Specialist LTC inspection engineers are equipped digital UT equipment. They have several advantages over older, analogue technology, including:
A greater repeatability of results
Quicker and more accurate calibration
A capacity to store data - results, trace patterns, etc.
Compatibility with computer software, permitting uploading of results for direct inclusion in reports
Reduced weight makes the device easier to transport, whilst better materials make the devices much more robust.
An example of a defect in a shaft, as located by ultrasonic testing. Trace patterns such as this can be included in reports or presentations.
Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement
Ultrasonic methods are also used to measure material thicknesses to detect or monitor corrosion. The principles used are the same as for defect location but utilising echoes from the through thickness of the material rather than defects within it.
The instruments employed by LTC are able to measure material thickness as well as the thickness of any coating. It can also save “profiles” of material under inspection, giving a representation of any corrosion present. This allows us to retain a database of thickness reading for a particular project, which can be uploaded to a computer for reporting or analysis.
