№ 3(65) - September 2014

Main Feature: Acoustic Emission

Acoustic Emission

V. V. Nosov
Methodology of Acoustic Emission Durability Evaluation as Basis of NDT Efficiency

The methodology for development of efficient acoustic emission (AE) diagnostics algorithms is considered in the article. Implementation of the methodology is shown by the examples of inspections of composite material products, weld joints, bars for metal sheets rolling, rock massifs. The algorithms are used for optimization of manufacturing, repair and mining technologies. It is shown that structuring of primary information processing algorithms can substantially increase efficiency of AE diagnostics by expanding of objects nomenclature and accuracy enhancement of non-destructive durability testing.

V. P. Gomera, A. I. Potapov
The Conformity Evaluation of AE Testing Data with the Results of Tanks Bottoms Internal Inspection

The results of examination of the steel vertical oil storage tanks bottoms using an acoustic emission (AE) method are described in this article. These results are compared with the results obtained by traditional NDT methods. Good agreement between the results obtained by different methods was set. Some estimates based on a data analysis are proposed. These estimates may be useful for efficiency increasing of tank bottoms examination with the use of the AE method.

V. P. Gomera, A. D. Smirnov, E. Yu. Nefedyev
Increase of AE Testing Reliability of Equipment Containing Internal Devices

Diagnostics of large-size industrial equipment condition is most efficient when integral nondestructive methods are used, for example an acoustic emission (AE) method. The method makes it possible to optimize application of local testing methods for objects of large size. It solves the problems connected with random choice of zones while testing using only local methods, such as non-productive operations at defect-free zones and a strong possibility to miss zones with fatal flaws. Some methodological techniques for AE data analyzing are presented in the article. Combining different location algorithms and comparing parameters of AE activity zones are used; the techniques help to single out useful information out of the whole massif of registered data and increase efficiency of AE method at testing the equipment containing internal devices.

S. V. Elizarov, V. A. Barat, A. G. Shimansky
SMART – New Generation of Intellectual Acoustic Emission System

Article presents intellectual AE-system principles; such a system has upgraded AE-testing process by means of automation and intellectualization of functions commonly performed by an operator. It is supposed that there are the following automated functions in the intellectual AE system: sampling rate assignment for correct time and frequency resolution, adaptive filtering of AE-signals for their efficient detecting against technological equipment noise background and data registration without setting of a threshold, sceto and other parameters by an operator. Data registration procedure uses a non-threshold statistical method of AE-impulses extraction on the basis of acoustic stationary noise properties changing. By means of digital signal processing pulse and continuous signal products are extracted; a continuous product allows identifying leaks, technological noises and pre-destruction continuous emissions. Intelligent AE-system can improve accuracy and reliability of AE-testing.

V. V. Muravjev
AE Testing Comparative Validity for Solebars and Bolsters of Freight-Car Trucks

The results of fifteen-year operation of acoustic emission test-stands for inspection of molding car trucks are given in the article. The inspection scheme for molding car trucks at repair work is described. Car trucks solebars and bolsters were inspected with the use of two acoustic emission systems; the results are given. They show life extension of the parts and rejection of defective parts by years. The quantity of solebar fractures en route by years is given versus an age of the part by the fracture moment. Fracture statistics for different manufacturers is presented. Comparative validity calculations for different inspection methods – acoustic emission, visual and electromagnetic – are given as well as methods’ validity results and rejecting data.

Abstracts

T. Yu. Sharapova
Internet News

M. V. Rozina, A. S. Suzhaeva
Abstracts of the Articles Published in Other Sources

NDT World News

V. P. Vavilov
The 12th International Conference on Quantitative InfraRed Thermography, QIRT'2014

A. A. Maiorov
JEC Europe 2014 – Non-Destructive Testing of Composite Materials and Products

V. A. Syasko, K. V. Gogolinsky
“Welding 2014”.Quality Inspection of Weld Joints: Instruments, Technical Diagnostics and NDT

Acoustic Inspection

N. Amir
Pulse Reflectometry for Tube Inspection. Recent Developments

Pulse Reflectometry is a noninvasive technique for probing the properties of cavities and materials. In recent years the acoustic version of pulse reflectometry has been applied successfully to inspection of condensers, boilers, preheaters and other heat exchangers, by sending acoustic pulses into the air enclosed within the tubes and analyzing the reflections created by defects on the internal diameter (ID). This method enables detection of defects such as blockages, holes and ID wall loss. Recent developments extending this technique further enable detection of a wider range of defects with higher accuracy. These developments will be presented here, along with tests demonstrating the performance of this technique.

