High Precision Ultrasonic Guided Wave Technique for Inspection of Power Transmission Line

Due to the merits of high inspection speed and long detecting distance, Ultrasonic Guided Wave（UGW） method has been commonly applied to the on-line maintenance of power transmission line. However, the guided wave propagation in this structure is very complicated, leading to the unfavorable defect localization accuracy. Aiming at this situation, a high precision UGW technique for inspection of local surface defect in power transmission line is proposed. The technique is realized by adopting a novel segmental piezoelectric ring transducer and transducer mounting scheme, combining with the comprehensive characterization of wave propagation and circumferential defect positioning with multiple piezoelectric elements. Firstly, the propagation path of guided waves in the multi-wires of transmission line under the proposed technique condition is investigated experimentally. Next, the wave velocities are calculated by dispersion curves and experiment test respectively, and from comparing of the two results, the guided wave mode propagated in transmission line is confirmed to be F（1,1） mode. Finally, the axial and circumferential positioning of local defective wires in transmission line are both achieved, by using multiple piezoelectric elements to surround the stands and send elastic waves into every single wire. The proposed research can play a role of guiding the development of highly effective UGW method and detecting system for multi-wire transmission line.

Ultrasonic inspection for circumferential butt joint of austenitic stainless steel with carbon steel

Tthe practical application of ultrasonic wave inspection in welded joint by austenitic stainless steel with carbon steel is presented. It is shown from the experimental results that the high frequency narrow-pulsed longitudinal ultrasonic wave inspection technique can detect the defects in deferent sound path and location within the tested welded joint clearly and exactly. The study in the paper may provide a new approach for further application of ultrasonic inspection in coarse-grained materials.

On the possible ultrasonic inspection of micro-bubbles generated by the optical fiber tip

We demonstrate the possibility of detection and monitoring of bubbles emerging near the tip of an optical fiber by means of ultrasonic method.The excitation of bubbles at their resonant frequencies is performed using short ultrasonic pulses having a wide frequency range simulta-neously with their modulation by means of a long pulse of a monochromatic frequency.This method allows detection of bubbles of various sizes.Used signal processing method,which allows increased bubble detection accuracy,is proposed for ressearch in envir onments of biological-like medium which show continuous variations in structure and properties when exposed to optical emission.The method has been demonstrated on model objects:in a liquid and in a biological tissue phantom using various methods of bubble generation(hydrolysis and optical enission).We studied bubble formation by the tip of a fiber of the surgical laser LSP-007/10 "IRE Polus"with a wavelength of 0.97μm coated with a highly absorbing graphite layer.

Weld seam recognition algorithm based on HSI space for pipeline ultrasonic flaw inspection

In order to realize automatic weld seam tracking for pipeline ultrasonic flaw inspection, an image processing algorithm based on HSI color space was presented. Since the color tones of weld seam were different from the parent metal, weld seam images were transformed to HSI color space. In the HSl colar space, the weld seam and base metal area can be apparently distinguished. By using this image processing algorithm, the edges and centerline of pipeline weld seam can be correctly extracted. An industrial application system was developed based on the image processing algorithm, and the image processing time is less than 70 ms and the accuracy of weld seam recognition is better than 2mm.

Ultrasonic guided wave inspection with array sensors

Ultrasonic guided wave becomes one of promising tool for monitoring various types of structures such as large steel plates, vessels, and pipes in oil, chemical or nuclear industry, because guided waves have ability to travel wide range of the target structure in a single position. However, analysis of guided wave signals acquired from structure is difficult on account of low S/N ratio and its dispersive nature. To improve S/N ratio and overcome dispersion effect, focusing techniques for guided waves are needed. Thus, in this study, focusing techniques for guided waves were developed in order to improve long range inspection ability, and performance of the developed techniques was verified by experiments.

A novel approach to identifying the ultrasonic echoes for inspecting well cementing quality

In this paper, it is presented that an approach based on Continuous Wavelet Thansform(CWT) and Fourier Transform(FT) for identifying ultrasonic echoes in inspecting oil well cementing quality. First, CWT is used to process echo signals. Then spectra of the processing results in some specilic scale-time segments are calculated as pattern features. The research results show that theoretical calculations basically agree with experimental results. Compared with the aPproach based on the spectra or Discrete Wavlet Transform, our approach has advantages of fine analyzing scales, stable features and high recognizing rate. It is very suitable to identify echo signals whose spectra vary with time.

A review of nondestructive examination technology for polyethylene pipe in nuclear power plant

Polyethylene （PE） pipe, particularly high- density polyethylene （HDPE） pipe, has been successfully utilized to transport cooling water for both non-safety- and safety-related applications in nuclear power plant （NPP）. Though ASME Code Case N755, which is the first code case related to NPP HDPE pipe, requires a thorough nondestructive examination （NDE） of HDPE joints. However, no executable regulations presently exist because of the lack of a feasible NDE technique for HDPE pipe in NPP. This work presents a review of current developments in NDE technology for both HDPE pipe in NPP with a diameter of less than 400 mm and that of a larger size. For the former category, phased array ultrasonic technique is proven effective for inspecting typical defects in HDPE pipe, and is thus used in Chinese national standards GB/T 29460 and GB/T 29461. A defect- recognition technique is developed based on pattern recognition, and a safety assessment principle is summa- rized from the database of destructive testing. On the other hand, recent research and practical studies reveal that in current ultrasonic-inspection technology, the absence of effective ultrasonic inspection for large size was lack of consideration of the viscoelasticity effect of PE on acoustic wave propagation in current ultrasonic inspection technology. Furthermore, main technical problems were analyzed in the paper to achieve an effective ultrasonic test method in accordance to the safety and efficiency requirements of related regulations and standards. Finally, the development trend and challenges of NDE test technology for HDPE in NPP are discussed.