Affiliation:
1. Institute for Diagnostic Imaging Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Abstract
Butt fusion (BF) is the standard method for joining polyethylene (PE) pipes during gas and water pipeline construction. The joints require simple, inexpensive and effective non-destructive testing techniques. Ultrasonic inspection is the most suitable approach; however, joint geometry
requires specific configuration of the acoustic beam. In this article, a custom-designed ultrasonic chord transducer optimised for a specific pipe diameter is described. It is demonstrated how variations of sound speed and attenuation in pipe material with temperature variations affects the
operation of this type of transducer. A variety of common defects, including cold fusion, dust, dirt, grass contamination, voids, etc, are simulated inside the joint and used for technique development. Analysis of an A-scan produced in pitch-catch mode allows for the evaluation of joint quality
and the classification of defect type.
Publisher
British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT)
Subject
Materials Chemistry,Metals and Alloys,Mechanical Engineering,Mechanics of Materials