Method and assembly for ultrasonic testing of industrial parts
The method improves ultrasonic testing reliability by using a reference framework and verification steps to ensure conformity to defined parameters, addressing errors in existing methods and enhancing the accuracy of testing complex-shaped industrial parts.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AUBERT ET DUVAL SA
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing ultrasonic testing methods for industrial parts with complex shapes suffer from reliability issues due to errors in applying the test plan, leading to potential defects in the testing process.
A method involving a reference framework that defines a set of test parameters for each ultrasonic test operation, followed by a verification step to ensure conformity to these parameters, including automatic and expert analysis to validate the test program and operations, ensuring higher reliability.
The method enhances the reliability of ultrasonic testing by validating that the test program and operations adhere to the defined criteria, reducing the likelihood of defects in industrial parts.
Smart Images
Figure 2026106450000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0007] , , ,
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a method for ultrasonic testing of industrial parts.
Background Art
[0002] Industrial parts can be tested by ultrasonic waves to ensure that they do not contain internal defects.
[0003] These parts may have complex shapes.
[0004] The test method typically includes steps of establishing an ultrasonic test plan for industrial parts and performing an ultrasonic test of industrial parts according to the previously established test plan.
[0005] Although the ultrasonic test step is performed with the utmost care, errors may occur when applying the test plan.
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0006] In this context, an object of the present invention is to propose an ultrasonic test method that ensures higher reliability for testing industrial parts.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0007] Therefore, the present invention according to a first aspect is an ultrasonic test method for industrial parts, comprising: - generating a reference framework that provides a plurality of ultrasonic test operations for industrial parts, the reference framework defining a set of test parameters for each ultrasonic test operation; - establishing an ultrasonic test program for industrial parts that defines a set of operation parameters for each ultrasonic test operation; - Steps of ultrasonic testing of industrial parts according to the ultrasonic testing program, with recording of data characterizing the ultrasonic tests actually performed for each ultrasonic test operation, - A step to verify the conformity of industrial parts to ultrasonic testing, * A substep for verifying the conformity of an ultrasonic test program to a reference framework, which includes verifying that multiple criteria are met for each ultrasonic test operation of the ultrasonic test program, using test parameters and operational parameters. * A substep for verifying the conformity of an ultrasonic test to a reference framework, which includes, for each ultrasonic test operation, extracting effective parameters from recorded data and verifying that multiple criteria are met using the test parameters and effective parameters. Steps and This relates to ultrasonic testing methods, including those mentioned above.
[0008] The reference framework gathers the requirements that must be met. These requirements originate from specifications set by the client. These requirements are rewritten into numerical or descriptive criteria, taking into account feedback on ultrasonic testing of similar industrial parts.
[0009] The validation step allows for validation of the test method at two levels.
[0010] The verification step first allows for validation that the ultrasound testing program conforms to the reference framework. The verification step then allows for validation that the ultrasound testing operations were performed in accordance with the reference framework during the implementation of this program.
[0011] This double-check improves the reliability of the ultrasonic testing method.
[0012] The test method may further include one or more of the following features, which may be considered individually or in any technically possible combination:
[0013] - Substeps to verify the conformity of each ultrasonic test operation in the ultrasonic test program, and / or substeps to verify the conformity of the test, are performed automatically by the calculation unit and generate at least one file listing the criteria that are not met and the deviations from said criteria.
[0014] - The verification step includes a substep in which at least one file is analyzed by an expert, the expert analyzes the deviations from the criteria that should be met, and based on the deviations, determines whether the ultrasound test is permissible.
[0015] - At least one of the criteria verified in a substep for verifying the conformity of an ultrasonic test program is a numerical criterion applied to a quantity, the substep including calculating a first value characterizing the quantity using at least one operating parameter, calculating a second value characterizing the quantity using at least one test parameter, and comparing the first value with the second value.
[0016] - The set of operating parameters is, * Incident surface in industrial parts, * Operating parameters related to test depth in industrial parts, * Direction of ultrasonic wave incidence relative to the incident surface, * Operating parameters related to the converter, * Operating parameters related to the ultrasonic beam generated by the transducer, * Operating parameters that characterize the transducer trajectory at the incident plane It includes at least [this].
[0017] - The industrial part is a rotating body around the axis of rotation. The trajectory of the transducer on the incident surface includes several rotations around the axis of rotation, with an initial rotation and a final rotation, and potentially intermediate rotations regularly distributed between the initial and final rotations. The operating parameters characterizing the trajectory of the transducer on the incident surface include the circumferential deviation around the axis of rotation between two ultrasonic shots during the same rotation and the spatial deviation between two rotations.
