Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for determining the existence and severity of a crack in a shaft system is provided. The apparatus includes means for mounting multiple vibration responsive output transducers around an outer circumference of the shaft system, allowing simultaneous measurements of vibrational response of the shaft system when multiple vibration responsive output transducers are mounted to the mounting means. In a first approach, the mounting means comprises a collar having two connected arcuate members, with drilled milled and tapped apertures for mounting radial input and output transducers. Torsional input and output transducers may also be mounted tangentially on the collar in drilled milled and tapped heads of bolts used to connect the two arcuate members.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic process for testing, by immersion, the soundness of a metal piece (26) using at least one transducer (21) emitting ultrasonic waves focused in the piece (26). There are a plurality of transducers (21) used. Each of the transducers having in the tested piece (26) a focal spot at -6 dB, the section of which, perpendicular to the axis of propagation of the waves is less than 40 mm2. The focal spots of the transducers (21) being distributed depending on the depth to be tested of the piece (26). Additionally, the invention describes a process to guarantee the soundness of the interior of a piece (26), in particular a bar made of a titanium alloy (26) of a diameter of between about 50 and 400 mm for use in aeronautics.

Abstract: In the whole-product ultrasonic inspection system proposed, a test head mount, having an axis of rotation, is mounted on a height-adjustable test bench. A test-piece, manipulator having an axis of rotation, is also mounted on the test bench. The test head mount axis and the test-piece manipulator axis are parallel to each other. A guideway is coupled between the test bench and the test head mount or the test-piece manipulator. The guideway runs in a direction that is orthogonal to the test head mount axis and the test-piece manipulator axis. The guideway is arranged such that the test-piece manipulator can move relative to the test head mount between a test position in which the test head mount axis and the test-piece manipulator axis coincide and a service position in which an object to be tested can be received by the test head mount.

Abstract: An improved method for repair of incore-instrumentation-housing and related defects in a nuclear reactor system involves three stages, each with ultrasonically assisted inspections. In the first stage, a defective incore housing is removed and the exposed area and aperture at the former location of the incore housing is ultrasonically inspected using an ultrasonic probe with a tiltable disk-shaped head that self-conforms to the local contour of the reactor vessel bottom. In the second stage, a weld buildup is formed. The reactor is then sealed and the weld buildup is machined to define an aperture therethrough. The weld buildup is then ultrasonically inspected with a second probe with a centering member that is stationary as the probe body is moved vertically relative to it. In the third stage, a J-prep is formed. A new incore housing is inserted through the weld buildup aperture. The new incore housing is welded at the J-prep. The J-weld is ultrasonically inspected using a third ultrasonic probe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the nondestructive evaluation of ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic materials, particularly wire ropes, cables, and strands, and pipes utilizing the magnetostrictive effect for measuring minute variations in magnetic fields and characterizing these minute variations as indicative of the acoustic/ultrasonic behavior of fractures, cracks, and other anomalies within a substance under evaluation. The apparatus and method contemplate both an active testing application, wherein a transmitting sensor generates an acoustic/ultrasonic pulse within a material through the magnetostrictive effect and a second receiving sensor detects reflected acoustic/ultrasonic waves within the material, again by the inverse magnetostrictive effect. The advantages of utilizing magnetostrictive sensors as opposed to well known piezoelectric sensors lies in the ability to generate and detect acoustic/ultrasonic waves without a direct physical or acoustical contact to the material.

Abstract: The ultrasonic transducer (5) is moved along the axial direction of elements of elongate shape (1), and is electrically excited for the emission of ultrasonic waves. Electrical measurement currents originating from the transducer (5) are collected and analyzed. The transducer (5) comprises a support having a concave active surface having curved generatrices and a plurality of piezoelectric elements fixed to the active surface of the support in adjacent dispositions.

