Abstract: A method for detecting internal coating defects in a pipe sample with an electromagnetic acoustic transducer sensor. The method includes recording a plurality of Lamb mode scans of the pipe sample with the EMAT sensor, where each Lamb mode scan is measured along a length of the pipe sample in axial alignment with the pipe sample; and processing the Lamb mode scans by applying a singular spectrum analysis to the Lamb mode scans to generate data from which the internal coating defects in the pipe sample are identified. The Lamb mode scans are at a frequency from dispersion curve of from 0.3 to 2 MHz, at a frequency of from 0.4 MHz to 2 MHz, a group velocity of from 1 mm/?s to 3 mm/?s, a phase velocity of from 5 mm/?s to 25 mm/?s, and a wave count of from 3 to 10.

Abstract: An inspection system for ultrasonic inspection of a part, such as an aircraft component. The inspection system may include one or more transducers, an acoustic coupler made of an acoustic coupling compliant solid, a low friction contact film, a location sensor, and a processor. The contact film may substantially surround the acoustic coupler or portions thereof. The transducers may transmit ultrasonic or sound waves through the acoustic coupler, the contact film, and at least partially through the part being inspected thereby. The location sensor may sense and output information regarding how far the ultrasonic inspection system has traveled along the part. The processor may associate signals from the transducers with signals from the location sensor to determine precise locations on the part at which particular signals are received by the transducers.

Abstract: A system for non-destructive inspection of a structure includes a magnetostrictive pulser coil and a ferromagnetic strip. The ferromagnetic strip is coupled to the structure adjacent to the pulser coil. A scanner receiver probe is located adjacent to the ferromagnetic strip. The probe includes a probe body, a position encoder, and a magnetostrictive partial loading receiver coil. A magnet applies a biasing magnetic field to the ferromagnetic strip. A pulser system generates a time-varying current in the pulser coil to induce a time-varying magnetization in the ferromagnetic strip to generate guided wave energy in the structure. The probe detects reflected guided wave energy as the probe is moved around the circumference of the structure. A processor controls the pulser system, records guided wave reflections, and process the guided wave and probe position data to generate a one-dimensional image or a two-dimensional image of anomalies in said structure.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer storage mediums accurately measure wall thickness in a region of interest included in complex curved structures. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to generating a wall thickness loss distribution map of a region of interest that provides an accurate representation of wall thickness for the region of interest included in a complex curved structure. The wall thickness loss distribution map is generated from a two-dimensional model of the wall thickness loss distribution of the region of interest. The two-dimensional model is converted from a three-dimensional representation of the wall thickness loss distribution of the region of interest. The three-dimensional representation of the wall thickness is generated by ultrasonic waves generated by a transducer system that propagated through the region of interest.

Abstract: A system for inspecting the surface of a curved object is provided. This system includes an object having a curved surface; at least one substantially flat interdigital transducer, wherein the interdigital transducer is operative to generate surface energy waves; and at least one coupling device disposed between the curved surface and the substantially flat interdigital transducer, wherein the coupling device is operative to conform to the curved surface, support the interdigital transducer, and provide a medium through which the surface energy waves can effectively travel from the interdigital transducer to the curved surface and across the curved surface in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for conducting an ultrasonic, nondestructive evaluation and inspection of a pipe using Lamb-type wave transducers to detect the presence of defects, flaws, discontinuities and the like. The transducers are positioned within the interior space of the pipe. Two transducers are positioned facing each other such that the ultrasonic beam emitted from each of the transducers is directed toward the other transducer and the portion of pipe to be inspected. The coverage of the transducers is verified and the results are processed using a combination of a cross correlation filter and a signal processing tool.

Abstract: A rolling ultrasonic scanner comprises a member having an inspection surface for rolling across the surface of an object under test. A plurality of ultrasonic transducers are disposed within the member in a formation such that they are each aimed at a common point that is coincident with the surface of the object.

Abstract: An eddy current probe for inspecting steam generator tubing, that has radially outwardly biased rollers that function to center the probe within the tubing and reduce friction as the probe moves along the interior of the steam generator heat exchanger tube walls. The rollers may include a braking system which controls the drag on the rollers and thus the speed of the probe along the tubing. The direction of travel of the rollers is remotely adjustable to control the inspection pattern and the force of the rollers against the interior surface of the tubing can be remotely controlled.

