Abstract: A method for scanning a weld buildup formed on a circumferential portion of a disc for a steam turbine. The method includes providing an ultrasound probe for generating at least one ultrasound beam sweep. The circumferential portion is scanned with a first beam sweep oriented in a first beam orientation to detect a first flaw type in the weld buildup. The circumferential portion is also scanned with a second beam sweep oriented in a second beam orientation to detect a second flaw type in the weld buildup. Further, the circumferential portion is scanned with a third beam sweep oriented in a third beam orientation to detect a third flaw type in the weld buildup. The method also includes rotating the disc about a disc axis during scanning of the circumferential portion and moving the first, second and third beam sweeps in a direction parallel to the disc axis during scanning.

Abstract: Immersion ultrasonic NDE is performed within cavities of inanimate objects, having downwardly directed openings, such as for in situ inspection of steam inlet sleeves and steam inlet necks within steam turbine housings. A shaft assembly has one or more single angle or phased array ultrasonic probes that are affixed on an upstream or distal end. An inflatable bladder is affixed to the shaft on a proximal end of the shaft assembly downstream the ultrasonic probe(s). The shaft is inserted into the cavity opening, and the bladder is inflated to form a fluid tight seal against the cavity. Immersion fluid is introduced upstream the bladder in the volume occupied by the probes. Immersion ultrasonic inspection of the object is then performed.

Abstract: A method for scanning a weld buildup formed on a circumferential portion of a disc for a steam turbine. The method includes providing an ultrasound probe for generating at least one ultrasound beam sweep. The circumferential portion is scanned with a first beam sweep oriented in a first beam orientation to detect a first flaw type in the weld buildup. The circumferential portion is also scanned with a second beam sweep oriented in a second beam orientation to detect a second flaw type in the weld buildup. Further, the circumferential portion is scanned with a third beam sweep oriented in a third beam orientation to detect a third flaw type in the weld buildup. The method also includes rotating the disc about a disc axis during scanning of the circumferential portion and moving the first, second and third beam sweeps in a direction parallel to the disc axis during scanning.

Abstract: Immersion ultrasonic NDE is performed within cavities of inanimate objects, having downwardly directed openings, such as for in situ inspection of steam inlet sleeves and steam inlet necks within steam turbine housings. A shaft assembly has one or more single angle or phased array ultrasonic probes that are affixed on an upstream or distal end. An inflatable bladder is affixed to the shaft on a proximal end of the shaft assembly downstream the ultrasonic probe(s). The shaft is inserted into the cavity opening, and the bladder is inflated to form a fluid tight seal against the cavity. Immersion fluid is introduced upstream the bladder in the volume occupied by the probes. Immersion ultrasonic inspection of the object is then performed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for three-dimensional visualization and analysis for automatic non-destructive examination of a solid Rotor using ultrasonic phased array is disclosed. Data is acquired by scanning a solid rotor with a phased array ultrasound transducer producing a plurality of two dimensional ultrasound scans. Each of a plurality of sample points of a plurality of two dimensional ultrasound scans are associated with a corresponding 3D image point of a regular grid. A kernel function for each of the plurality of sample points defining a size and shape of a kernel located at the corresponding image point is determined. A weight is assigned to each kernel which, in one embodiment, is based on the sample point value. A value for each image point of the regular 3D grid is determined based on kernels overlapping each image point. A three-dimensional volume representing the solid rotor is then visualized.

Abstract: An inspection head where non-destructive inspection is structured to fit into narrow spaces, and to accurately and repeatably move an inspection probe along a surface to be inspected. Movement of the inspection head along an X, Y, Z, ?, and ?-axis is precisely controlled by individual drive mechanisms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for three-dimensional visualization and analysis for automatic non-destructive examination of a solid Rotor using ultrasonic phased array is disclosed. Data is acquired by scanning a solid rotor with a phased array ultrasound transducer producing a plurality of two dimensional ultrasound scans. Each of a plurality of sample points of a plurality of two dimensional ultrasound scans are associated with a corresponding 3D image point of a regular grid. A kernel function for each of the plurality of sample points defining a size and shape of a kernel located at the corresponding image point is determined. A weight is assigned to each kernel which, in one embodiment, is based on the sample point value. A value for each image point of the regular 3D grid is determined based on kernels overlapping each image point. A three-dimensional volume representing the solid rotor is then visualized.

Abstract: An inspection head where non-destructive inspection is structured to fit into narrow spaces, and to accurately and repeatably move an inspection probe along a surface to be inspected. Movement of the inspection head along an X, Y, Z, ?, and ?-axis is precisely controlled by individual drive mechanisms.

Abstract: A system for determining the cross sectional profile of an object (24) having two opposed surfaces (26,28), includes:an ultrasonic transducer (16) having a reference surface (20) and arranged to emit and receive ultrasonic energy via the reference surface (20);a thickness determining unit (60) connected to the transducer (16) for causing the transducer (16) to emit ultrasonic energy via the reference surface (20) and for detecting reflected ultrasonic energy received by the transducer (16) via the reference surface (20) in order to derive indications of the distance between the reference surface (20) and an ultrasonic energy reflecting surface facing the reference surface (20);a carriage (2) supporting the transducer (16);a guide member (4) defining a linear travel path having a reference point and supporting the carriage (2) for movement along the travel path;a position determining unit (12,44,62) operatively associated with the carriage (2) for deriving an indication of the location of the carriage (2) alon