Abstract: An apparatus for the concurrent nondestructive evaluation of partially completed welds is described and which is used in combination with an automated welder and which includes an ultrasonic signal generator mounted on the welder and which generates an ultrasonic signal which is directed toward one side of the partially completed welds; an ultrasonic signal receiver mounted on the automated welder for detecting ultrasonic signals which are transmitted by the ultrasonic signal generator and which are reflected or diffracted from one side of the partially completed weld or which passes through a given region of the partially completed weld; and an analysis assembly coupled with the ultrasonic signal receiver and which processes the ultrasonic signals received by the ultrasonic signal receiver to identify welding flaws in the partially completed weld.

Abstract: A method for non-destructively testing closely-spaced objects, such as header tube stubs for a furnace or boiler using electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) having meander coil sensors. The small size of the sensor combined with the need to move the sensor only a small fraction of the circumference of a tube to scan the entire circumference of the tube under test permits easy and accurate testing of an entire tube, even when the tube is one of a closely-spaced bundle.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for the ultrasonic inspection of a multilayer metal workpiece consisting of at least one parent metal layer and a clad metal layer, and having an outer surface, at least one boundary surface, and an inner surface, the device comprising a housing accommodating at least three spaced-apart, ultrasonic transducing means capable of receiving electrical input signals, initiating transmission of ultrasonic waves to the workpiece, and receiving reflected ultrasonic waves to be transduced into electrical output signals, the transducing means being constituted by an acoustic prism having a first face for at least indirectly contacting a workpiece, a second face extending in a plane forming an angle .alpha. with the plane of the outer surface of the workpiece, and a piezocrystal attached to the second face, wherein the distance L.sub.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic detecting method for a bearing ring in which a bearing ring 2 and an ultrasonic detection probe 3 are disposed within ultrasonic transmission medium such as water, then ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the ultrasonic detection probe 3 to the bearing ring 2, and a defect of the bearing ring 2 is detected on the basis of an ultrasonic wave echo reflected from the bearing ring 2, wherein at least a defect in a range from the surface of the bearing ring 2 to a position beneath by 2 mm from the surface of the bearing ring which is deeper than a maximum shearing stress position of the bearing ring 2 is detected by an angle beam method with an incident angle in a range of 10 to 30.degree., preferably in a range of 25 to 30.degree., and a defect in a range deeper than the range detected by the angle beam method is detected by a normal beam method with an incident angle in a range of 0 to 10.degree., preferably in a range of 0 to 5.degree.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that employs ultrasonic waves to perform in-situ measurements to determine the properties of films deposited on substrates in the course of various semiconductor or processing steps. In one embodiment a single transducer excites incident acoustic waves at multiple frequencies that reflect from the films. The reflected waves are received by the same transducer. An analysis system determines the phase shift of the received reflected waves and, based on the phase shift, determines the film properties. Other embodiments employ distinct source and receiving transducers. Embodiments are also disclosed that compensate the measured phase shift for temperature variations in the substrate. In one such system, temperature compensation is performed based on the processing of phase measurements made at multiple frequencies or incidence angles or with multiple ultrasonic modes. The disclosed techniques are equally applicable to determining the degree of erosion of chamber members.

Abstract: Device for testing ferromagnetic materials, such as pipelines and the like, for faults, cracks, corrosion, etc. An one electromagnetic ultrasonic transducer includes at least one high frequency current coil and an arraay of permanent magnets which create a magnetic field for exciting and/or detecting ultrasonic waves in the wall of the ferromagnetic material. The ultrasonic transducer is located between the pole pieces of an additional magnet arrangement that produces a magnetic prefield in the material wall.

Abstract: Radially spaced calibration holes are drilled parallel to the exterior surface of a cylindrical shell for a dryer roll. An ultrasonic transducer is mounted in a fixture filled with a coupling medium which allows for adjustment of the spacing and angle of the transducer which traverses the shell as it is rotated. The transducer produces a signal directed to the shell. A computer calculates the time the signal takes to travel from and return to the transducer and the depth of the shell from which the signal returns. A clear signal corresponding to holes up to one inch from the surface are found by adjusting the ultrasonic transmission angle. This angle is approximately 23 degrees from a normal to the casting surface. The calibrated transducer traverses the surface of the shell. The signals are gathered and stored to create data which may be used in maintaining the shell for the dryer roll.