[0018] - The criteria to be examined for the sub-step of verifying the compliance of the ultrasonic test program with the reference framework are the following quantities, namely, * The tested depth for the first rotation, * The tested depth for the last rotation, * The resolution at the level of the incident surface of the ultrasonic wave, and potentially, the resolution at the level of the exit surface of the ultrasonic wave, * The circumferential overlap between two consecutive ultrasonic shots during the same rotation, * The overlap between ultrasonic shots belonging to two consecutive rotations, * The evaluation threshold enabling the detection of significant indications to cover at least.
[0019] - The set of test parameters * The incident surface on the industrial part, * The test parameters related to the test depth in the industrial part, * The direction of incidence of the ultrasonic wave on the incident surface, * The test parameters characterizing the trajectory of the transducer on the incident surface for generating the ultrasonic wave to include at least.
[0020] - At least one of the criteria verified in the sub-step of verifying the conformity of the ultrasonic test is a criterion of the number applied to the quantity, and the sub-step includes the calculation of a first value characterizing the quantity using at least one effective parameter, the calculation of a second value characterizing the quantity using at least one test parameter, and the comparison between the first value and the second value.
[0021] - The criteria examined for the sub-step of verifying the conformity of the test with respect to the reference framework cover at least the following quantities, namely * The depth tested, * The resolution at the level of the ultrasonic incident surface, and possibly the resolution at the level of the ultrasonic exit surface, * The evaluation threshold enabling the detection of significant indications, The gain applied to each test operation to cover at least.
[0022] - The following quantities, namely * The resolution at the level of the ultrasonic incident surface, and possibly the resolution at the level of the ultrasonic exit surface, * The evaluation threshold enabling the detection of significant indications for The sub-step of verifying the conformity of the ultrasonic test with respect to the reference framework is * The verification of the initial value of the quantity, and * The verification when the quantity is modified from its initial value to a new value during the ultrasonic test operation, and * In the case of modification, the verification when the new value complies with the reference framework including.
[0023] According to a second aspect, the invention is an ultrasonic test assembly for industrial parts, - A reference framework providing a plurality of ultrasonic test operations for industrial parts, for each ultrasonic test operation, * The incident surface in the industrial part, * Test parameters related to the depth of testing in industrial parts. * Direction of ultrasonic wave incidence relative to the incident surface, * Test parameters that characterize the trajectory of the transducer that generates ultrasound at the incident plane. A reference framework that defines a set of test parameters that include at least the following: - Regarding each ultrasonic test operation, * Incident surface in industrial parts, * Operating parameters related to test depth in industrial parts, * Direction of ultrasonic wave incidence relative to the incident surface, * Operating parameters related to the transducer that generates ultrasound. * Operating parameters related to the ultrasonic beam generated by the transducer, * Operating parameters that characterize the transducer trajectory at the incident plane An ultrasonic testing program for industrial parts, which defines a set of operating parameters including at least the following: - An ultrasonic testing device for industrial parts, configured to record data characterizing the ultrasonic tests actually performed for each ultrasonic test operation, according to the ultrasonic testing program, - A computing unit configured to perform ultrasonic testing and verification of the conformity of industrial parts, wherein the verification is: * Verification of the ultrasound test program's conformity to the reference framework, including verification that multiple criteria are met using test parameters and operational parameters for each ultrasound test operation of the ultrasound test program. * Verification of the ultrasound test's conformity to the reference framework, including the extraction of effective parameters from recorded data for each ultrasound test operation, and verification that multiple criteria are met using the test parameters and effective parameters. Computing units and This relates to an ultrasonic testing assembly equipped with the following features.
[0024] The test assembly may further include one or more of the following features, which are considered individually or in any technically possible combination:
[0025] - At least one of the criteria being verified in the context of verifying the suitability of an ultrasonic testing program is a numerical criterion applied to a quantity. This verification includes calculating a first value characterizing the quantity using at least one operating parameter, calculating a second value characterizing the quantity using at least one test parameter, and comparing the first and second values.
[0026] - The set of operating parameters is, * Incident surface in industrial parts, * Operating parameters related to test depth in industrial parts, * Direction of ultrasonic wave incidence relative to the incident surface, * Operating parameters related to the transducer that generates ultrasound. * Operating parameters related to the ultrasonic beam generated by the transducer, * Operating parameters that characterize the transducer trajectory at the incident plane It includes at least [this].
[0027] - Industrial components are rotating bodies around an axis of rotation, and ultrasonic testing devices for industrial components are configured such that the transducer trajectory at the incident plane involves several rotations around the axis of rotation, with an initial rotation and a final rotation, and possibly intermediate rotations regularly distributed between the initial and final rotations. The operating parameters characterizing the transducer trajectory at the incident plane include the circumferential displacement around the axis between two ultrasonic shots in the same rotation, and the spatial displacement between the two rotations.