Abstract: Device forming an operating tool, for the non-destructive testing of iron and steel products, intended to extract information on possible imperfections in the product, from feedback signals that are captured by transmitting ultrasound sensors, receiving ultrasound sensors forming an arrangement with a selected geometry, assembled to couple in an ultrasound way with the product via the intermediary of a liquid medium, with relative rotation/translation movement between the pipe and the arrangement of transducers, said operating tool being characterized in that it comprises: a converter (891; 892) capable of selectively isolating a digital representation of possible echoes in designated time windows, as a function of the relative rotation/translation movement, said representation comprising the amplitude and time of flight of at least one echo, and of generating a parallelepipedic 3D graph, a transformer unit (930) capable of generating a 3D image (901; 902) of possible imperfections in the pipe from the 3D gra

Abstract: A non-destructive testing device for pipes is provided. The device extracts information on defects from signals captured by ultrasound receivers following the selective excitation of ultrasound transmitters according to a selected time rule. The receivers form an arrangement with a selected geometry, coupled in an ultrasound fashion, with relative rotation/translation movement, with the pipe. The device includes a converter that selectively isolates a digital representation of echoes in designated time windows, as a function of the movement, and by extracting an image of defects, a filter which determines presumed defect zones and properties of these, a combiner to prepare working digital inputs from an extract of images of a defect zone, a neural circuit receiving the working inputs, a digital decision and alarm stage working on the basis of the output of the neural circuit, and a sorting and marking robot.

Abstract: Two transducers to be rotated around a circumferential location on a cylindrical body for structural testing of the body are carried on a mounting and drive apparatus including a magnetic attachment which can be manually brought up to a pipe from one side only for fixed connection to the pipe on that side at a position axially spaced from a weld. A collar shaped support for the pair of transducers is formed of a row of separate segments which wrap around the pipe from the one side and is rotated around the axis of the pipe to carry the transducer around the circumferential weld. The segments carry rollers to roll on the surface and are held against the pipe by magnets. The transducers are carried on the support in fixed angular position to track their position but in a manner which allows slight axial or radial movement relative to the pipe.

Abstract: A non-destructive inspection method, apparatus and system are provided for inspecting a workpiece having a curved surface with at least one predefined radius of curvature. The apparatus, such as an inspection probe, includes a plurality of transducer elements positioned in an arcuate configuration having a predefined radius of curvature and a curved delay line. The curved delay line has an outer arcuate surface having a predefined radius of curvature that matches the predefined radius of curvature of the transducer elements. The curved delay line also has an inner arcuate surface that has at least one predefined radius of curvature that matches the at least one predefined radius of curvature of the curved surface of the workpiece. In addition to the inspection probe, the system includes an excitative source for triggering the transducer elements to emit signals into the workpiece and a computing device to receive the return signals.

Abstract: The present technique provides a system and method for ultrasonically testing a tubular good along the entire axial length of the material using a single ultrasonic test assembly. The ultrasonic test assembly has an ultrasonic tubular inspection unit movable lengthwise along a tubular and an end-crossing extension mechanism adapted to facilitate end inspection of the tubular.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a conduit for undesirable characteristics. A transducer system induces guided acoustic waves onto said conduit. The transducer system detects the undesirable characteristics of the conduit by receiving guided acoustic waves that contain information about the undesirable characteristics. The conduit has at least two sides and the transducer system utilizes flexural modes of propagation to provide inspection using access from only the one side of the conduit. Cracking is detected with pulse-echo testing using one transducer to both send and receive the guided acoustic waves. Thinning is detected in through-transmission testing where one transducer sends and another transducer receives the guided acoustic waves.

Abstract: A detector for detecting a location of a flaw on a tubular member, the tubular member having a longitudinal axis, the detector having a body, dial rotatably mounted to the body, the dial with directions indications thereon for indicating position of the dial with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member, and ultrasonic probe apparatus secured to the dial for selective positioning by rotating the dial for facilitating location of a flaw of the tubular member; and, in certain aspects, detectors for measuring tubular wall thickness.