Abstract: An ultrasonic test head for ultrasonically testing flaws in a workpiece includes a common housing. An ultrasonic transducer configuration is disposed in the common housing. At least one ultrasonic transducer array is disposed in the common housing for operation in a pulse echo mode for transverse waves propagating in a workpiece. The ultrasonic transducer configuration includes at least two acoustically separate ultrasonic transducers to be operated in a transmit/receive mode for longitudinal waves propagating near a surface in the workpiece. In a method for operating the ultrasonic test head, each ultrasonic transducer array or arrays is operated in a transmit/receive mode.

Abstract: Automated inspection assemblies for scanning pipes of a nuclear reactor are described. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a mounting subassembly and a scanning subassembly. The mounting subassembly includes a clamp configured to be mounted to selected pipes in a nuclear reactor pressure vessel, and the scanning subassembly is movably coupled to the mounting subassembly. The scanning assembly includes a scanning head configured to scan at least a portion of the circumference of the pipe to be inspected, and the scanning head includes a substantially "U" shaped transducer support assembly sized to receive the pipe. Transducer elements are coupled to the transducer support assembly legs, and the transducer support assembly is configured to rotate about the pipe to inspect the pipe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic method to measure silver sheath thickness in silver sheathed, ceramic powder core High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) wires and an associated sensor system which is designed and developed for continuous, on-line, real-time measurement during wire drawing.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for determining the thicknesses of individual layers in a multilayer article comprises an ultrasonic transducer coupled to the multilayer article with a buffer rod of similar acoustic properties, a pulser-receiver-amplifier which generates ultrasonic waves to produce discernible, time resolved pulse echoes, a digitizing oscilloscope which may be used to view the received pulse echoes, and a computer for controlling data acquisition and analysis.

Abstract: A system for ultrasonic inspection of a tubular member using an ultrasonic inspection unit having a platform, a guide member with a longitudinal axis, a wheel connected to the platform and contacting a surface of the tubular member for moving the platform along and around the tubular member relative to a rotation of the tubular member, and a bearing support connected to the platform at a location spaced from the wheel. The bearing support contacts the guide member for supporting the platform on the guide member and allowing the platform to move longitudinally in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the guide member in response to the moving of the guide wheel. A tubular member rotation mechanism receives the tubular member and rotates the tubular member around a longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

Abstract: When an ultrasonic transducer for detecting discontinuities and/or delaminations in a thin layer of coated material applied to a metal plate or the outside wall or surface of a cast iron dryer cylinder is directed at the coated surface to be inspected at a particular angle, about 10 percent of the single will appear as Harris waves which propagate into the coated test plate at 90 degrees to the surface. This signal which propagates vertically is polarized, with the result that the signal has a greatly improved signal-to-noise ratio. For incident medium of Lucite and employing shear wave refracting in the medium of Lucite, the specific angle is approximately 66 degrees from the vertical for best signal-to-noise ratio. Shear or longitudinal waves can be employed to affect the detection of subsurface defects with the particular angle changing depending on the relation of the velocity of the sound waves in the refracting medium to the velocity of sound waves in the incident medium.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection apparatus and method tests elongated, cylindrical aluminum billets. The apparatus includes a frame supporting a movable carriage having at least one ultrasonic detector assembly mounted thereon. Each ultrasonic detector assembly includes a bracket detachably mounted to the carriage, at least one holder movably coupled to the bracket, a spring-biasing mechanism to bias the holder from the bracket, a transducer shoe attached to the holder and a transducer attached to the shoe. The shoe is configured to conform to the outer surface of the billet and to be flooded with fluid to assist in testing.