[0028] - Verification of the conformity of the ultrasonic testing program to the reference framework is performed using the following quantities, namely: * Tested depth for the first rotation, * Tested depth for the final rotation, * Resolution at the level of the ultrasonic wave's incident surface, and, potentially, resolution at the level of the ultrasonic wave's exit surface. * Overlap of the surroundings between two consecutive ultrasonic shots in the same rotation, * Overlap between ultrasonic shots belonging to two consecutive rotations, * Evaluation thresholds that enable detection of significant indications It covers at least the following.
[0029] - The set of test parameters is, * Incident surface in industrial parts, * Test parameters related to the depth of testing in industrial parts. * Direction of ultrasonic wave incidence relative to the incident surface, * Test parameters that characterize the trajectory of the transducer that generates ultrasound at the incident plane. It includes at least [this].
[0030] - At least one of the criteria being verified in the context of verifying conformity of an ultrasonic test is a numerical criterion applied to a quantity. This verification includes calculating a first value characterizing the quantity using at least one valid parameter, calculating a second value characterizing the quantity using at least one test parameter, and comparing the first and second values.
[0031] - The criteria examined to verify the test's conformity to the reference framework are the following quantities, namely: * Tested depth, * Resolution at the level of the ultrasonic wave's incident surface, and, potentially, resolution at the level of the ultrasonic wave's exit surface. * Evaluation thresholds that enable the detection of significant indications. * Gain applied to each test operation It covers at least the following.
[0032] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent, as indicated and not limited to, from the detailed description given below with reference to the accompanying figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0033] [Figure 1] This is a flowchart illustrating the test method according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an axial cross-sectional view of an industrial part that may be tested using the method according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a B-scan representing the shape echo present in the cross-section, superimposed on a portion of the cross-section of the industrial part shown. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a sound wave test assembly suitable for implementing the method shown. [Figure 5] A scan is a simplified schematic diagram of the amplitude of the ultrasonic signal returned by the component as a function of time during the ultrasonic test operation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0034] The method, whose steps are shown in Figure 1, is intended for ultrasonic testing of industrial parts.
[0035] The test is typically performed by immersion, in which industrial parts are submerged in a tank filled with liquid during the test. This liquid is typically water.
[0036] Industrial parts are typically metal parts. Parts are made from materials such as steel, titanium, or aluminum. Typically, parts are made from alloys based on Fe, Al, Ti, Ni, or Co. Alternatively, parts are made from superalloys based on Ni or Co.
[0037] Alternatively, industrial parts are components made from composite materials such as metal matrix composites (MMCs).
[0038] Industrial components are typically solids of rotation around an axis of rotation X, which is shown as visible in Figure 2.
[0039] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the industrial part 10 under test in a plane containing the axis of rotation X.
[0040] Industrial parts are typically intended for mass production, that is, to be produced in large quantities.
[0041] Therefore, the method is intended to test different sets of identical industrial parts.
[0042] The parts are intended to be incorporated into, for example, aircraft or aircraft engines. Alternatively, the parts are intended to be incorporated into other types of industrial equipment.
[0043] The industrial part 10 subjected to the test method is typically a pre-machined part. The industrial part 10 is obtained, for example, by forging a metal ingot.
[0044] In this case, the industrial part 10 is intended to be machined by the end customer to form a finished part that will be used by that end customer.
[0045] In Figure 2, the completed part is shown by a dashed line inside the industrial part 10 that undergoes ultrasonic testing.
[0046] Ultrasonic testing methods are: - Step S10 generates a reference framework that provides multiple ultrasonic test operations for industrial part 10, - Step S20 to establish an ultrasonic testing program for industrial part 10, - Step S30 of ultrasonic testing of 10 industrial parts according to the ultrasonic testing program, - Step S40 to verify the conformity of industrial part 10 to ultrasonic testing and Includes.
[0047] These different steps are described in detail here.
[0048] In step S10, the reference framework is generated based on the technical test standards that the industrial parts must undergo.
[0049] The reference framework is derived from the test plan for the component. This test plan is reviewed and approved by the end customer of the component.
[0050] The reference framework is generated considering the part's shape, the materials that make up the part, feedback that takes this type of shape and material into account, and the equipment assumed to be used to carry out the ultrasonic testing process.
[0051] The reference framework brings together all the criteria that must be met for ultrasonic testing to be validated as conforming to quality requirements.
[0052] Compliance with the standards in the reference framework validates that the test conforms to the standards, but it does not guarantee that the parts are free from defects.
