Ultrasonic testing of welds

Ultrasonic testing is an advanced method of nondestructive testing ndt involved with the detection of internal discontinuities in welded components. Nondestructive testing standards astm international. Applications of ultrasonic testing vary, ranging from weld inspection to wall thickness measurement and the detection of discontinuities such as invisible cracks, inclusions, voids and other discontinuities in metals, plastics, ceramics and composites. Ultrasonic testing ut level 1 course from the world experts in nondestructive testing ndt training, examinations and consultancy services. Ultrasonic testing ii american welding society education. Nondestructive testing of pjp groove welds is ultrasonic testing effective for partial joint penetration pjp groove welds. Ultrasonic inspection uses high frequency sound energy which transfers into the material at a known velocity to enable an experienced operator to evaluate the thickness and any flaws which may exist within the material. Defect in weld found with ultrasonic testing, equipment list used and defect location drawn on sketch. Welds found unacceptable by ultrasonic testing are to be repaired by the methods permitted in section 5.

This course is also suitable for personnel working in the aerospace industry and can be found under the aerospace section. Today we are back at ocean corporation learning about ultrasonic testing and how it is used to test welds. Ats uses ultrasonic testing techniques that can detect common and uncommon discontinuities caused by base material processes and fabrication. Modern steel construction steel questions or comments to. Techniques vary due to weld material, weld thickness, weld process and even code requirements. Repaired areas are then retested ultrasonically with results tabulated on the original form if available or additional report forms. Probes that project the beam into the test piece at an angle normal 90degs to the. Ultrasonic testing welds ndt by independent inspection. Test method general the procedures given apply to the contact ultrasonic inspection of butt welds.

Nondestructive testing of welds accendo reliability. Obviously, the ultrasonic and eddy current testing methods complement each other, ensuring a hundredpercent reliable examination of the weld over its entire depth and extent. Ultrasonic nondestructive testing, also known as ultrasonic ndt or simply ut, is a method of characterizing the thickne. One of the largest applications of ultrasonic testing in ndt is weld inspection. Techniques vary due to weld material, weld thickness. Ultrasonic nondestructive testing, also known as ultrasonic ndt or simply ut, is a method of characterizing the thickness or internal structure of a test piece. Direct access to pcn level 2 would be achieved by combining the experience and training hours of level 1 and level 2. It has become a widely used test method in ndt due to its reliability and accurate measurements. Astms nondestructive testing standards provide guides for the appropriate methods and techniques used to detect and evaluate flaws in materials and objects without destroying the specimen at hand. Ultrasonic testing is not appropriate for fillet welds. One of the biggest advantages of this method is that it does. Ultrasonic inspection uses highfrequency sound waves for detection of flaws, imperfections or changes in properties within materials. All thermite rail welds installed as part of the project shall be hand tested ultrasonically for defects or inclusions before track is placed into service.

Nata does not provide accreditation for ultrasonic test on fillet welds. Ndt ultrasonic testing of welds on boats and other. Ultrasonic testing of welds ultrasonic testing technology is based on the ability of highfrequency oscillations about 20,000 hz to propagate into the metal and be reflected from surface scratches, voids, and other discontinuities. Nondestructive ultrasonic testing equipment to perform volumetric scans of weld interiors has become a standard method of weld testing. In most common ut applications, very short ultrasonic pulsewaves with center frequencies ranging from 0. Nondestructive tests of welds in ship hu1l structures for radiographic inspection and should therefore result in satisfactory ship welds.

Most production is tested by use of nondestructive methods. The contract documents specify the ut testing of the groove welds, both pjp and cjp. Ultrasonic probes used for weld examination have frequencies generally. Also, there is no australian standard that specifies how to perform ut on a fillet weld. Weld inspection of ultrasonic inspection 2 training for.

