"UNDERSTANDING CODE COMPLIANT ULTRASONIC TESTING" 

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Inspectioneering Journal - Asset Integrity Intelligence

Volume 23, Issue 2, March/April 2017 Edition 
 

INTRODUCTION
In today’s industrial setting, accurate inspection data is critical.
The accuracy of this data depends on several factors, including
the complexity of the equipment used. Ultrasonic equipment has
significant capabilities to detect a variety of internal defects, but
they are often very complex and highly dependent on the operator.
This has effects on both individual inspections and the market
as a whole. A Frost & Sullivan (June 2014) report stated that
“the biggest growth driver for non-destructive testing (NDT) training
services globally is a lack of qualified technicians.”

As the industry looks for alternative NDT methods to radiography,
ultrasonic testing has gained popularity. The development of
ultrasonic phased array images is important because they allow
for a variety of structures to be inspected without radiation or
taking equipment out of service. Large area B-scan and C-scan
images have become commonplace. Codes are now being developed
which allow phased array systems as an acceptable inspection
technique for many procedures.

However, the complexity of these systems has led to several challenges
for the market. The setup of phased array systems involves
many complicated steps, each of which must be done correctly.
Different inspections can require multiple costly probes to fully
interrogate the target. However, the most challenging aspect of
employing phased array systems is the dependence on the operator
using the equipment. Training for these systems takes many
weeks and requires in-depth knowledge of complicated UT focal
laws and probe performance. This often limits repeatability and
results in a high false call rate. If there is a time gap in using
phased array, inspectors must be retrained. The most talented of
phased array inspectors can generate accurate data. These inspectors
are in high demand. This results in a high turnover rate as
many inspectors jump from company to company leaving some
many NDT service providers without adequate resources to run
the UT equipment.

 

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About Imperium
Founded in 1996, Imperium develops and markets handheld ultrasonic devices to NDT professionals who need to inspect quickly large surface areas while maintaining submillimeter image resolution. The lack of heavily-trained personnel drove the Company to develop the Acoustocam, which generates subsurface images that are easily understood and interpreted. Headquartered in Beltsville, Maryland, Imperium conducts all engineering, development, and manufacturing (including full semiconductor processing) in its 6,000-square foot facility. With clients around the world, Imperium is dedicated to delivering top-quality, user-friendly ultrasonic imaging products for use in a variety of industrial applications. For more information, visit Imperium's website at www.imperiuminc.com. To learn more or schedule a demonstration, contact Imperium, Inc. at sales@imperiuminc.com or +1 (301) 431-2900, ext. 111.