FULL DESCRIPTION OF ULTRASONIC INSPECTION EQUIPMENT

Ultrasonic Inspection (UT) equipment is used in nondestructive testing to locate internal flaws, measure thickness, and evaluate material integrity using high-frequency sound waves (typically 0.5–20 MHz). The system works by transmitting ultrasonic pulses into a material and analyzing the reflected or transmitted sound waves.

Ultrasonic inspection equipment consists of multiple components designed to generate, transmit, receive, and interpret ultrasonic signals.

1. Main Components of Ultrasonic Inspection Equipment

A. Ultrasonic Flaw Detector

This is the core instrument used for flaw detection and thickness measurement.

Key features:

• Digital A-scan display (echo pattern)

• High-resolution TFT screen

• Adjustable pulse repetition frequency (PRF)

• Gain control, velocity setting, and delay time adjustment

• Gate A/B controls for flaw sizing

• DAC, AVG/DGS, TCG functions

• Data storage and reporting

• Portable, rechargeable-battery operation

Used for:

• Crack detection

• Inclusion detection

• Lamination checks

• Weld inspection

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B. Ultrasonic Transducers (Probes)

Transducers convert electrical pulses into ultrasonic vibrations and receive echoes.

1. Contact Probes

• Single element

• Used for general flaw detection

• Frequency range: 1–10 MHz

2. Angle Beam Probes

• Used with weld inspection

• Popular angles: 45°, 60°, 70°

• Creates shear waves for root & toe detection

3. Dual Element (TR Probe)

• Separate transmitter and receiver

• Good for near-surface detection and thickness measurement

4. Immersion Probes

• Used in water column testing

• High precision; ideal for automated scanning

5. Phased Array Probes (PAUT)

• Multiple elements fired sequentially

• Allows beam steering, focusing, and sectorial scanning

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C. Couplant

A gel, oil, or water-based medium applied between probe and material to allow sound transmission.

Common types:

• Glycerin gel

• Silicone-based couplant

• Water (for immersion UT)

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D. Calibration Blocks

Used to calibrate velocity, delay, DAC/TCG curves, and sensitivity.

Common block types:

• V1 (IIW Type 1)

• V2 (IIW Type 2)

• Step wedge blocks

• Distance/Area Amplitude Blocks (DSB/ASB)

• Basic Calibration Block for shear wave

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E. Accessories & Support Components

• Probe cables (low-noise RG cables)

• Magnetic or mechanical probe holders

• Scanning frames for weld inspection

• Encoders for automated measurement

• Couplant dispensers

• Carrying case

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2. Advanced Ultrasonic Inspection Systems

A. PAUT (Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing) System

Used for advanced weld scanning and high-resolution flaw imaging.

Features:

• Multi-element phased array probes

• S-scan, E-scan, and B-scan imaging

• Sectorial scanning

• Full matrix capture (FMC)

• Total focusing method (TFM)

• Real-time 2D/3D imaging

Applications: welds, corrosion mapping, pipelines, pressure vessels.

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B. TOFD (Time of Flight Diffraction) Equipment

Used for accurate defect sizing, especially in welds.

Includes:

• TOFD transducer pair (transmitter & receiver)

• TOFD wedge pair

• High-precision encoder

• Digital TOFD instrument

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C. Immersion Ultrasonic Testing System

Consists of:

• Water tank

• Immersion transducer

• 3-axis or 5-axis scanning system

• Automated motion control

• Data acquisition system

Used for: aerospace parts, forgings, castings, composite structures.

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3. Capabilities of Ultrasonic Inspection Equipment

• Internal crack detection

• Flaw location, sizing, and orientation

• Weld inspection (shear wave & phased array)

• Thickness measurement

• Corrosion mapping

• Bond testing for composites

• Lamination detection

• 3D flaw imaging (PAUT/TFM)

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4. Typical Applications

• Oil & gas pipelines

• Pressure vessels & boilers

• Aerospace components

• Shipbuilding

• Power plant equipment

• Automotive forgings

• Structural steel fabrication

• Composite and laminate inspection