Ultrasonic Testing - Applications and Advantages of Ultrasonic NDT in Industry


Ultrasonic testing is a non-destructive testing method that is used commonly for
-       Detecting cracks, defects and faults in a test piece;
-       Measuring the dimensions of a test piece;
-       Understanding the nature or character of a material;

How is the test carried out?
The testing unit or system consists of a receiver, transducer, and a display unit. The receiver or pulse is the unit that produces electrical pulses. The transducer then produces ultrasonic energy in high frequency. This sound energy or wave passes through the test piece. If the material has no-fault, it will behave as a standard piece – however, when there is a crack, fault, or break in between, the wave is intercepted by this fault line from where the wave reflects. This reflected wave or echo is then converted by the transducer into an electrical signal. This electrical signal gets displayed on the screen. The duration or period from wave generation to the echo is now displayed on the screen. The time that the wave took to travel to and fro, directly reflects the distance – indicating where the fault is located and how it is oriented.

Advantages of ultrasonic testing:
1.      Ultrasonic testing is a superior non-destructive method of testing a piece and detecting a flaw.
2.      The other distinct advantage is that the test piece needs to be accessed from only one side, using this method.
3.      Both surface and below the surface flaws and discontinuities can be detected by this test method.
4.      The best thing about this method is that it can determine the exact position of the reflector and also estimate the shape and size of the discontinuity.
5.      The test can be conducted with minimum preparation of the test piece.
6.      Results are instantaneous as the display screen shows the result almost immediately.
7.      It is possible to record the images of the reflector or the discontinuity if there is an automated system that is used with the testing unit.
8.      This method can be used to test the thickness of the material too, for example pipe thickness.

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