Digital Wave Corporation

Hexagon Technology As

Steven M Ziola

Michael R Gorman

Brian M Burks

William J Miller

Wei Huang

Provided herein are systems and methods for real time processing of signals from an array of transducers for detecting transient elastic waves originating from unknown locations in a body, which may propagate in a dispersive fashion. The systems and methods allow real time combination and analysis of signals, including decisions regarding storage as new data is received. The methods described herein include designing arrays of detectors and methods for processing signals in real time given the constraints of the body under test determining whether to store the set of information while a new set of information is received for processing within a real time environment. The methods described herein include methods which result in the determination or small time shifts which place all signals into a coherent time base which are then combined achieving a composite waveform that possesses an increased signal-to-noise ratio over any single element.

Systems and methods of capturing transient elastic vibrations in bodies using arrays of transducers for increased signal to noise ratio and source directionality

Provided herein are systems and methods for achieving an extended service life for a pressure vessel that has experienced a prior service life. In some embodiments, the service life of the vessel has expired. The service vessel has an unknown damage condition, including defects sustained during the service life. Despite these defects and unknown accumulated damage state, the embodiments described herein may be used to test these vessels, to safely pressurize the vessels beyond pressures deemed safe for the vessel to experience in its damaged state, and to recommission a new service life for the vessel. The recommissioning of the vessel for an additional service interval may include meeting certain requirements for the pressure vessel, and embodiments described herein include exemplary measurements and observations to assure these requirements of the rejuvenated vessel are met.

Treatment method for service life extension of pressure vessels

Methods and apparatus for ultrasonically scanning cylinders are provided. The methods and apparatus employ as few as one ultrasonic sensor for full immersion scanning and defect detection. Self-centering fixturing spins the cylinder, reducing vibration, allowing for fast ultrasonic scans. To create the 45 degree angle beam shear waves for the circumferential scans, the ultrasonic sensor is offset from the centerline of the cylinder, creating the correct angle for excitation of the shear wave.

Device and method designed for ultrasonically inspecting cylinders for longitudinal and circumferential defects and to measure wall thickness

Ultrasonic energy in the form of guided waves (plate waves or Lamb waves) is launched into the wall of a container. The guided wave propagates around the circumference of the container from a transmitting transducer to a receiving transducer. Analysis of the received waves determines the presence of corrosion pitting and MIC nodules on the container inner wall, as well as the existence of foreign objects in intimate contact with the container wall. The guided waves are created with wideband transducers excited at certain frequencies that depend on the material and geometry of the part being measured. The guided wave ultrasonic energy is maximized with a shaped tone burst pulse at the specified frequency rather than an electrical spike commonly used to excite transducers in standard ultrasonic search units. The energy and energy ratio of both the direct and wrap fields are measured and related to the container inner wall condition and the presence of any corrosion in the container or obstructions in intimate contact with the container wall.

Noninvasive detection of corrosion, MIC, and foreign objects in containers using guided ultrasonic waves

Ultrasonic energy in the form of guided waves is launched into the wall of a fluid-filled container. The guided wave propagates around the circumference of the container from a transmitting transducer to a receiving transducer. Part of the guide wave energy leaks into the fluid in the form of bulk waves, reflects off the inner wall on the other side and enters back to the receiving transducer trailing the direct wave. Analysis of the received waves determines the presence of corrosion pitting and MIC nodules on the container inner wall, and fluid level. In addition, it determines whether foreign objects are inside the container. The guided waves are created with wideband transducers excited at certain frequencies that depend on the material and geometry of the part being measured. The leakage energy is maximized with a shaped tone burst pulse at the specified frequency. The energy and energy ratio of both the direct and leakage fields are measured and related to the container inner wall condition and the presence of any foreign objects in the fluid.

Noninvasive detection of corrosion, MIC, and foreign objects in fluid-filled pipes using leaky guided ultrasonic waves

A hand-held Variable Angle Membrane (VAM) ultrasonic scanning head consisting of transmitting and receiving transducers is used to excite guided waves to detect corrosion, MIC and foreign objects in containers such as pipes. The scanning head includes transducers mounted on a fluid filled housing sealed by a membrane. This system couples ultrasound from the transducer to the pipe wall. The transducer housings are mounted in a rigid frame that holds the ultrasonic transducer housings a specific distance apart and allows each transducer housing to rotate about a pivot point. The membrane deforms to the pipe diameter to be scanned. The scanning head is adjusted to perform inspections in various container diameters and thicknesses. Once adjusted for diameter and thickness, the operator places the scanning head on the pipe and couples the rubber membranes to the pipe with a small amount of couplant. Separate electronics excite the transmitting transducer, and then condition the signal from the receiving transducer for analysis.

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Littleton, CO, United States of America

Steven M Ziola