Guided Wave – GUL Wavemaker - تارادیس تابش آزما

Guided Wave (UT) allows a large area of pipework to be inspected from a single transducer position.

Wavemaker Schematic Diagram

The Guided Wave (GW) travels along the length of the pipe and is reflected by changes in pipe stiffness (ncluding changes in acoustic impedance)
A symmetrical change in wall thickness generates a uniformly reflected signal whereby a localised thickness change is recorded differently.
A unit of piezoelectric transducers is clamped around the pipe and the GW
are sent simultaneously in both directions along the pipe with 100% screening coverage within its diagnostic length.

Wavemaker transducerring from GUL

Example of results obtained using guided waves showing results obtained from both sides of the transducer ring

General inspection capabilities

Rapid inspection of both internal and external defects on long pipe sections.
Wavemaker technology is available both in screening and monitoring configuration (PIMS)
Wavemaker technology is available both with external or internal access transduction system. T-scan (internal access system) is used to screen structures such as heat exchanger tubes.
Wvemaker technology is also used for underwater inspection of risers and other pipelines
Wavemaker G3 in screening configuration can detect metal loss and cracks >1% cross-sectional area depending on given conditions. From 5% cross sectional area most defects can according to the suppliers be detected with confidence.
Wavemaker G3 in monitoring configuration can detect defects as small as 0.1% of the cross sectional area.
Most suitable for inspection of long, un-flanged lengths of pipe.
Guided waves are suitable for use on pipe diameters from 16mm (3/4″) -1800 mm (72”). Inflatable rings need to be used for bigger pipes.
Wall thicknesses up to 75mm (3”) have been inspected.
No couplant is required.
Inspectable Materials include all metals
Types of Pipe: Seamless, Longitudinally welded, Spiral welded
Coatings: Polyurethane foam insulation, Mineral wool insulation, Epoxycoated, Tar epoxy coated, PVC coated, Painted.
Other: Under ideal conditions roughly 100m can be inspected in a single test. The length of pipe that can be inspected is heavily dependant on several factors and range can be much lower than ideal case.

Inspection limitations

Access to a surface is needed (360 degreed over 25cm axial length)
The method cannot pass through flanges and does not inspect flanges.
Standard practice is to only inspect past one bend at a time.
High viscosity of the pipe content (for example bitumen) will attenuate the signal and can therefore be difficult to inspect.
Pipes coated with attenuative coatings (e.g. soft thick and well adhered bitumen) can reduce range (or sensitivity). Coating condition and bond nature affect the ease.

Parameters affecting inspections capabilities

The frequency of ultrasound will govern how small or big defect can be detected but higher frequency resulting in higher sensitivity will decrease the range.
Type of coating utilised on pipe
Viscosity of pipe content will affect inspectability
Pipe geometries and condition.
Internal deposits and lining