Abstract: A rotor of on ultrasonic testing device for rotation-symmetrical test-pieces has drillings arranged in pairs for test head supports and test head supports arranged in these drillings. These supports are longitudinally adjustable along the axis of the drilling. The supports are sealed in the drilling and carry at least one test head. The drillings arranged in pairs are arranged in staggered array along the axis of rotation of the rotor or around the periphery of the rotor. Each pair has a rotary drive which as a shared activating system and facilitates synchronous rotation in an opposite direction of the two test head supports of the pair around the axis of the drilling.

Abstract: Along with an ultrasound test apparatus for elongated test specimens (20) having cross sections that are constant throughout their length, in particular pipes and rods, which pass longitudinally along a test line (24) and thereby pass through a test machine (28) which is arranged on the test line (24), a second test machine (34) is provided. Both test machines (28, 34) are arranged on a pivot mount (30) at some distance from each other, parallel to each other and rotated 180.degree. with respect to each other, rotatable by at least 180.degree. around an axis of rotation (38), the axis of rotation running at a right angle to the test line (24) and at some distance from it, so that in an initial rotation position of the pivot mount (30) the one test machine (28) is positioned on the test line (24) and the other test machine (34) can be changed over, and in the second rotation position the other test machine (34) is positioned on the test line ( 24) and the first test machine (28) can be changed over.

Abstract: A method for detecting defects with a surface ultrasonic wave in which a surface ultrasonic wave probe is brought into contact with a surface of a rotating cylindrical member via a thin film of a contact liquid medium such that a contact trace of the probe extends linearly or helically about the circumference of the cylindrical member. An ultrasonic wave propagates in the surface portion of the cylindrical member from the probe in an opposite direction to the rotational direction of the cylindrical member. The probe is provided in a front portion thereof with a projection slightly extending downward from a lower surface of the probe so that the thin film of the contact liquid medium is stably formed. There is substantially no thin film of the contact liquid medium on the surface portion of the cylindrical member in which the surface ultrasonic wave propagates.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detection device including a transmitting ultrasonic transducer for producing multiple shear wave skips between inner and outer surfaces of a test object, a plurality of receiving transducers positioned ahead of and parallel to at generally the same incident angle as the transmitting ultrasonic transducer, and a processor electrically connected to the receiving transducers so as to produce a humanly perceivable indication of the reflected energy. The receiving transducers serve to receive energy of the shear wave as reflected from discontinuities in the object. Each of the receiving transducers is electronically isolated from the other receiving transducers. The receiving transducers are connected to a single channel of the processor. A fixture is provided having a first opening for detachably receiving the transmitting ultrasonic transducer and a plurality of receiving openers receiving the receiving transducers therein.

Abstract: The flaw detecting apparatus comprises a sensor head including a first sensor for detecting the center of the center hole and a second sensor for detecting a flaw. A driver moves the sensor head along a first line passing through the center hole and then along a second line passing through the center of the center hole and perpendicular to the first line, thereby placing the sensor head at a position facing the center hole, on the basis of the output of the first sensor. Subsequently, the driver rotates the sensor head to a predetermined position where a flaw is detected, on the basis of the output of the second sensor.

Abstract: A compact ultrasonic inspection device of high resolution and operating speed is presented for examining the defects in a welded section between the end plug and the fuel pipe. The welded fuel rod is inserted into an inspection section of a rotating member filled with water, and is held immovably. The rotating member, having a plurality of ultrasonic probes disposed around the periphery, is rotated around the axis of the fuel rod to examine the welded section.

Abstract: A combined ultrasonic and eddy-current method and apparatus for non-destructively determining the liner thickness of a zirconium liner provided at the inner surface of a zirconium alloy nuclear fuel rod tube utilizes dimensional data acquired via conventional ultrasonic measurement techniques and impedance data acquired through electromagnetic techniques to calculate liner thickness in accordance with a specific formula. The apparatus utilizes a computer or programmable arithmetic unit with associated memory and I/O devices connected to electromagnetic and ultrasonic measurement subsystems. A particular eddy-current probe arrangement consisting of a differential coil pair is employed to obtain impedance measurements from the outside of the cladding tube. Calibrated reference impedance values for various different inner and outer tube diameters having a constant liner thickness are measured and retained in a memory.

