ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES

The principle of ultrasonic examination is based on mechanical waves going through material. The test probe includes transducer that changes the electric pulses to mechanical energy, which results in vibrations of the transducer. These vibrations can be transferred into the material via coupling medium, spreading further.

The ultrasound is used in more testing techniques:

• Ultrasonic testing - classics: The simplest testing method using a single transducer probe, or double transducer probe, where one transducer is a transmitter, and the other is a receiver.
• UTPA technique: Phased array is an advanced ultrasound testing method, where the probe includes more transducers. Following the timing of individual transducers, the ultrasound beam can be directed and focused. This method provides large volume of information on the tested objects.
• TOFD technique: Time of Flight Diffraction is an advanced ultrasound testing method, based on the principle of diffraction of waves on incompleteness peaks. The probes are arranged in tandem – one probe transmitting and the other receiving.
• Testing with manipulators: UTPA and TOFD techniques in many cases require recording and high accuracy of measuring. That is why own preparations and manipulators are used.
• UTT – wall thickness measuring: Thickness measuring is a narrow specialisation within ultrasound methods, used to discover possible corrosion, lamination and other damages.
• IRIS technique: Rotation inspection system using inner rotating probe – ultrasound method used to check inner sides of tubes and pipelines. The technique is usable on straight sections.