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Operating principle of ultrasonic flaw detectors. 3) Settings of operation

3) Setting the ultrasonic flaw detector

Before ultrasonic testing begins, user needs to configure the flaw detector. Configuration of the ultrasonic flaw detector settings is performed in two stages:

– Setting the parameters of UT-probe;с

– Setting the measuring indication of flaw detector on a sample with known tested parameters.

Settings of the UT-probe include:

1) setting the operating frequency of UT-probe;

2) setting the value of distance between the piezoceramic plate and base of the UT-probe (contact surface);

3) setting the input angle of UT-probe;

4) setting the delay in prism of the UT-probe.

Configuring the UT-probes is performed on Calibration blocks for ultrasonic flaw detector testing.

Configuring the electronic unit of ultrasonic flaw detector on Calibration blocks with known tested parameters, include:

1) setting the sound speed in the test object;

2) setting the sensitivity and acceptance level.

Setting the sensitivity and acceptance level is performed on Calibration blocks (samples), which are made from the same material as tested objects and have the artificial pre-created defects (flaws) with minimal dimensions of such defects in tested object.

The effectiveness of ultrasonic testing depends on several factors.

The main factor is the frequency of the ultrasonic waves. The higher is the frequency, the shorter is their length, and along with increasing of the sensitivity of the testing allows you to find the smallest flaws. With increasing the frequency of the ultrasonic oscillations, increases the influence of the structure of tested metal.

There are several advantages of ultrasonic flaw detection:

1) ability to test when only one side of the object is available;

2) simplicity and high performance;

3) high penetrating ability, which allows to detect internal defects in large-sized objects;

4) high sensitivity, which allows to detect small flaws;

5) ability to automate the testing process;

6) full safety for the operator and people around; etc.