Abstract: An ultrasonic test device for rotationally symmetrical test specimens permits performing oblique error testing. A probe carrier is mounted within a bore hole of a rotor such that its position can be rotationally adjusted about the axis of the bore hole and also adjusted longitudinally in the direction of the axis of the bore hole. Thus, especially in combination with an angle probe or an inclination-adjustable probe, the acoustic irradiation angle can be adjusted by rotation of the probe carrier. In this way, it is possible to achieve test paths for rotors that range continuously between every test spiral pitch.

Abstract: An ultrasonic testing machine has a rotor (20) which incorporates several probes (21 to 23) and which has a transmission device (26) with several channels for connecting the probes (21 to 23) to a stationary electronic control and analysis device (32). The rotor (20) contains more probes (21 to 23) than channels in the transmission device (26). All probes (21 to 23) are connected electrically to a first multipoint connector (24) and all transmission devices are connected electrically to as second multipoint connector (28). At least one interchangeable plug counterconnector (30) corresponding to these two multipoint connectors is present and contains connections for contacts associated with the channels of the transmission device (26) with contacts of connections for some of the probes (21 to 23).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in confirming hydrogen damage in a boiler tube comprises a pair of electromagnetic acoustic transducer coils which are mounted for movement toward and away from each other. An electromagnet produces pulses that generate acoustic beams across a chord and within the wall thickness of the boiler tube. For adapting to boiler tubes of different outside diameters, the transducers coils are mounted on a resilient member so that the coils can be pressed against the outer surface of coils having a variety of outside diameters. The angle of the acoustic beam between the coils must also be adjusted, however, and this is done by changing the frequency of energy applied to the coils.

Abstract: In a blown film extrusion system in which film is extruded as a tube from an annular die and then pulled along a predetermined path, an apparatus is provided for gauging and controlling the circumference of the extruded film tube. At least one transducer, preferably ultrasonic, is mounted adjacent the extruded film tube for transmitting and receiving interrogating pulses along paths normal to the extruded film tube, and for producing a current position signal corresponding to the circumference of the extruded film tube. The current position signal is continuously compared with at least one previous position signal, preferably with a computer program resident in a controller memory. If at least one preselected condition is violated, the current position signal is disregarded in favor of an estimated position signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the thickness of a clad material having an outer mother metal and an inner clad metal. The apparatus includes a transmitter crystal and a receiver crystal of a double crystal angle-type probe which contact the outer surface of the mother metal, for receiving a first echo from the boundary surface of the mother metal and clad metal, and for receiving a second echo from the inner, bottom surface of the clad metal. The apparatus further includes an amplifier for amplifying the echo signals, a detector for detecting the zero-crossing points of the echoes, a zero point determining circuit, a calculator for calculating the periods from a zero point in time to the zero-crossing points, and a calculator for calculating the thickness of the clad material and clad metal based on the calculated periods.

Abstract: An extruding device for extruding plastic tubing includes an extruder with an outlet and a cooling device connected to the outlet of the extruder. The cooling device has a water-filled chamber and a vacuum tank that is directly connected downstream to the water-filled chamber such that a sealed passage for the plastic tubing between the water-filled chamber and the vacuum tank is provided. The water-filled chamber has a water-filled cooling part and a water-filled measuring part. A water- and vacuum-conveying connection is provided between the measuring part and the vacuum tank. A calibrating sleeve with an inner wall surface is connected within the cooling part and is completely immersed in water for cooling purposes. The calibrating sleeve pulls the extruded plastic tubing against its inner wall surface. A measuring device for measuring the wall thickness of the plastic tubing is connected with the measuring part.

Abstract: A method for simulating in real-time the ultrasonic inspection of flaws in power plant components such as piping stores the X, Y and skew data relating to a specific waveform and a specific flaw in a unique format in a multi-disk rotational data storage. The skew angles are respectively stored on one side of a disk with the X-axis data relating to tracks on the disk and the Y-axis data to sectors on the disk. In this manner waveform data of several bytes which represent a defect or flaw can be retrieved and displayed to the user of this simulation system. A RAM is utilized as a cache memory.