Abstract: A detection and imaging system 10 is provided for locating defects in pipes using electromagnetic acoustical transducer (EMAT) sensors. The system includes an ultrasonic generator 22 (FIG. 2) configured to transmit a pulse signal to the EMAT transmitter 16 (FIG. 1). The transmitter 16, in turn, sends an ultrasonic wave through a pipe 13. The EMAT receiver 18 (FIG. 1) is configured to detect the transmitted ultrasonic signal 24 and receive a reflected ultrasonic signal that is reflected by a defect in the pipe. A processor is configured to generate a filter signal based upon the transmitted ultrasonic signal 24, to correlate the filter signal and the rejected ultrasonic signal to derive the location of the defect relative to the receiver, and to display the profile of the defect.

Abstract: A loading control system for a centrifuge used in, for example, a sugar refining operation, optimizes the introduction of product to be centrifuged. A loading system has an ultrasonic loading probe, a sound tube for delivering the sound signals to the sugar wall and returning to the ultrasonic probe, an analog controllable feed valve and a programmable logic controller which is used to control the operation. The logic program implements a control loop which analyses the signal from the probe and controls the position of the gate accordingly. Preferably, the system also implements a control loop for automatic adjustment of the flow rate and amount of sugar in the machine in order to optimize the loading process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a blown film extrusion apparatus in which film is extruded as a tube from an annular die and then pulled along a predetermined path. The improved blown film extrusion apparatus includes a system for gauging and controlling the surface of the extruded film tube, which includes a number of components which cooperate together. At least one transducer is provided and positioned adjacent the extruded film tube for transmitting interrogating pulses to, and receiving interrogating pulses from, the extruded film tube, and for producing a signal corresponding to a detected position of the extruded film tube. A control system is provided for substituting a filtered position signal derived from a dynamic filtering process in lieu of the detected position signal. An air flow controller is provided for varying a quantity of air within the extruded film tube in response to the control system for urging the extruded film tube to a desired position.

Abstract: In a device for the arrangement of at least one ultrasonic testing head on a tube having a welding seam for the ultrasonic testing of the welding seam of the tube each ultrasonic testing head is built in a support. The support is provided with front and rear support points and led in constant radial distance to the tube on a test trace. The ultrasonic testing head is arranged in the area of the front support points, which are closest to the welding seam to be examined seen in the peripheral direction of the tube. A mechanical scanning device is provided, it is connected to the ultrasonic testing head and is arranged at the support in the area between the front and rear support points. The ultrasonic testing head has a single ultrasonic vibrator.

Abstract: A railroad wheel test apparatus for sensing and mapping the subsurface of a railroad wheel tread face has a housing assembly with a holding device, a wheel transfer arrangement, a transducer assembly, a positioning and moving table for the transducer and a control apparatus for receiving evaluation signals from the transducer and also for communicating control signals to the positioning table and wheel transfer devices as well as a drive apparatus, where the wheel is positioned in a fluid bath and while the wheel is rotated the transducer imposes an ultrasonic signal on the tread face and receives the response signal therefrom to provide a map of the tread-face subsurface structure.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of detecting and sizing of a small crack in a root between two crests in stud bolt threads. The key idea is from the fact that the Rayleigh wave is detected between large regularly spaced pulses from the thread. The delay time is the same as the propagation delay time of the slow Rayleigh wave and is proportional to the size of the crack. To efficiently detect the slow Rayleigh wave, three methods based on digital signal processing are proposed; modified wave shaping, dynamic predictive deconvolution, and dynamic predictive deconvolution, and dynamic predictive deconvolution combined with wave shaping.

Abstract: A method of tensioning parallel prestressing members of a building or building component of prestressed concrete or a tension member composed of a plurality of individual elements, such as steel rods, steel wires or steel strands, wherein the individual elements are successively tensioned either individually or in groups. The tensioning method described above includes the steps of tensioning a first individual element or a group of individual elements until a predetermined tension is reached and anchoring the first individual element or group of individual elements; tensioning a second individual element or a group of individual elements until the tension thereof is equal to the tension of the previously tensioned individual element or elements at the same time and anchoring the second individual element or group of individual elements; and repeating the preceding step until all individual elements are tensioned and anchored.

