NEW DEVELOPMENTS CONCERNING ULTRASONIC TESTING OF RAILS IN PRODUCTION LINE
V. Deutsch, P. Moller, C. Thoma* and H. Passen* Karl Deutsch, Wuppertal, Germany *Thyssen Stahl AG, Duisburg, Germany
Keywords: Squirter Coupling, Reflection-technique, High Testing Speed, Calibration Times
ABSTRACT
Modern high-speed trains require rails of high quality. Formerly used ultrasonic testing systems with 4/6 TR-probes are not more satisfying. To fulfil modern European standards upto 18 probes have to be positioned above rail head, from both sides to rail web and from underneath rail foot. To avoid abrasion and damage coupling is made without mechanical contact by using free water jets (squirter) in reflection technique. Each probe can be positioned separately by 3 different motors into the necessary position. Alternatively groups of several probes can be precalibrated outside testing area in roller guided supports. Testing performance is secured by calibration blocks. The multi- channel UT-electronics are computer-based. So all testing programmes can be stored and activated within short time. The testing results are classified in different classes, printed out and marked on the tested rails. First installation of new generation is now in 3-shift-operation since 2 years. Availability was higher than 95%. Further units will benefit the good experiences.
Publication Source: Trends in NDE Science & Technology; Proceedings of the 14th World Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, New Delhi, 8-13 December 1996.Vol. 1, pages 207 - 214 Publisher:Ashgate Publishing Company
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