Abstract: In a process for ultrasonic testing of elongated, prism-shaped sections (22) with at least one planar outer surface (54) extending along the longitudinal axis (26) of the section, with the objective of detecting material defects or verifying geometric data, the section (22) to be tested is exposed to ultrasonic beams from several ultrasonic probes (28 to 34) installed in a probe carrier (44). The section (22) is moved along its longitudinal axis (26) in relation to the probe carrier (44). The latter is installed in the rotor (20) of a rotary testing machine which rotates around the longitudinal axis (26) of the section (22).

Abstract: The distance sensor means and the ultrasonic probe are integrally coupled to each other in such a manner that a preceding scanning line to a current scanning line which is scanned by the ultrasonic probe is scanned by the distance sensor means, and the shape-measurement scanning operation of the distance sensor means and the flaw-detection scanning operation of the ultrasonic probe are performed in parallel with each other. A flaw detection area is divided into plural sub-areas, and plural storing areas are arranged in a mesh form in one-to-one correspondence to the sub-areas, only one shape information of position storing area including the flaw detection area being stored in each of the storing areas. The position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe at each flaw detection point is controlled using the stored shape information.

Abstract: The duplex tube (1) comprises a tubular core (2) and a cladding or covering layer (3) made from an alloy, the base metal of which is identical to the base metal of the alloy constituting the tubular core (2).

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for storing and discharging rod-shaped workpieces of different lengths and types and for the automatic supply of, in particular, a cutting-off machine or a station for processing these workpieces under the control of a computer or the like, with at least one shelf system being provided that is equipped with shelf compartments. A hoist is provided for supplying the shelf system and for removing workpieces from the shelf system. The length of each incoming or outgoing workpiece is determined and the determined length value is appropriately stored in the computer. The length measurement is performed by a length measuring device for determining the distance of the front end faces of the workpieces from an abutment. The length measuring device includes a manually operated device that is operated with ultrasound, light or the like directed onto a wall in the region of the workpiece abutment.

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 of 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.

Abstract: A probe holder for a rotary scanner, the probe holder having a shaft and a plate rotatably mounted to the shaft. A parallelogram arrangement comprising a probe support on one side for holding a probe, an annular counterweight on an opposite side and a pair of levers therebetween secured to the plate. A spring mechanism in the annular counterweight moves the probe radially inwardly into contact with a pipe to be measured. A pair of spring-biased arms for contacting the pipe and centering the probe on the pipe are mounted to one end of the plate. A second counterweight is secured to the other end of the plate to counterbalance the contact arms.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for identifying defects within the structure of a tubular sleeve used to make toothed belts, the sleeve, having a toothed inner surface 2a, is operatively mounted on rollers 5, 6 operable in rotation to move the sleeve transversely to the extension of the teeth 3. An ultrasonic emitting and receiving member 15 movable parallel to the rollers 5, 6 detects the presence of structural cavities 3a in the sleeve. An electronic processing unit 20 carries out the identification and memorization of the position of the structural cavities 3a on the longitudinal extension of the sleeve 2.

Abstract: An inspection head for continuous acoustic energy inspection of coiled tubing consisting of a generally cylindrical test head for receiving the tubing longitudinally therethrough while being sealed on each end to maintain fluid couplant circulation. A cylindrical test array is disposed within the head to receive the tubing while directing a plurality of radially aligned compressional wave acoustic sensors and single in-line, angularly oriented shear wave acoustic sensors. Analysis of the various signal returns enables derivation of ovality, inside wall pitting, outside wall pitting, wall thickness, and transverse and/or longitudinal flaws.

