NDTnet 1998 Aug, Vol.3 No.8

Full-Text - Abstract

Because of the reliability of low-cost conventional manual ultrasonic testing is limited by human factors, it cannot compete with hazardous radiography in spite of the higher attainable flaw sensitivity. To eliminated this disadvantage a new ISONIC - Portable PC-Assisted Manual Ultrasonic Inspection System - was created. ISONIC is mechanics-free multitechnology system performing weld imaging and corrosion mapping with completely objective data acquisition and further intelligent postprocessing as for flat, as for curved objects. This makes possible radiography replacement.To approve the opportunity of radiography replacement comparative experiments were performed for various real welds. Experiments are described in the presentation. The following results were obtained:
• as for radiography, as for ISONIC system the objective evidence of testing procedure performance was obtained
• all defects detected by radiography were also detected by ISONIC system
• in addition, defects not detected by radiography were detected by ISONIC system, especially for the welds with above 50 mm thickness
• for defects detected by both technologies the ISONIC system provides higher precision of imaging regarding defects coordinates and projection sizes along the weld and in the weld top view, especially for curved surfaces; moreover, ISONIC system is additionally reproducing the weld side view showing the defects depth and projection height. Obviously, the flaw images in the weld top and side view were also obtained for the defects detected by ISONIC system only
• In comparison with traditional radiography testing ISONIC system allows to provide image analysis and printout with different sensitivity thresholds at the postprocessing stage

It is to be taken into account that there is a difference between ultrasonic and radiography defect imaging, so the ultrasonic image recognition knowledge required for the person interpreting the inspection results. The ISONIC postprocessing mode allows to ease such interpretation because it's maximally approached to inspection standards.With reference to obtained results the high-tech manual ultrasonic inspection performed by ISONIC system becames competitable with radiography, providing highest sensitivity, low inspection cost, obvious and objective documentation.

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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