Ultrasonic Wall Thickness Echo Tracking
Ultrasonic wall thickness echo tracking is a method to precisely measure the wall thickness of pipelines by continuously detecting the backwall echo.
Physicochemical mechanism of action
Ultrasonic wall thickness echo tracking sends ultrasonic waves into a pipeline. These waves hit the wall and are reflected back. The time it takes for the echo to return to the sender is measured. This allows the wall thickness to be calculated.
Metallurgical relevance & risks during welding
This method is particularly important for inspecting pipelines in the welding industry because it accurately detects corroded areas or wall thinning. Incorrect interpretation of the echo can lead to wrong readings and cause potential problems to be overlooked.
Workshop practice & instructions
To perform ultrasonic wall thickness echo tracking correctly, the pipes must be clean and dry. The ultrasonic pressure waves should be sent in the correct direction to get a clearer echo. The readings should be checked regularly and compared to standards to ensure no corrosion or thinning is present.