Automated Ultrasonic Inspection of Nozzle Welds Using Phased-Array Ultrasonic Testing--Part 2 - Outside Access

摘要

Part 1 of this 2 part series of papers on nozzle weld inspections by phased-array ultrasound provided background on the types of nozzle configuration and made several recommendations for scanning from the nozzle inner surfaces. Part 2 discusses scanning when access is available from the outer surfaces of the vessel for a set through configuration. Modelling provides evidence of the physical parameters that must be considered for full coverage. Actual scan results are provided to indicate how well the models predict the coverage by detecting targets at the edges of the weld zones. Modelled and actual results indicate that a scan-plan made using a ray-tracing programme can provide suitable indication of required coverage. In many cases, the mechanical apparatus used to guide the probe can be designed with a minimum of complexity when scanning access is from the outside surface of either the nozzle or vessel.