volumetric type weld flaws and ultrasonic flaw detection particularly sensitive to planar type weld flaws. Both inspections are performed simultaneously throughout the pipe length. Each system marks the pipe with a distinguishing mark to identify the location of the flaw detected by that system. The fluoroscopic system is a high resolution system, the ultrasonic system avoids detection of minor non-rejectable variation in weld bead geometry and is calibrated to a desired sensitivity level.

Abstract: An ultrasonic weld inspection system has an ultrasonic transmitting transducer and an ultrasonic receiving transducer on the same side of the weld. A beam of ultrasonic energy from the transmitting transducer directed into the weld center impinges upon a flaw and the receiving transducer is aligned to receive only a portion of the ultrasonic energy beam scattered by the flaw while avoiding receiving reflections of the beam off the flaw and off weld contour irregularities.

Abstract: A sonic interference suppressor has a wiper of flexible material for wiping loose foreign material and excess water from a weld during ultrasonic inspection of the weld. A thin film of water between the contour conforming wiper and the weld passes unwanted ultrasonic energy into the wiper and on into foamed backing material.