Abstract: An array for non-destructive material testing of cylindrical workpieces such as pipes or ends thereof by means of leakage-flux measurement and if necessary electrodynamic ultrasonic excitation is proposed. A leakage-flux measuring head (56) used for leakage-flux measurement comprises at least two Hall probes (80) disposed along a line parallel and/or vertical to the magnetic field generated by a magnet (10) and forming at least one Hall probe line. In addition, the leakage-flux measuring head has at least two sliding blocks (94, 96, 98, 100) spaced apart and supportable on the workpiece, between which the Hall probes are disposed. The leakage-flux measuring head is also provided with a protective plate covering the faces of the Hall probes on the workpiece side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing wire and, more specifically, testing the wire thickness and the wire roll of a trolley wire. The apparatus includes a jig assembly connected to a data acquisition system carried by a mobile unit. The jig assembly includes a transducer probe which transmits and receives an ultrasonic signal and an encoder which provides a pulse train corresponding to distance traveled. The ultrasonic signal is transmitted into the trolley wire and a reflected wave is received. The data acquisition system includes an ultrasonic scope, an analog to digital converter, a central processing unit, and a divider circuit. The ultrasonic scope provides a time analog signal based on the time of flight comparison between the transmitted ultrasonic signal and the reflected wave. The time analog signal is converted to a digital signal through an analog to digital converter. A trigger pulse is provided by a divider circuit based on a predetermined number of pulses from the encoder.

Abstract: A method of ultrasonic inspection of a reactor nozzle involves positioning emitter and receiver transducers on the exterior vessel wall near the nozzle. The emitter transducer is positioned and oriented so that it generates both primary longitudinal and transverse beams. The primary longitudinal beam is directed at the inner radius of the nozzle. The transverse beam is directed toward the interior vessel wall at an angle of about 30.degree. to the normal. Most of the energy of the transverse beam is converted to a secondary longitudinal beam also directed toward the inner radius of the nozzle. The receiver transducer is positioned on the exterior vessel wall about 4" from the emitter transducer so as to be able to detect reflections of both the primary and second longitudinal beams from any potential defect in the nozzle volume adjacent the inner radius.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distinguishing between hydrogen damage in the wall of a boiler tube, and surface damage on the inside surface of the tube, comprises a pair of transducers which are spaced on the outer surface of the tube and which apply a refracted shear ultrasonic wave through a chord of the tube with a beam angle that is calculated from the outside radius and wall thickness of the tube. The transducers are first applied to an undamaged tube and an instrument connected to the transducers is adjusted to 80% of full screen height. The same transducers are then, applied to a suspected boiler tube. Any attenuation of the initially high amplitude below 12 dB indicates hydrogen damage as opposed to inner surface damage which has been found to produce a far lower attenuation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic gauging apparatus is disclosed suitable for dynamic ultrasonic gauging in the harsh environment of a tube forming operation. An ultrasonic transducer is positioned in a tubular member by a ferrule mount. The tubular member is attached to a platform having spring biasing that permits limited motion of the transducer while maintaining a preselect orientation of the transducer relative to the tube.

Abstract: A rod positioning apparatus is disclosed for positioning the end of a rod for a subsequent work operation on the rod such as ultrasonic testing of the rod end. A rod stop member receives the end of a rod advanced into a rod working position. A light emitting diode emits light through a fiber optic cable and across the area a rod end occupies when positioned in a rod stop position of the rod stop member. The end of a fiber optic cable receives light emitted across the rod stop position and directs the light to a light sensor. A control is activated when the light is not sensed on the light sensor and is activated for controlling a rod advancing and securing mechanism for stopping further advancement of the rod and securing the rod in a fixed position when the rod has advanced into the rod stop position and blocked light emitted from the light emitting diode through the fiber optic cables and onto the light sensor.

Abstract: A method for the detection and evaluation of faults existing on the walls of metal tubes having internal helical ribs includes for each fault signal received by an ultrasonic emitter-receiver ER, the length of the to-and-fro travel completed by the ultrasonic beam corresponding to the signal is determined and after the amplitude of the signal has been compared with a specific threshold, a correction is applied to one of the terms of the comparison, taking into account the length of travel completed by the signal.

