In-process ultrasonic inspection during fusion welding

Nina Sweeney, Charles Norman MacLeod, David Lines, Randika Kosala Wathavana Vithanage, Momchil Vasilev, Charalampos Loukas, Ehsan Mohseni, Simon Parke, Anthony Burnett, Colin Murray, Mark Symington, Albert Holt

Research output: Contribution to conferencePresentation/Speechpeer-review

Abstract

Traditionally, welding and inspection of the welds are distinctly separate manufacturing processes. This ultimately limits productivity and throughput along with increased re-work if defects are detected post-build. The Advanced Welding Equipment System Inspection and Monitoring (AWESIM) project introduces ultrasonic inspection directly at the point of welding to allow detection of imperfections and flaws as they occur, thus reducing rework, repair and removing redundant mid-stage inspections, delivering high-quality welds right, first time.
High-temperature dry-coupled Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) is introduced directly during Gas Tungsten Inert Welding (GTAW) deposition. A novel automated roller probe for weld inspection is introduced and presented alongside imaging algorithms to compensate for the effect of negative process parameters such as temperature gradients, thickness variations and Electromagnetic Noise Interference (EMI).
The development and results of this work are presented on sub-scale plate and pipe demonstrators with intentional controlled defects. The capability of the inspection system and step-change potential in confidence of post-weld quality is highlighted, reducing rework, emergent schedule slippage and cost.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 24 Oct 2023
EventAmerican Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) 2023 - George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, United States
Duration: 23 Oct 202326 Oct 2023

Conference

ConferenceAmerican Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) 2023
Abbreviated titleASNT 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHouston
Period23/10/2326/10/23

Keywords

  • Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)
  • Electromagnetic Noise Interference (EMI)
  • non-destructive testing

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