Abstract: One or more phased array ultrasonic probes in the shape of conical section arcs, or an entire conical section ring, emit beams at a fixed incident angle with respect to the outer surface of a tube or pipe under inspection. At any given moment, these beams strike the tube at a single small entry zone from number of different directions. After being refracted at the inspection angle corresponding to the fixed angle of incidence, defects having longitudinal, transverse and oblique orientations are detected in the three-dimensional volume of the tube wall. The number of entry zones required for complete coverage of the outer surface of the tube is a function of the size of the tube, the speed at which it passes through the inspection station and the rate of rotation of the tube.

Abstract: Nuclear fuels are taken from a nuclear reactor pressure vessel, a rail for running is mounted under the reactor pressure vessel drain piping in parallel with a horizontal portion of the reactor pressure vessel drain piping inside a pedestal positioned on the lower side of the reactor pressure vessel, an inspection apparatus is mounted on the rail, and the inspection apparatus is moved along the rail to inspect the reactor pressure vessel drain piping, whereby the reactor pressure vessel drain piping can be surely inspected while reducing radiation exposure to an inspector.

Abstract: Scan methods of inspecting piping and welds of a pipe elbow in a reactor pressure vessel of a boiling water reactor are disclosed. The scan apparatus includes a motor connected to a scan head having two ultrasonic transducer probes each including an ultrasonic transducer, a transducer arm connected to each transducer probe, a scan platform having an arcuate cutout, and a connector connecting each transducer arm to the scan platform. The scan head allows the transducer probes to remain substantially in contact with the pipe elbow while the scan head traverses the pipe elbow. The scan apparatus further includes a pivot arm connecting the scan platform to a pivot pin. The method includes the steps of positioning the scan head and the transducer probe such that the ultrasonic transducer is substantially in contact with the pipe elbow surface. Then moving the scan head axially along the pipe elbow in a first direction while maintaining the ultrasonic transducer in substantial contact with the pipe elbow surface.

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: 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: 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: Apparatus is disclosed for providing one hundred percent inspection of natural gas mains under operating flow conditions. The apparatus includes a scan unit assembly which is inserted into the gas main to collect data for the production of graphic images of the wall of the gas main. The scan unit includes a plurality of scan rollers, each containing an ultrasonic transducer, which traverse the surface of the wall defining the inner diameter of the gas main. The ultrasonic transducers transmit interrogating pulses into the wall of the gas main at a pre-determined spaced apart interval resulting in a helical scan pattern of interrogating pulses. The return pulses from the surfaces defining the inner diameter and outer diameter of the gas main and any imperfections and/or flaws within the wall of the main are received by the transducer and transmitted to a display unit for a visual indication (a tomograph) of the wall of the gas main.

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: 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: An ultrasonic measuring process is disclosed for measuring the wall thickness variation in the region of the welding seam of a pipe. At least two testing heads are each acoustically coupled to the pipe by a water jet. The acoustic entry zones of the testing heads are moved together in relation to the pipe, parallel to the axis of the pipe. At least one of the testing heads is moved back and forth across the axis of the tube, crossing over the welding seam. The acoustic entry zone can be moved by modulation of a phased array. The second testing head either emits acoustic radiation into the pipe always outside the welding seam or also crosses the welding seam, but at different times than the first testing head. The signals of both testing heads are processed in a measurement value processing circuit such that simultaneously occurring measurement value deviations supply no output signal.

Abstract: Corrosion damage to the tubes of power plant boiler waterwalls is detected by a portable hand-held ultrasonic scanner probe equipped with plurality of dual element transducers having concave cylindrically curved surfaces for simultaneously examining arcuate areas of walls of several tubes as the probe is moved along the waterwall. Tube wall thickness and probe location data are processed by a computer for detection, display and recording of places where significant tube damage has occurred.

Abstract: A scanner head for ultrasonic testing of structures includes a carriage with rollers supporting the carriage for movement over a surface being tested in a selected direction. A transverse frame is supported by the carriage and extends in a second direction crossing the one direction. A transducer is supported by the frame for movement along the frame to preset operative offset positions. For pipes or boiler tubes, the frame is in the form of an arc bar having a T-slot in which a holder for the transducer rides. With the carriage moving axially of the tube or pipe along a reference line, the arc bar keeps the transducer perpendicular to the surface regardless of the offset position. The rollers drive a distance increment signal generator to pulse the transducer and drive the ultrasonic transceiver and display circuitry.

