Ultrasonic Butt Weld Inspection with the Wave

Fig. 1 - Example of a dissimilar butt weld plan

Conventional ultrasonic inspection is a long-standing industry trusted method of inspection, using multiple angled transducers to detect signals from defects within the weld zone. These indication details were then transferred to a physical diagram using beam profiles to plot positions and interpret echo paths.

The Sonatest Wave introduces new tools to aid with the calibration, interpretation, and defect location of weld inspection along with the standard inspection tools provided by Sonatest’s Legacy of ultrasonic flaw detectors.

Fig. 2 - Ultrasonic butt weld inspection using Sonatest Flaw detectors

Calibration

Ultrasonic calibrations are made simpler and quicker with the touch screen technology allowing gates to be positioned easily with the move of a finger, zooming and typing input of calibration values.

Fig. 3 - DAC calibration on the Wave

Interactive Scan Plan

The introduction of the Wave scan plan and recent update to download CAD DXF files allows the technician to see where indication echoes are originating from, this can help identify geometry signals from actual defect signals, reducing false calls. Screen shots of the scan plan showing indication locations within the weld can be used for reporting and informing the client of a defect location in an easy to understand format.

Building welds profiles and validating scan plans

Using the PC Companion software, the technician can build or import any 2D weld profile for use with the Wave. Once imported the surfaces of the weld are assigned to be contact, non-contact or scanning surfaces, this ensures that bevel details are shown but do not act as a reflective surface. Companion also allows the review of the scan plan with any transducer to ensure full coverage is achieved and any geometry reflections are seen and anticipated before the inspection is carried out.

Fig. 4 - Companion building and validating scan plans

Fig. 5 - Interactive Scan Plan on the Wave

Conclusion

The Wave is the most advanced flaw detector on the market, bringing innovative new tools and solutions to help technicians carry out inspections quicker and with more confidence in their results. The Wave is the perfect tool for the code compliant inspection of butt welds found throughout industry anywhere in the world.

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