Automated ultrasonic inspection systems-a users viewpoint

Summary form only given. The NDT department at The Welding Institute uses a variety of different `automated´ or `computerised´ ultrasonic inspection systems for service, contract and research work activities. The paper reviews experiences with these systems but is not intended as a critical assessment of particular equipment. It begins by clarifying what is meant by `automated´ ultrasonics and identifies the reasons for using such systems as opposed to manual A-scan inspection. The importance of obtaining a hard copy or permanent record of the inspection results is highlighted. The other important factor in an `automated´ inspection that is, ensuring full coverage of the required inspection zone and how that can be achieved by mechanised and manual probe manipulation, is also discussed. The paper continues by looking at each stage of a typical inspection in turn, namely calibration, data acquisition, data processing and display and finally interpretation of results and reporting. The advantages and disadvantages of particular system features are discussed at length together with suggestions for improvements. Finally the author discusses where his colleagues and him think improvements in automated and computerised ultrasonic inspection systems will lead in the future