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: Pipe inspection apparatus comprising transducers for transmitting pulsed beams of ultrasonic energy longitudinally, transversely and obliquely into the wall of the pipe for detection of flaws. The apparatus includes a motor driven chuck 18 for rotating the transducers about the a pipe P and motor driven roller 12 for axial movement of the pipe whereby the transducers move in a helical scanning path. A control system 60 maintains the axes of the pipe and circle array of transducers in coincidence and with hydraulic controls 80 maintains each transducer at fixed distance to the pipe for sonically coupling thereto by a flowing liquid whereby a shear wave is generated by each beam in the tubular wall. The transducers comprise multiple pairs, the members of which are diametrically opposed and transmit in opposite directions, for transmitting longitudinally at angles of 12.degree., 27.degree. and 42.degree.

Abstract: A carriage for inspecting a pipe, which has inspection instruments on board and which travels on the outer surface of the pipe, comprises a support member for carrying the inspection instruments, a pair of first wheeled travel bodies each of which include at least two magnetic wheels having substantially the same rotation plane, which rotation planes are substantially in parallel with the axial direction of the pipe. Further provided is a pair of second wheeled travel bodies each of which includes at least two magnetic wheels having substantially the same rotation plane, which rotation planes are substantially at right angles to the axial direction of the pipe. At least one of said pairs of wheeled travel bodies has an elevating means for adjusting a distance between the respective wheels thereof and a floor surface of the carriage.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the detection of corrosion, pitting or the like in pipelines is proposed and measured results produced in an appropriate manner are digitally converted, linked with measured values concerning the place and azimuth of the individual sensors to form individual blocks, which are intermediately stored to form larger units and are finally stored in a mass store.

Abstract: A swinging-type apparatus for automatically examining pipes includes first and second clamping devices provided at the ends of an extendible body. The first clamping device is made to clamp a first pipe, the second clamping device is made to unclamp the first pipe, is lifted up away from the first pipe, swung to an adjacent second pipe to be examined, lowered down to the second pipe and made to clamp the same. Next, the first clamping device is made to unclamp the first pipe, is lifted up away from the first pipe, swung to the second pipe, lowered down to the second pipe and made to clamp the same. Sensors provided on at least one of the clamping devices then examine the second pipe. By repeating these operations, the apparatus can be made to travel from one pipe to another to examine a cluster of pipes. The apparatus can also be made to move along a pipe axially thereof by extending and shortening the length of the extendible body.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection device having an array of opposing transducers that longitudinally, transversely, and obliquely transmit sonic beams through tubular members having a range of diameters such that refracted beams meet on the inner surface of the members. Alternate halves of the array of transducers transmit and receive sonic beams reflected from defects in the tubular members using both the pulse-echo and pitch-catch methods.

Abstract: An automatic ultrasonic flaw detecting system adapted to search flaws on steel pipes being continuously transferred and provide markings at the positions of flaws on the steel pipes. The system comprises a probe adapted to search flaws on the steel pipe, a holder for the probe, and a flaw pulse generation circuit adapted to generate flaw pulse signals in response to the flaw signals from the probe. A travel measurement pulse generator generates measurement pulse signals by measuring the distance which the steel pipes have travelled. A pipe and sensor detects the end of the steel pipe and generates pipe end detection signals. A flaw tracking control apparatus tracks the flaws in response to the flaw pulse signals, the measurement pulse signals and the pipe end detecting signals and generates marking control signals. A marking is provided at the position of flaws detected on the steel pipe in response to the marking control signals.

Abstract: A transducing device for contactless ultrasonic inspection of pipelines or tubings is provided. The device has a means for electromagnetically generating elastic waves within the wall of the pipeline or tubing to be inspected and means for mounting and moving said device along a pipeline or tubing. The generating means may be a magnet and at least one transmitting coil, with the transmitting coil arranged on one of the poles of the magnet. The poles of the magnet are directed towards the wall of the pipeline or tubing under inspection.