Abstract: An electromagnetic acoustic transducer for magnets and a sheet type coil unit. The magnets are permanent magnets or electromagnets to provide a static magnetic field to an object to be inspected. The coil unit includes a pair of spiral or meander coils of an electrically conductive material, sandwiched between upper and middle insulation sheet and middle and lower insulation sheet. The coils are used for transmission and reception, respectively. All the ends of the respective coils extend through throughholes formed through the upper and middle insulation sheets to the surface of the ultrasonic transducer, and are connected to external leads. The ends for earth are commonly connected to form a common ground terminal. The inspection system with the electromagnetic acoustic resonance which is a combination of resonant technique and a non-contact electromagnetic acoustic transducer can evaluates the absolute value of ultrasonic attenuation.

Abstract: The subject invention is a method and apparatus for detecting a flaw in a metallic structure which utilizes a plurality of electromagnetic acoustic transducers located in close proximity to, but spaced from, the metallic structure. Each transducer includes a plurality of magnets located in a spaced apart arrangement. The magnets of one transducer are not aligned, thereby angularly displaced, with the magnets of a directly adjacent transducer. The position of the north and south poles of the magnets of each transducer alternate. The metallic structure is to be moved relative to those transducers. The detection of a resonant frequency at a shifted location indicates the presence of a flaw in the metallic structure the position of which is marked by a marking device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting internal bio-deterioration in round wood used in various applications (e.g. utility poles, pier pilings, round wood beams, posts and poles in structures, and living trees). The method includes the steps of securing a pulsing transducer adjacent one point on the surface of the round wood and securing a receiving transducer substantially diametrically opposite to the pulsing transducer. The pulsing transducer transmits ultrasonic signals through the round wood, which propagate through possibly deteriorated areas within the round wood. The receiving transducer receives the propagating ultrasonic signals, and a plurality of acousto-ultrasonic parameters contained in the received ultrasonic signals are processed and analyzed. The processing step includes the step of storing the averaged signals, and processing the stored signals on a real time basis to determine the acousto-ultrasonic parameters in the time and frequency domains.

Abstract: A single operation, multi-task, non-destructive testing technique of ultrasonic examination for defect detection, analysis and sizing. The technique utilizes the same angle, mode of propagation, calibration, set-up, and scanning patterns, for all materials, thickness of materials, and configuration of components for which it is applicable. The technique is used to detect, analyze and size planar flaws, such as fatigue cracks, which are connected to the surface opposite that from which the ultrasound is propagated. The technique relies on the fact that specular reflections received from flaws that have penetration into materials will return to the transducer before reflections which are associated with geometric features of the surface to which the flaw is connected. It also relies on the properties of the longitudinal mode of sound propagation at a 65-75 degree angle resulting in reduced specular reflections from opposite wall geometric reflectors such as weld roots and counterbores.

Abstract: A system and method of the present invention measures the relative stress in the cladding of a nuclear fuel rod caused by the internal gas pressure of the rod. This is done by determining the attenuation ratio of two specific frequencies from a broadband low frequency acoustic energy spectrum. Relative pressure differentials are measurable and therefore any loss of fuel rod gas pressure is a direct indication of fuel rod cladding failure.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting flaws using supersonic waves measures a thickness of a test object or a position of a cavity inside the test object by employing a pair of ultrasonic probes. By, changing a relative position of one ultrasonic probe to that of the other ultrasonic probe, a plurality of waveform data of ultrasonic reception signals is acquired. Each of the acquired waveform data is added together. Because a surface wave component of each waveform data has a shifted phase due to a difference in arrival times, a level of the surface wave component is offset and thus minimized through addition of the waveform data.

Abstract: An EMAT inspection system is utilized on a mill roll to identify surface and sub-surface defects such as firecracks in steel mill rolls with the results being displayed on a remote screen of a display and control system which also records the inspection results and controls the EMAT system.

Abstract: Detection and gauging of a joint (18) in a rotating and axially moving drilling tool (16) subject to transverse axial displacement is achieved by positioning an ultrasonic sensor assembly (12) coaxially encircling the tool in a plane perpendicular to the tool. The sensor assembly (12) generates more than one reflected pulse to represent changes in tool (16) diameter by transmitting a beam from at least one ultrasonic sensor (32) toward the tool (16) as the tool axially advances or recedes, perpendicularly piercing the plane of the sensor assembly (12). Each reflected pulse is converted to an electrical output signal, all of which signals are summed to minimize measurement distortion due to noise and transverse axial displacement of the rotating tool and compared to a threshold detection voltage in a signal processor (14) to generate a detection output pulse.