The obvious advantage of both these methods of testing is their ability to help establish the welds internal. Flaw detection ut applications of ultrasonic testing vary, ranging from weld inspection to wall thickness measurement and the detection of discontinuities such as invisible cracks, inclusions, voids and other discontinuities in metals, plastics, ceramics and composites. The defect in dissimilar metal is also easily detected with the convention ultrasonic testing, by scanning on both carbon steel side and. Ultrasonic testing ut this method of testing makes use of mechanical vibrations similar to sound waves but of higher frequency. Ultrasonic testing ut is a nondestructive testing techniques based on the propagation of ultrasonic waves in the object or material tested ultrasonic testing. Weld inspection by standard ultrasonic methods manual contact testing is usually restricted to joining of plates with thicknesses of 10mm to 12mm or more. Ultrasonic inspection can be used for flaw detectionevaluation, dimensional measurements, material characterization, and more. Supplement c, ultrasonic testing method, tcla recommended practicej american society for. Ultrasonic testing of fillet weld in reply to rigzang tashi at 06. Ultrasonic testing ut is a common test method used to evaluate complete joint penetration cjp groove welds because it can provide a full volumetric evaluation of the weldi.

Welding can be done by means of several methods including electric arcs, gas flames, and lasers. Oko association manufactures a series of eddy current flaw detectors for nondestructive testing of welds. Establishing inspection requirements for the ultrasonic testing of welds. Ultrasonic testing non destrutive testing professionals. Partial joint penetration groove welds are not usually subject to testing with ut. Ultrasonic weld testing is a form of nondestructive testing that relies on the propagation of ultrasonic waves on the material or object tested. Ultrasonic testing technology is based on the ability of highfrequency oscillations about 20,000 hz to propagate into the metal and be reflected from surface scratches, voids, and other discontinuities. This ultrasonic testing of welds ut2 welds course will extend your knowledge and ability of ultrasonic plate and thickness testing to the application of shear waves in weld scanning.

Ultrasonic testing ut level ii is an extension of ut level i and delves into the theory and principles to a much greater depth. Unlike surface inspection methods, ut makes it possible to find flaws inside the. The strength and reliability of rails during their operation is crucial for the railway industry. The obvious advantage of both these methods of testing is their ability to help establish the weld s internal. Ultrasonic testing is a widely used nondestructive testing method that may be used for dimensional measurements, thickness, material characterization, flaw detection and more. I read somewhere recently that ultrasonic testing utis not appropriate for fillet welds, but didnt get a further explanation as to why. For transmission of ultrasonic waves into the test object, a liquid couplant is generally used. Zetec has been a trusted provider of ultrasonic testing equipment for weld inspections for over half a century. It is well known that the ultrasonic inspection of various fillet welds is performed in the industry successfully since almost 60 years ago and it would be very useful to learn the fundamentals prior to going to the field. Astm e27315, standard practice for ultrasonic testing of the weld zone of welded pipe and tubing, astm international, west conshohocken, pa, 2015. Nondestructive testing of rails and welds monitoring and testing technology manual testing of rails and welded rail connections mechanized rail testing by means of removable trolleys mobile rail inspection equipment for rapid continuous testing. Bethlehem steel corporation has been using this inspection technique as a pro duction tool for the last five years. Ultrasonic testing ii american welding society education online. What is ultrasonic testing ultrasonic nondestructive testing, also known as ultrasonic ndt or simply ut, is a method of characterizing the thickness or internal structure of a test piece through the use of high frequency sound waves.

The fillet weld was included by the engineer to maintain the effective throat of. Introduction it is not uncommon for a nondestructive testing ultrasonic technician to inspect structural welds according to the american welding society d1. The fillet weld was included by the engineer to maintain the effective throat of the weld at that joint. Ultrasonic testing ut is a family of nondestructive testing techniques based on the propagation of ultrasonic waves in the object or material tested.