Abstract: A method of reliably detecting flaws in a thick wall steel pipe with an ultrasonic beam in which flaws of the internal surface of the pipe are detected using a shear wave mode. The transmitting probe is disposed slantingly relative to both the longitudinal and transverse directions of the pipe so that the shear wave emitted therefrom is incident onto the pipe at a refraction angle of 35 to 70 degrees, whereby the beam inside the walls of the pipe is made to impinge on surface flaws of the inner surface of the pipe at an angle in the same range.

Abstract: A test manipulator externally applicable to a pipe, preferably for ultrasonically testing welded seams, the manipulator having a divided race for surrounding a pipe which is to be tested, a guide segment guiding the race at the periphery thereof, a test system carrier drivable in peripheral direction around the pipe, a driving and positioning device for the test system carrier and at least one test head holder fastenable to the test system carrier includes clamping means for fastening the race directly to the pipe in centered relationship to an adjustment mark located on the pipe; a guide segment mounted so as to be movable along the periphery of the race; an outrigger unit flangeable, together with the test system carrier and the test head holder, to the guide segment; and a saddle fastenable to the pipe in centered relationship to the adjustment mark; alternatively, during testing of a so-called pipe connection seam, the guide segment being movable on the saddle in axial direction of the pipe, and the race,

Abstract: For selective detection of microscopic defects in a workpiece to be checked presenting at least one macroscopic discontinuity of known nature, upon relative motion in respect to such workpiece according to a given check line, detecting the times when such check line meets a discontinuity, and searching for any possible defects in the workpiece intermittently for time intervals defined in reference to said times. This applies in particular to inspection of weld seams of welded tubes.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection system for inspecting areas of tubular members and providing a display of any internal flaws therein. In order to operate in a confined work space a probe containing ultrasonic transducers is provided together with a rotational and axial drive scanner which is linked to a remotely controlled manipulator. The scanner uses a wand supporting the probe at the upper end thereof. The manipulator locates the probe and scanner in alignment with the tube to be inspected. A stepping motor on the scanner drives the wand and the probe axially to a location just above the area to be inspected. A second stepping motor rotates the wand to enable the probe to perform a circumferential scan. The axial stepping motor then indexes the wand towards the lower edge of the area and another circumferential scan occurs. The indexing and circumferential scanning proceeds until the entire area is scanned.

Abstract: A trackless scanner for examination of pipings comprises an annular base removably mountable to a plant pipe to be examined, and a plurality of drive wheels for running supported on the base and being in contact with the plant pipe. Each of the drive wheels is associated with a sensor for detecting an angle which the annular base makes when it turns circumferentially of the pipe, a mechanism responsive to a detection signal from the sensor to control the axial running of the drive wheel for running, and a sensor for detecting a curvature of the pipe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detection method in which defects in the weld zone of an electric resistance welded steel pipe are detected by projecting an ultrasonic wave (a) having a frequency range of from 25 MHz to 500 MHz at an angle of incidence of from 0.degree. to 12.degree. onto the weld zone of the pipe. In addition by projecting another ultrasonic wave (b) having a frequency of from 2 MHz to 10 MHz at an angle of incidence of from 15.degree. to 27.degree. onto the same weld zone enables discrimination between cold weld defects and other defects such as inclusions and penetrators.

Abstract: Remote-controlled system for moving an ultrasonic transducer assembly around a pipe where it has a welded joint between a straight pipe section and a curved or straight pipe section. The system includes a platform movable along an arm projecting from a carriage on a track around the pipe, and a pressure cylinder and universal joint connecting the platform to the transducer assembly. Couplant fluid is fed continuously to the surface of the assembly engaging the pipe as it slides over the pipe.

Abstract: A tool (100) for scanning the inner surface (110) of a pipe (106), comprising a scanning section (112) interacting with a centering section (114). The scanning section includes an axle member (128) having strut members (130) rigidly connected thereto and projecting diametrically outwardly for urging inspection probe sleds (126) against the pipe surface. The centering section (114) includes a slide cylinder (124) coaxially disposed about the axle member (128), and having rigidly connected actuating members (120) projecting diametrically outward for contacting the pipe inner wall with sufficient force to center and support the tool within the pipe. Locking means (146) are provided within the actuating member (120) for selectively engaging the axle member (128) to lock the longitudinal position of the strut member (130) relative to the actuating member (120).