Abstract: A system can take transverse measurements of an elongated workpiece. The tem has a base for holding the workpiece oriented in an axial direction. A carriage mounted on the base can move axially. This carriage has a linear measurement device for providing a linear signal signifying the axial position of the carriage. An ultrasonic assembly is mounted on the carriage, and includes a nozzle for projecting a stream of liquid against the workpiece. This ultrasonic assembly also has an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting an ultrasonic wave into the stream and for detecting an ultrasonic wave returning in the stream. This ultrasonic transducer has a transducer terminal for exchanging signals signifying the occurrence of ultrasonic waves transmitted into and returning from the stream.

Abstract: A cart for inspecting a drill pipe having a platform with an ultrasonic inspection unit thereon, a first pair of wheels connected to the platform so as to move the platform longitudinally along the drill pipe relative to a rotation of the drill pipe, and a bearing connected to the platform at a location distal of the first pair of wheels. The bearing serves to support the platform above an adjacent drill pipe and allows the platform to move longitudinally along the adjacent drill pipe in correspondence with the movement of the first pair of wheels. The first pair of wheels are canted at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the drill pipe. A sensor wheel extends outwardly of the platform and rotates during the movement of the platform along the drill pipe. The platform has at least one handle extending upwardly from the platform. The bearing includes a pair of rollers that have an axis of rotation which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the adjacent drill pipe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detecting apparatus for efficiently detecting a flaw existing in a deep portion of a multi-layer structure includes a first sensor arranged so as to transmit an ultrasonic wave into a different property layer surrounded by a medium having a different acoustic impedance in the multi-layer structure, a function generator for generating a pulse-shaped sine wave, a power amplifier for amplifying and supplying the pulse-shaped sine wave to the first sensor, a second sensor arranged so as to receive a boundary echo from the different property layer, a first amplifier for amplifying the boundary echo received by the second sensor, an intensity detector for judging the intensity of an amplified signal of the boundary echo, a third sensor arranged so as to receive an echo from a flaw inside a layer in a deep portion of the different property layer, a second amplifier for amplifying the flaw echo received by the third sensor, a recorder for recording the amplified flaw echo signal, and a control unit

Abstract: When an ultrasonic transducer for detecting flaws in metal plates or the wall of a metal cylinder is directed at a surface to be inspected at a particular angle, about ten percent of the signal will appear as Harris waves which propagate into the test plate at ninety degrees to the surface. This signal which propagates vertically is polarized, with the result that the signal has a greatly improved signal to noise ratio. For an incident medium of water and employing shear wave refracting in the medium of cast iron the specific angle is approximately 33 degrees from the vertical for best signal to noise ratio. For steel the specific angle is approximately 31 degrees and is about 50 degrees for brass. Shear or longitudinal waves can be employed to affect the detection of subsurface defects with the particular angle changing depending on the relation of the velocity of the sound waves in the refracting medium to the velocity of sound waves in the incident medium.

Abstract: A process for detecting flaws on stretched workpieces, especially tubes and bars, in which the test specimen is passed in the axial direction and without rotation by fixed electrodynamic transducers arranged separately in the peripheral direction. Wave pulses travelling in both peripheral directions are generated in the test specimen at different locations in alternating fashion in the test cycle, and the location of reception for the reflection signals is different from that for the transmission signals. The wave pulses travelling in both directions are generated at at least four locations separated symmetrically from one another in the peripheral direction in alternating fashion in the test cycle. Each particular sequence of reception signals is evaluated separately, and for each cycle the reception signal and a burst signal are fed to a peak detector and the output signal of the peak detector is transmitted in digital form to a computer.

