Ultrasonic inspection uses ultrasound to gather information about a material’s properties, commonly used on metals and welds. It is non-destructive and can reveal defects without damaging the object. Equipment ranges from portable to large units and requires proper maintenance.
An ultrasonic inspection is a form of non-destructive inspection designed to gather information about a material’s properties through the use of ultrasound. This technique is most commonly used on metals, because they are ideal substances for ultrasound assessment, although other materials can also be inspected this way. This task can be done by a company that specializes in ultrasonic inspection or by a worker who has been trained in how to do this technique, as it can be done on a construction site where workers want to monitor progress.
In an ultrasonic inspection, a transducer is used to bombard the object of interest with ultrasonic waves. A coupling such as water or oil is used to facilitate the movement of the ultrasonic waves. Then, the waves are read as they return to gather data about the material. The movement of the waves can be used to gather basic thickness information and can also reveal defects such as cracks and bubbles that may not be visible.
A common use for ultrasonic inspection is in weld inspections. Ultrasonic weld inspections are used to test welds without damaging them, to confirm that the welds are sound. If a defect is found, the problem can be fixed. Ultrasonic inspection is also used to inspect pipes and other structures to see if anything inside has gone wrong. For example, an ultrasonic inspection of pipes can reveal extensive corrosion within pipes that has weakened the walls.
The non-destructive nature of this materials testing technique is extremely beneficial. Often times, people want to be able to inspect something to confirm that it’s safe, but they don’t want to damage it in the process. With ultrasonic inspection, safety issues can be addressed without compromising the integrity of an object or project. This also means that tests are easier and more likely to complete, which increases safety.
Ultrasonic inspection equipment is quite varied, ranging from portable units that can be used by welders to quickly inspect an area of interest to large units that require objects to be immersed in a coupling bath for inspection. Such equipment tends to be expensive and must be properly maintained to ensure that it operates effectively when used. Maintenance may include periodic recalibration and service at the manufacturer’s facilities, including tests of known materials that confirm unit function.
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