Long-range ultrasonics technology is a rapidly changing area of non-destructive inspection, and TWI's research activities are leading the way. Some of the latest developments with which TWI has been involved are given below:
- Detection of artificial flaws in mooring chains.
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- Combination of long range ultrasonics and phased array technology. Now well established, this technology is now commercialised by Plant Integrity (Pi) Ltd as Teletest Focus. This all-in-one system incorporates advanced
electronics that allows these guided waves to be focused on specific areas around the circumference of the pipe, allowing inspectors not only to identify how far down the pipe the problem area lies, but also its location on the
pipe circumference. In addition it aids inspectors in the process of defect discrimination and characterisation.
Software control over the beam angle and focusing is achieved by application of precisely controlled delays to both the emission pulse and received signal for each element in the array of transducers.
- Offshore monopole structure inspection using guided wave techniques
- Corrosion detection of inaccessible tank floors.
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- FPSO inspection using guided wave technology