Abstract: The ultrasonic testing device for weld seams (28) in pipes, sheets and containers, preferably for circumferential welds in pipelines, is fitted with two identical test head supports (20), each fitted with at least one test head (e.g., 23), arranged in lateral inversion to the weld seam, which acoustically irradiate from the basic material (30) of the pipes or sheets laterally into the weld seam (28) and are coupled to the surface of the basic material (30) opposite the root (32) of the weld seam (28).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring fuel assembly bow and twist comprising a fixturing apparatus, a reference device and an ultrasonic measuring device.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the ultrasonic testing of a component accessible only through a gap, includes driving a carrier accommodating an ultrasonic testing head into an annular gap and bringing the ultrasonic testing head into a position of alignment with the component, for the purposes of repeated testing of components disposed in the poorly accessible gap. Subsequently, the ultrasonic testing head is driven out from the carrier approximately at right angles to the driving-in movement, and is brought into contact with the component. After completing the testing process, the ultrasonic testing head is driven once more into the carrier and brought into a position of alignment with the next component.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection method for measuring the thickness of non-welded (non-metallurgically bonded) cladding on the inside surface of a vessel from an outside diameter surface of the vessel relies upon the occurrence of a phase change at an interface between the base metal and cladding layers to precisely determine its presence and location. By measuring the length of time for the ultrasonic pulse to propagate through the cladding material, suitable predetermined calibration standards for the cladding material in question can be used to convert the time of flight of the ultrasonic pulses through the cladding into a thickness of the cladding. The cladding thickness can be measured from an outside surface of the vessel whether or not it is empty and/or without stopping the process and/or draining it, and the method can even be employed at elevated temperatures through the use of known delay lines.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer apparatus includes an emitter for emitting pulsed ultrasonic signals into a railroad wheel to be tested and at least one receiver for receiving the corresponding echo signals from the wheel. Transmission of the ultrasonic signals into the wheel as well as the return transmission of signals from the wheel to the receiver can be carried out in a contacting and/or non-contacting manner. The emitter (2) and the receiver (3) are arranged spaced apart from one another around the circumference of the railroad wheel (1), with a sufficient spacing distance that the receiver (3) is arranged outside of a symmetrical range (4) about the centerline (6) of the emitter (2) in which superposition of the two pulse packets of ultrasonic signals travelling around the wheel can arise.

Abstract: The device includes a blade (1), one end of which carries a testing probe (2). The probe (2) includes a first ultrasonic transducer (23) constituting an emitter and a second ultrasonic transducer (24) constituting a receiver, which are pivotably mounted at the end of the blade (1) about two axes parallel to the longitudinal direction of the blade (1), arranged separated from one another in the transverse direction of the blade (1), so as to be placed in a narrow annular passage, in contact with a cylindrical wall to be tested, in two positions separated from one another in a circumferential direction of the annular passage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and apparatus for the ncontact inspection of workpieces having a plate-like portion of the first part joined via an inertia weld to the end of a second part extending away from the plate-like portion. The apparatus and method are particularly apt for the non-contact inspection of driver inflator igniter canisters for airbag applications, such canisters having a spool-shaped structure with outer walls which restrict access to the internal inertia welds for inspection. To achieve non-contact inspection, the invention comprises electromagnetic acoustic transducer means which generate a pulsed inspection signal and a detection signal. In one embodiment, the inspection signal comprises shear acoustic waves which are polarized parallel to the outer surface of the second member (e.g., the central web member of an inflator igniter canister), and a pulse/echo detection approach is employed.

Abstract: The invention is an ultrasonic surface hardness depth measurement apparatus and method permitting rapid determination of hardness depth of shafts, rods, tubes and other cylindrical parts. The apparatus of the invention has a part handler, sensor, ultrasonic electronics component, computer, computer instruction sets, and may include a display screen. The part handler has a vessel filled with a couplant, and a part rotator for rotating a cylindrical metal part with respect to the sensor. The part handler further has a surface follower upon which the sensor is mounted, thereby maintaining a constant distance between the sensor and the exterior surface of the cylindrical metal part. The sensor is mounted so that a front surface of the sensor is within the vessel with couplant between the front surface of the sensor and the part.

