Automated method for butt weld inspection and defect diagnosis
US5474225A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 1994 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/2675
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An automated method for non-destructive inspection and evaluation of a weld through the use of ultrasonic waves produced by an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT). The method includes automatic positioning of a transport apparatus containing EMAT transmitter and receiver coils in proximity of a just-completed weld; scanning the weld; receiving an electrical signal produced in the EMAT receiver coil by a reflected ultrasonic SH shear wave; recording and monitoring the electrical signal; analyzing tie electrical signal relative to predetermined control limits; signaling the presence of a defect in the weld; and communicating electronically with a welding apparatus to reperform and/or alter the way in which subsequent welds are made so as to avoid repetition of the defect. The method also includes automatic receiving, recording, and monitoring of welding apparatus and welding process data, as well as automatic adjustment of corresponding welding apparatus and welding process parameters.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.