Base metal inspection although the presence of laminations in the base metal may not be a basis for rejection, these reflectors may mask a part of the weld from the ultrasonic beam, fig. Prior to ultrasonic inspection, each weld will be ground to a. Ultrasonic testing is one of the most common methods for the nondestructive inspection of materials. Jan 23, 2019 the probe receives electric signal from the ultrasonic machine and converts it to sound beam, these sound beam travels into the test object and gets reflected at interfaces or discontinuity, the piezoelectric material in probe converts the reflected sound beam into electrical signal that can be displayed as visual signals on cathode ray tube. The obvious advantage of both these methods of testing is their ability to help establish the welds internal integrity without destroying the welded component. I have a pjp groove weld with a reinforcing fillet weld specified at a joint in the panel zone for a seismic connection. In some instances the ut may be used to determine if the required weld size is present, but someone needs to check to see if ndt other than vt is required by the contract. It is called ndt nondestructible testing because it does not cause damage to the investigated item. The ultrasonic testing of welds is a much discussed but little used inspection technique, which, in theory, offers significant advantages to both customer and fabri cator. As 2207, an ultrasonic test method standard also does not cover fillet welds in any of the normative sections. Such tests include radiographic, ultrasonic, electromagnetic eddycurrent, xray, acoustic, and tomographic techniques. Artificially created, directed diagnostic wave enters into the tested material and in the case of a defect. The most costeffective equipment for the ultrasonic testing of welds isnt necessarily the least expensiveits the equipment that provides the greatest value over its lifespan. This is a very specialised service which iis provide, using the latest, up to date equipment.

It is rapidly replacing earlier radiographic testing methods due to the imaging limitations of radiography as well as increasing. Guidelines for automated ultrasonic inspection austenitic welds. Welds can be tested by destructive and nondestructive techniques. Ultrasonic testing instrument shall be calibrated for the examination and shall be capable of meeting the requirements of screen height linearity and amplitude control linearity in paragraph 5. Ultrasonic testing is a volumetric nondestructive testing ndt method. Occasions may arise where radiographic inspection could provide additional information. The most common nondestructive tests to check welds are visual inspection, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current, ultrasonic, acoustic emission and radiography. Ultrasonic testing per sector welds, castings, wrought productsforgings level 2 80 training hours and 9 months experience.

Ultrasonic testing may be utilized at any stage of an assets lifecycle, ranging from inspection to plates, forging, castings, and welded components, to inservice. When contact or unfocused immersion search units are employed, this practice is intended for tubular products having specified outside diameters. Trade name of ultrasonic testing instrument is krautkramer usn52 ultrasonic testing instrument shall be equipped with. Ultrasonic testing of spot welds lavender international. In weld scanning, the depth and type of flaw can be ascertained using this method. Ndt ultrasonic testing of welds on boats and other marine. The obvious advantage of both these methods of testing is their ability to help establish the weld s internal integrity without destroying the welded component.

Most commonly used couplants are water, light oil, glycerine, and cellulose gum powder mixed with water. Ndt tech was lee grears director of responsive ltd. Mar 01, 2014 defect in weld found with ultrasonic testing, equipment list used and defect location drawn on sketch. Essentially, the equipment transducer converts an electronic signal into mechanical vibrations, those ultrasonic vibrations propagate through an oilfilled coupling, and the discharged energy sinks deep into the weld. This course is suitable for all personnel including testers, inspectors, engineers and surveyors who require a thorough and comprehensive introduction to ultrasonic testing of welded joints. Welding is the common process of joining materials through melting and fusion, and inspection of structural welds in metals is the single most common application for ultrasonic testing ut. This course is suitable for all personnel including testers, inspectors, engineers and surveyors who require a thorough and comprehensive introduction to ultrasonic testing of. Ultrasonic testing procedure inspection for industry. We are experts in detecting flaws found in ingots, continuous castings, billets, plate and sheets, bar and rod, pipe and tubular products, forgings, castings, composites, and. Ultrasonic testing ut uses high frequency sound energy to conduct examinations and make measurements. Differences between radiographic and ultrasonic testing of. Astm e273 15 standard practice for ultrasonic testing of. Ut still seems to be fairly common in the structural engineering industry. Radiographic and ultrasonic weld inspection are the two most common methods of nondestructive testing ndt used to detect discontinuities within the internal structure of welds.

At a construction site, a technician tests a pipeline weld for defects using an ultrasonic phased array instrument. If you would like any further information on our ultrasonic testing of spot welds, please do not hesitate to contact lavender international by any of the options below. The ultrasonic testing ut equipment uses pulse reflection contact technology, as supplied by a fastvibrating crystal. Weld inspection is accomplished by introducing shear waves into a plate at a selected angle and manipulating the transducer so as to scan. General the procedures given apply to the contact ultrasonic inspection of butt welds.