Method for the non-destructive testing of objects using ultrasound

US8596127B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GE Inspection Technologies, LP · US

Inventors

• Stephan Falter · Simmerath, DE
• Roman Koch · Blankenbach, DE
• Walter De Odorico · Bayern, DE
• Gerhard Finger · Schmitten, DE
• Klaus-Peter Busch · Rodenbach, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 28, 2009
• Grant date: Dec 3, 2013
• Expiry date: May 27, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2291/0231
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for processing signals which are generated by the reflection of ultrasonic waves by defects in the surface of objects during the non-destructive testing of objects such as pipes, bars, sheet metal, or uniform and complex carbon-fiber components. Said method comprises the following steps: emission of a complete wavefront onto at least one test section of the object, using a plurality of independent emission elements; receiving a wave reflected by the structure of the object by means of a plurality of receiver elements that are independent of one another; digitalization of the signals received by the receiver elements in digitizing steps; continuous modification of delay values and/or the number of receiver elements for each digitalization step (on-the-fly).