Ultrasonic Inspection

A. A. Prohorenko
Phased Array Flaw Detectors. Ascertaining the Capabilities of Ultrasonic Beam Focusing

While developing a testing methodology for products of low-alloyed steel, it is important to choose a right phased array transducer regarding to product’s thickness. The main parameters of transducers that should be taken into consideration are discussed. It is noted that high values of ray and front resolution can be achieved only near a focus point. The focal zone sizing is calculated; precision of calculated data in comparison with experimental data is15-30%. Estimation of beam characteristics for inspection of welded seams with thicknesses of 8-15 mm has been fulfilled for the phased arrays batch-produced by “Sonatest”. It is concluded that phased array transducers with frequency less than 5 MHz and elements number less than 20 are not suited to focused ultrasound beam testing because of a small focal length rage. Design features of phased array transducers affect reflectors images; as an example S-scanning images obtained with the 32- and 16-component phased array transducers are given. The ultrasound beam was focused vertically (with fixed bias). For best results it is necessary to use high-frequency (more than 7.5 MHz) phased array transducers with elements number not less than 16.

Magnetic Inspection

I. S. Kolesnikov, V. P. Goroshevsky, S. S. Kamaeva
Reliability Operations for Non-Piggable and Difficult Pipelines

The article briefly describes fundamentals of pipelines technical diagnostics using magnetic tomography method (MTM). MTM provides remote registration of complex mechanical stresses and calculation of serviceability parameters (maximum allowable operating pressure, gamma-percentile lifetime; estimated repair factor) in areas with metal defects. MTM and AQUA MTM (for subsea pipelines) are also applicable to facilities not subject to the in-line inspection: field pipelines, pipelines of GCS, pumping stations and chemical (petrochemical) production; branch pipelines; bypass connections, etc. MTM data provide the basis for expert appraisal of industrial safety of hazardous production facilities by the real metal state under acting operational loads.

G. Ya. Bezlyudko, B. E. Popov, R. N. Solomakha, V. V. Karabin
Metalware and Equipment Fatigue and Lifetime Monitoring. Coercive Force Method as a New Level of Efficiency and Culture. Main Features

The classical coercive force method was used in order to complete technical diagnostics of metalware and equipment with practical quantitative and qualitative inspection of fatigue and stress condition including residual life prognosis. Natural physical efficiency of coercive force as an information parameter is equally efficient supported both methodologically and instrumentally. This approach seems to be the most solid for metalware and constructions condition estimation, both in the whole and for each local zone of operational factors concentration.

NDT in the Railways

V. F. Tarabrin, O. N. Kislyakovsky, S. V. Saraev
Combined Flaw Detector Car VD-UMT-1. New Generation Facility to Increase Complex Diagnostics Efficiency of a Railway Line.

Innovation diagnostic systems of a new generation combined flaw detector car and its functional capabilities are considered in the article. For the first time in practice of railway lines and switches non-destructive testing with mobile facilities four testing methods at once (ultrasound, magnetic-dynamic, visual-measuring, optical) are implemented at this car. Automation of diagnostic systems administration increases testing validity and reliability as well as reduces work hours of maintenance staff for carrying out individual operations. Statistical data on operational efficiency of first four cars of this type within OAO “RZhD” railway network are presented.

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ACS, Amatia-Acoustics, Interunis, Constanta, Newcom-NDT, Panatest (Vallen Systeme), NTC "Expert", Territoriya NDT, 11th ECNDT 2014, NDT Russia