AUTOMATED (ENCODED) ULTRASONIC TESTING (AUT)

This nondestructive test automatically encodes and generates computerized data of the ultrasonic inspections. Sophisticated software assists in sizing and quantifying the growth of discontinuities.

AUT can be performed on ferrous and non-ferrous alloys and on non-metallic materials, depending on their acoustic transmission capabilities.

AUT is commonly performed on welds and weld overlays, piping, pressure vessels, clad material, storage tanks and structural steel. AUT is used to locate, map and size pitting corrosion, wall losses, laminations, stress oriented hydrogen induced cracking, hydrogen induced cracking, and transgranular and intergranular stress corrosion cracking. AUT processes data acquired by A-Scan, B-Scan, B-Prime (D-Scan), and C-Scan, and Time Of Flight Diffraction (TOFD).

The areas to be scanned must be clean, accessible and free of immediate obstructions. Thin wall paints and other coatings are acceptable if they are not disbonded and/or flaking. IRISNDT personnel have performed AUT scans at temperatures as high as 650° F; however, the higher the temperature, the more prejob preparation required.

AUT images allow customers and their engineering departments to visually reference discontinuities located in scanned areas. CAD drawings and AUT images allow easy reference and repeatability during future inspections. The database or scan file can be accessible for future additional analysis or reference.

Test results are interpreted in accordance with current specifications and/or customer requirements. The reports are accompanied by drawings to identify locations tested.