... for inspection of tube ends
For each tube testing system, a small untested end remains. This is caused by the fact, that ultrasonic coupling uses water and the water path between tube surface and ultrasonic probe surface has to be in a stable condition. Due to the high relative speeds between tube surface and probe holders, this task can be very challenging. Therefore, separate tube end testing systems are required.
The tube is tested on both ends with two separate machine stands using one common ECHOGRAPH ultrasonic electronics.
The tube is moved by a linear tube conveyor into the testing stand or the machine moves towards the pipe end. The probe holders are mounted to a robust machine frame and their height is roughly pre-positioned in accordance to the tube position. The test position is at 12 o’clock or at 6 o’clock. The probe holders are guided on the tube surface by rollers. Once the tube is detected by position sensors, the probe holders are pneumatically lowered onto the tube surface. Gimblemounted probe holders are used to compensate the tolerances concerning the tube straightness and ovality.
See pdf document for more details.