UT handheld meter for section IX and AWS D1.1

[ColonelSanders83]

Hello All,

I have been asked to look into obtaining the capability to perform in house Ultrasonic testing of weld made to both ASME section IX and AWS D1.1. We are currently using an outside vendor.

Besides the training of our current staff or the hiring of an experienced expert (my preferance). I am looking for advice on a meter for perfoming the testing.

Our maximum welded thicknesses are no more that 0.75" and I would prefer a portable hand held unit.

Any advice and direction on manufacurers would be greatly appreciated.

A question properly stated is a problem half solved.

Always remember, free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it!

http://www.ap-dynamics.ab.ca/

 

[JR97]

Colonel,

Ask 10 people and you will probably get 10 different "favorite" instruments. The two biggest players in the business are GE Inspection Technologies (formerly Krautkramer) and Olympus (formerly Panametrics). I am a Krautkramer fan myself, so I am biased toward their products. If you are testing carbon or low alloy steels, one of their basic models will work fine. If you are testing Stainless or a high Nickel alloy I would suggest a higher end scope.

Ultrasonics is moving toward phased array instruments which use transducers with arrayed elements to steer the sound through a range of angles. As with anything else, more capabilities equals more training and expertise needed to be sure you don't get yourself into trouble. I would recommend a standard instrument unless you hire someone with phased array experience, then it may be worth the higher price to get a phased array instrument.

JR97