NDTnet 1998 Aug, Vol.3 No.8

Abstract

The flexibility and low-cost of manual ultrasonic testing, makes it attractive for many tasks and thus the bulk of ultrasonic examinations are carried out this way. Its main disadvantage is that the operator himself directly interprets the ultrasonic A-Scans and minimal automated assistance is possible. There is a need for a portable unit which can fill the gap between conventional manual examination and fully automated inspectoin systems.

CamuS is such a system. It provides maximum assistance to the operator from advanced software applications, but retains flexibility by allowing access to difficult locations and is adaptable to different test situations. CamuS not only includes facilities to image, view and analyse acquired data but also assists in establishing the initial test procedure based on CEN standard prEN1714. It is a PC based unit and uses Windows NT to provide the graphical user interface. It consists of three main parts: a flexible manipulator to measure probe position and skew; a data acquisition unit allowing full A-Scan data capture and visual monitoring of probe coupling; and an advanced software package for data processing, including imaging, 3D visualisation, flaw analysis and classification.

The CamuS software provides automated procedure generation to CEN standards. 3D CAD models of the joint under test are provided, and can be adjusted by the operator to take account of actual joint thickness, fusion face angles and restrictions. The resulting procedure details the scans required and the probes to be used. The joint model is also applied when reconstructing A-Scan and probe position data to form an image of any flaws present. The main technique used is Main Beam Projection, and takes account of multiple reflections within the component. For point or edge defects, SAFT reconstruction is also available. The operator can view the reconstructed image in relation to the CAD model using a 3D visualisation tool. This allows the combined CAD and imaged data to be rotated, translated and zoomed so that a better appreciation of any defects present can be obtained.
For the analysis of a particular flaw, both orthogonal and arbitrary slices can be taken through an imaged indication. It is then possible to explore amplitudes with corresponding positions, and to automatically measure distance between two points on the slice for flaw sizing. It is also possible to box an indication and to obtain automated 6dB, contouring of planar flaws, as well as maximum amplitude and 6dB sizing. The A-Scan and imaged data is stored and used in documentation such as the flaw report.

The CamuS system is being evaluated on a range of test components in order to assess its overall performance and convenience when used by manual operators.

Abstract Source:
Book of Abstracts, 7th European Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, 26-29 May 1998, ISBN: 87-986898-0-00

Full-Text Source:
Proceedings of the 7th European Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, 26-29 May 1998, ISBN:

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