Abstract: An apparatus which measures a thickness of a layer using transverse waves of ultrasonic waves, and includes: a sensor unit having a probe for obliquely transmitting and receiving to and from the surface of a material to be measured having first and second layers with different acoustic impedances in a depth direction: an extractor for extracting, from a wave reception signal representing waves received by the probe, reflected waves from a boundary between the first and the second layers of the material; and a calculator for calculating a distance between the surface of the material and the boundary.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved system, method and apparatus for the external ultrasonic inspection of fluidized tubulars and tanks. The apparatus utilizes couplantless, contactless, computer controlled, Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) probes for the external, longitudinal, scanning process. Thereby, detecting thin spots and other flaws along the circumferential belts of a pipe or tank without the need to encircle the pipe or tank with an array of transducers. The invention discloses a method of operation whereby the probe detects flaws in welds and the pipe walls by launching and receiving simultaneous ultrasonic signals, circumferentially around a pipe, from the same transducer.

Abstract: In order to perform all-around inspection of vials in particular, it is proposed that said vials (1) be dynamically mounted in an air-cushion bearing (13) with bearing shells (21a, 21b), that they be rotated with the air of a suction cup (15) that is radially rubber-elastic, and that the vial walls be inspected with the air of a scanning device such as a line camera using working beam (29).

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting flaws using supersonic waves measures a thickness of a test object or a position of a cavity inside the test object by employing pair of ultrasonic probes. By changing a relative position of one ultrasonic probe to that of the other ultrasonic probe, a plurality of waveform data of ultrasonic reception signals is acquired. Each acquired waveform data is added per corresponding unit of time. Since a surface wave component of each waveform data has a shifted phase due to the difference in arrival time, a level of the surface wave component is offset and thus minimized through addition of the waveform data.

Abstract: Ultrasonic testing apparatus 10 and method for ultrasonically scanning an oilfield tubular 42,56. The apparatus includes four ultrasonic arrays 12, 14, 16, 18 each containing a plurality of individual watertight ultrasonic transducers 20. Axially adjustable ultrasonic arrays 100, 121 include axially spaced sockets 102, 106, and 122, 124, 126, respectively, for controlling an axial movement thereof to preferably discrete positions associated with each selected range of diameters of oilfield tubulars to be tested. Within that range of diameters, the ultrasonic testing apparatus 10 reliably provides for a constant 100% coverage of the tubular to be tested. During scanning, the tubular 56 is moved axially and rotationally with respect to an ultrasonic testing apparatus 50 to provide a helical scan pattern along the length of the tubular 56.

Abstract: A transducer assembly and method for the ultrasonic inspection of tubing. An elastic membrane is used to form a reservoir of ultrasonic fluid coupled to ultrasonic transducers with the membrane conforming to the surface of the tubing being inspected. Guide wheels maintain the membrane out-of-contact with the tubing during relative rotational movement of the assembly and tubing during inspection. Water is introduced between the membrane and the tubing to provide ultrasonic coupling of the tubing to the transducers through the fluid of the reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the inspection of ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic pipes, tubes or other cylindrical shell structures utilizing the magnetostrictive effect to detect defects such as corrosion pits, wall thinning, and cracks within the structure under evaluation. The apparatus and method constitute an active testing application, wherein 1) a transmitting coil element generates a mechanical pulse within a cylindrical shell structure through the magnetostrictive effect and a second coil detects reflected mechanical waves within the pipe, this by the inverse magnetostrictive effect, or 2) a single sensor functions as both transmitter and detector. The present invention also anticipates a passive monitoring application with a detection coil that continuously monitors ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic tubes, pipes, etc.

Abstract: The invention is a compact ultrasonic tester involving rotating sensors The processor rotates with the sensors so that the output signal of the processor goes through the slip rings, rather than the output signal of the sensors. A spraying system is incorporated in conjunction with rollers. The rollers take the applied spray on the pipe surface and paint a film on the outer pipe surface to allow a good contact for meaningful results. A floating shoe is provided for holding each sensor against the pipe wall. The sensors are biased into contact with the pipe surface and the machine can handle different diameters of pipe. By controlling the pipe speed of advance and the rotational speed or the sensors, 100 percent coverage of the pipe wall is assured. The machine is compact and can be installed behind existing electromagnetic/gamma testers without major modifications to pipe-testing facilities.