Abstract: The invention relates to nondestructive inspection apparatus for automatically inspecting the end region of a tubular member and a coupling member secured to that end region. An inspection probe is yieldingly received within a housing that is pivotally supported on an arm that moves helically around the tubular member. The probe is extended outwardly from an air chamber in the housing to contact the surface of the tubular member. When the probe encounters the obstructing shoulder of the coupling on the end of the tubular member, the housing is caused to pivot to activate an air escape mechanism to reduce the air pressure in the chamber and cause the probe to be withdrawn radially to hop over the obstructing shoulder on the coupling. The housing then returns to its original position to terminate the air escape from the chamber. Air pressure builds up again to force the probe outwardly onto the surface of the coupling.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic flaw inspection of non-rotating tubular goods using microprocessor central control. The system includes a test head with circumferential arrays of transducers oriented for inspection for each of transverse, longitudinal and wall thickness defects, and the test head includes individual pulser and pre-amplifier arrays as sequentially controlled from a remotely disposed operator console. The console includes signal processing circuitry and sequence controller for developing and displaying defect indications for the test specimen as it is moved longitudinally through the test head. The sequence controller contains resident program for addressably controlling the operational sequence of selected transducer pulsing, return signal reception, gate discrimination, and flaw signal averaging to provide qualified flaw output indication for each of the transverse, longitudinal and wall thickness testing modes.

Abstract: A method or system for measuring thickness of a coating layer on a substrate. It employs acoustic energy and involves transmitting a sweep of frequencies covering a predetermined range through the substrate and its coating. The energies reflected back by the substrate and coating are determined as a function of the frequencies in said range, and the transmission pattern provides a basis for determining the coating thickness.

Abstract: A system for non-destructive testing of metallic materials and for, in particular, welding seams. An ultrasonic sensor is employed and ultrasonic defect signals are producted according to the pulse echo method. The ultrasonic defect signals are digitized and the digitized signals are combined with signals corresponding to longitudinal positions along the welding seam. A defect curve is produced form the data resulting from combining the digitized signals with the signals corresponding to longitudinal positions along the welding seam. The resulting defect curve is compared with data from a catalog of classes of defects. The system eliminates the need for manual ultrasonic reinspection of presumed welding defects.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detector driving apparatus with no guide rail and including a traveling member (2) capable of being freely mounted to and dismounted from piping (1) to be inspected, and a turning member (3) detachably attached to the traveling member for turning movement thereabout. The traveling member is equipped with a multiplicity of sets of traveling rolling elements (9,9a) maintained in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the piping and spaced apart from one another circumferentially of the piping while each set of the traveling rolling elements of comprises at least two rolling elements which are spaced apart from each other axially of the traveling member (2). The turning member (3) is equipped with at least one ultrasonic wave probe (4) which scans the outer peripheral surface of the piping to inspect it.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the entire length of round material, such as pipes, helically moving in a longitudinal direction. Testing mechanisms are maintained along the path of the pipe and are adapted to move with the pipe to test the pipe in motion. The testing mechanisms are transported fixed distances and returned to starting positions to again move with the pipe such that each testing mechanism tests finite segments of the pipe, the testing mechanisms being so spaced as to assure that the entire pipe is tested. Such testing in motion prevents any untested areas from existing on the pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for ultrasonic flaw inspection of non-rotating tubular goods. The apparatus includes a test head with circumferential arrays of transducers oriented for inspection for each of transverse, longitudinal and wall thickness defects, and the test head includes individual pulser and pre-amplifier arrays as sequentially controlled from a remotely disposed operator console. The console includes sequential signal processing circuitry for developing and displaying defect indications for the test specimen as it is moved longitudinally through the test head. The signal processing circuitry includes separate processing channels for each of the transverse, longitudinal and wall thickness transducers, and each channel includes receiver, gate processing and average counter circuitry which develop data signals for output to selected chart and monitor scope indicators.