Next generation guided wave health monitoring for long range inspection of pipes

Shown in this paper are recent accomplishments of robust leading edge technologies in the guided wave technique and the technology transfer to the Gas and Petrochemical Industries. Focusing of guided wave beams is a key for success, compared to conventional axisymmetric excitation. Guided wave scanning and significant sensitivity enhancement are established via the newly implemented focusing scheme. In addition, using both longitudinal and torsional modes is essential to improve sensitivity and reliability in data analysis over the conventional technique based on only longitudinal or torsional. The related theoretical studies and experimental data are also presented along with field test results for confirmation.

[1]  Joseph L. Rose,et al.  Long-Range Pipe Imaging with a Guided Wave Focal Scan , 2008 .

[2]  Peter Cawley,et al.  The excitation of Lamb waves in pipes using dry-coupled piezoelectric transducers , 1996 .

[3]  J. Rose,et al.  Angular-profile tuning of guided waves in hollow cylinders using a circumferential phased array , 2002, IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control.

[4]  Hegeon Kwun,et al.  Feasibility of under-lagging corrosion detection in steel pipe using the magnetostrictive sensor technique , 1995 .

[5]  Joseph L. Rose,et al.  High frequency guided wave natural focusing pipe inspection with frequency and angle tuning , 2006 .

[6]  Joseph L. Rose,et al.  Guided Wave Resonance Tuning for Pipe Inspection , 2002 .

[7]  D. Gazis.  Three‐Dimensional Investigation of the Propagation of Waves in Hollow Circular Cylinders. I. Analytical Foundation , 1959 .

[8]  Joseph L. Rose,et al.  Flexural Torsional Guided Wave Mechanics and Focusing in Pipe , 2005 .

[9]  J. Li,et al.  Excitation and propagation of non-axisymmetric guided waves in a hollow cylinder. , 2001, The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.

[10]  Joseph L. Rose,et al.  Ultrasonic guided wave inspection concepts for steam generator tubing , 1994 .

[11]  J. Ditri.  Utilization of guided elastic waves for the characterization of circumferential cracks in hollow cylinders , 1994 .

[12]  Zongqi Sun,et al.  Guided wave flexural mode tuning and focusing for pipe testing , 2003 .

[13]  Peter Cawley,et al.  Practical long range guided wave testing: applications to pipes and rails , 2003 .

[14]  J. Rose.  Ultrasonic Waves in Solid Media , 1999 .

[15]  Joseph L. Rose,et al.  Ultrasonic guided wave NDE for piping , 1996 .

[16]  J.L. Rose,et al.  Implementing guided wave mode control by use of a phased transducer array , 2001, IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control.

[17]  Li Zhang,et al.  Natural Focusing Inspection for Pipes by Frequency Tuning , 2005 .

[18]  Joseph L. Rose,et al.  Excitation of guided elastic wave modes in hollow cylinders by applied surface tractions , 1992 .

[19]  Joseph L. Rose,et al.  A Baseline and Vision of Ultrasonic Guided Wave Inspection Potential , 2002 .