Abstract: The duplex tube (1) comprises a tubular core (2) and a cladding or covering layer (3) made from an alloy, the base metal of which is identical to the base metal of the alloy constituting the tubular core (2).

Abstract: In the on-line measurement of the wall thickness of a steel pipe, use is made of a rotary-type magnetic-ultrasonic wall thickness measuring apparatus capable of measuring the wall thickness of the steel pipe along the whole periphery circumferentially whereby measured data signals from the wall thickness measuring apparatus are reduced for each of a plurality of inspection blocks comprising small section established in a longitudinal direction of the steel pipe, and the resulting measured data groups are subjected to a pass-fail discrimination in according with predetermined criteria thereby making possible the control of such qualities as the wall thickness, thickness deviation rate and average inner diameter for each product.

Abstract: A fuel pellet surface defect inspection apparatus has an infeed conveyor, a discharge conveyor, and a slide and inspection assembly between the conveyors. The assembly includes a slide defining an inclined track having exit and entry ends adjacent the respective discharge and infeed conveyors. The entry end is at a higher elevation than the exit end. The assembly also includes an inspection station located along the track between its entry and exit ends. The station has lower and upper sound reflectors configured to define an annular inspection chamber through which a pellet moves as the pellet slides down the inclined track. The chamber completely encloses the cylindrical surface of the pellet as the pellet moves through the chamber. An ultrasonic inspection head is mounted at the station and transmits and receives sound energy to and from a pellet as it moves through the chamber such that the sound energy completely surrounds the moving pellet being inspected within the chamber.

Abstract: A tube inspection station includes a receptacle having walls defining a cavity for holding energy coupling liquid and receiving an object to be inspected in the liquid. At least one wall of the receptacle has a longitudinal bore defined and extending therein from an opening at the top thereof above the cavity and a transverse bore extending through the wall. The transverse bore intersects with the longitudinal bore and opens at both interior and exterior surfaces of the wall. The station also includes a transducer for measuring a parameter of the object, and a mounting assembly removably mounted in the longitudinal and transverse bores of the wall and removably mounting the transducer in the transverse bore such that the first end of the transducer communicates with the cavity and a second end of the transducer communicates with the exterior of the receptacle.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tube inspection system is capable of rapid changeover for inspecting tubes of different diameters for flaws of different orientations. The inspection system includes a serial arrangement of multiple separate inspection stations and a plurality of tube inspecting transducer assemblies supported at each inspection station in a predetermined configuration corresponding to the diameter size of the particular tube to be inspected at the respective inspection station without the need for readjustment.

Abstract: An ultrasonic search system comprises a hollow nozzle block including a plurality of radial nozzle openings, and a probe holder disposed in coaxial relation to the nozzle block and cooperating with the nozzle block to define an annular passage therebetween. A plurality of probes are mounted within the probe holder in radial alignment with the nozzle openings and extend radially from the inner surface of the probe holder toward the nozzle openings, respectively. Water is supplied to the annular passage and injected from the nozzle openings to a test piece of a circular section such as a steel pipe. The test piece passes through the hollow nozzle block while the nozzle block and the probe holder are rotated by an electric motor. Ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the probes through the nozzle openings into the test piece so as to detect flaws in the test piece by reflections.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a device for ultrasonic inspection of cylindrical objects. A transmitting ultrasonic transducer generates ultrasonic waves that are acoustically irradiated into the respective object via a coupling medium. At least three ultrasonic transducers are arranged in a row next to one another along a line. The outer ultrasonic transducers are receiving ultrasonic transducers. The other ultrasonic transducers are transmitting or transmitting/receiving ultrasonic transducers. The line is inclined against the longitudinal axis of the object by an angle which is between 0.degree.and 45.degree..

