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Apparatus and method for ultrasonic detection of flaws in power plant piping systems

  • US 4,393,711 A
  • Filed: 11/13/1980
  • Issued: 07/19/1983
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/13/1980
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. In a method of in-service ultrasonic detection of a cracking condition in a pipe section of predetermined configuration, the steps of:

  • (a) selecting a plurality of ultrasonic return signal features and a tunable algorithmic combination of the measured values thereof whose resultant value is useful in distinguishing return signals from a cracking condition and from geometric reflectors, said selection being based on prior ultrasonic examination studies on a plurality of pipe samples having a variety of known geometric reflectors and known cracking conditions;

    (b) providing a calibration pipe sample having a prearranged configuration with geometric reflectors substantially corresponding to said pipe section and at least one known cracking condition;

    (c) performing an ultrasonic examination of said calibration pipe sample to measure the values of said selected return signal features while tuning said tunable algorithmic combination to optimize the capability of said algorithmic combination to distinguish return signals from said geometric reflectors and said known cracking condition;

    (d) performing an ultrasonic examination of said pipe section using the same selected return signal features and said tuned algorithmic combination of the values thereof to ascertain the presence or absence of a cracking condition therein.

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