Abstract: A tube inspection station includes a receptacle having walls defining a cavity for holding energy coupling liquid and receiving an object to be inspected in the liquid. At least one wall of the receptacle has a longitudinal bore defined and extending therein from an opening at the top thereof above the cavity and a transverse bore extending through the wall. The transverse bore intersects with the longitudinal bore and opens at both interior and exterior surfaces of the wall. The station also includes a transducer operable for sending waves of energy from its first end into the cavity toward the object and receiving echos of energy at the first end from the object for measuring a parameter of the object. Also, the transducer is operable for transmitting input and output signals at its second end.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring an outside diameter of a cylindrical object moving along an axis includes a plurality of fixed transducer pairs for providing a continuous outside diameter profile of the moving cylindrical object. The sensors are located in a holder enveloping the cylindrical object. Temperature compensation for changes in temperature in the coupling medium include a wire reflector in an ultrasonic path at a fixed distance from a face of the sensor. Various types of outputs, including a continuous profile of the cylindrical object are provided. A method of measuring the outside diameter of such cylindrical objects while moving is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspection of a reactor vessel includes trolley supporting an axillay extending support mast and extension mast. The support mast has a tilting device to adjust the angle between the support mast and vessel wall to allow the extension mast to be accessible to lower portions of the reactor vessel. The lower part of the extension mast is connected to a rack having a horizontal trolley capable of tangential movement relative to the reactor vessel wall. The horizontal trolley also is connected to a probe position trolley enabling a probe holder to move tangentially relative to the horizontal trolley. The apparatus enables the probes to move radially and axially for greater access to positions of the reactor vessel wall.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing objects such as tubing is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotatively fixed transducer and a rotating lens, wherein the transducer receives an input signal and converts it into an emitted wave energy, the lens focuses the emitted wave energy onto the tubing and focuses reflected wave energy from the tubing back onto the transducer, and the transducer receives the reflected wave energy and converts it into an output signal. The transducer can be provided on one support shell and the lens can be provided on another support shell. One of the support shells can then be positioned within the other support shell. The apparatus is useful for performing dimensional tests and longitudinal and circumferential flaw tests on tubing.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for ultrasonic inspection of materials through barriers such as gaps in manufactured parts is disclosed. The improvement herein is directed to enabling such ultrasonic testing to bridge ambient gaps such as intentionally formed gaps in composite structures having a first structure for originally receiving and transmitting sound separated by the gap from another structure to be inspected. Preferably, the gap is flooded with a gas having a predictable and optimum speed of sound relative to the material of the first and second structures. Sound is propagated to the first structure in a wave packet that is transmitted through the couplant fluid. The sound is generated in a wave packet having a spatial width at least twice the dimension of the gap to be bridged. The wave packet has a contained frequency having a wavelength (relative to the speed of sound of the gas flooding the gap) to create a constructively interfering standing wave node within the gap.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the detection of discontinuities in long workpieces such as pipes, tubes, rods and bars using vibrational transducer equipment transmitter pulses in separate directions about the workpiece.

Abstract: In a blow film extrusion system in which film is extruded as a tube from an annular die and then pulled along a predetermined path, an apparatus is provided for gauging and controlling the circumference of the extruded film tube. At least one transducer, preferably ultrasonic, is mounted adjacent the extruded film tube for transmitting and receiving interrogating pulses along paths normal to the extruded film tube, and for producing a current position signal corresponding to the circumference of the extruded film tube. The current position signal is continuously compared with at least one previous position signal, preferably with a computer program resident in a controller memory. If at least one preselected condition is violated, the current position signal is disregarded in favor of an estimated position signal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic thickness measuring and imaging system uses an ultrasonic fsed beam probe for measuring thickness of an object, such as a wall of a tube, a computer for controlling movement of the probe in a scanning pattern within the tube and processing an analog signal produced by the probe which is proportional to the tube wall thickness in the scanning pattern, and a line scan recorder for producing a record of the tube wall thicknesses measured by the probe in the scanning pattern. The probe is moved in the scanning pattern to sequentially scan circumferentially the interior tube wall at spaced apart adjacent axial locations. The computer processes the analog signal by converting it to a digital signal and then quantifies the digital signal into a multiplicity of thickness points with each falling in one of a plurality of thickness ranges corresponding to one of a plurality of shades of grey.