[0053] The reference framework is a database.
[0054] The reference framework defines a set of test parameters for each ultrasonic test operation.
[0055] The set of test parameters is: - Incident surface 12 in industrial part 10, - Test parameters related to the depth of testing in industrial part 10, - Direction of ultrasonic wave incidence I relative to the incident surface 12 (Figure 3), - Test parameters characterizing the trajectory of the transducer 14 that generates ultrasonic waves at the incident surface 12 (Figure 3) It includes at least [this].
[0056] The incident surface 12 is the surface through which the incident ultrasonic beam emitted by the transducer 14 passes to penetrate the industrial component.
[0057] Each incident surface 12 is typically a surface of rotation around the axis of rotation X.
[0058] The different incident surfaces 12 used for the ultrasonic testing operation of the component shown in Figure 2 are referenced from UA to UI.
[0059] Some of the incident surfaces are cylindrical and coaxial with the axis of rotation X. This is particularly true for surfaces UA, UC, UE, and UH in the illustrated examples.
[0060] The other incident surfaces form rings centered on the axis of rotation X. This is particularly true for surfaces UB, UD, UF, UG, and UI in the illustrated examples.
[0061] Nevertheless, the other surface may be a conical surface that is coaxial with the axis of rotation X.
[0062] These surfaces are connected to each other by rounded or angular joints.
[0063] The trajectory of the transducer 14 at the incident plane 12 includes several rotations around the axis of rotation X.
[0064] Regarding the surface of a ring, the rotation is, for example, a concentric circle. Alternatively, the rotation is a two-dimensional spiral.
[0065] For a cylindrical surface, rotation is a series of circles offset from each other in the axial direction. Alternatively, rotation is a three-dimensional spiral.
[0066] For a conical surface, rotation is a circle of increasing or decreasing diameters that are offset from each other axially. Alternatively, rotation is a three-dimensional spiral of increasing or decreasing diameters etched onto the conical surface.
[0067] It should be noted that not all outer surfaces of the industrial component 10 are necessarily used as the incident surface 12 for one of the ultrasonic test operations. However, the same incident surface 12 may be used multiple times for different test operations performed under different conditions to provide different information.
[0068] The trajectory of the transducer in the plane of incidence includes the initial rotation and the final rotation, and possibly intermediate rotations that are regularly distributed between the initial and final rotations.
[0069] The test parameters that characterize the trajectory of the transducer 14 at the incident surface 12 are, specifically, the following parameters: - The displacement around the axis of rotation X between two ultrasonic shots in the same rotation, - Spatial displacement between two rotations in the radial and / or axial direction Includes.
[0070] The test parameters that characterize the trajectory of the transducer 14 at the incident surface 12 are preferably, - The axial position of the first end of the incident surface 12, - The axial position of the second end of the incident surface 12 opposite to the first end of the incident surface and It also includes.
[0071] The direction of incidence I relative to the incident surface 12 corresponds to the angle between perpendicularity to the incident surface and the direction of propagation of the incident ultrasonic beam emitted by the transducer 14. The direction of incidence is typically perpendicular to the incident surface (incidence angle of 0°). Alternatively, the direction of incidence is inclined relative to the incident surface (incidence angles such as 1.6°, 2.4°, 3.6°, 4.8°, etc.).
[0072] The test depth is the depth of the component that must be tested below the incident surface. This depth typically corresponds to the total thickness of the component taken between the incident surface 12 and the exit surface 15 (depth P1 in Figure 3). The exit surface 15 is the outer surface of the component that is reached by the ultrasonic beam after it has traversed the component across its total thickness. The ultrasonic waves are essentially reflected at the exit surface. In some cases, the exit surface corresponds to the depth between the incident surface 12 and the shape echo 16 generated by the reflection of the incident ultrasonic beam (depth P2 in Figure 3). If the component is thicker than the incident surface, the test depth corresponds to the maximum testable depth, given the characteristics of the ultrasonic beam (intensity, polarity, frequency, etc.) and the material of the component (depth P3 in Figure 3).
[0073] Test parameters related to test depth in industrial parts typically include the test depth for the first rotation, the test depth for the last rotation, and the rotational indication for the test depth between the first and last rotations.
[0074] This instruction typically refers to the following values, i.e., - No rotation (test depth is constant for all rotations), - Linear rotation (the depth of the test is regularly incremented between the first and last rotations), - Stepwise rotations corresponding to several consecutive linear rotations Selected from.
[0075] The depth of the test is expressed either in terms of the sound path (length of the ultrasonic path) or in terms of the depth perpendicular to the plane of incidence. These two depth values are not identical, especially when the angle of incidence is not zero.
[0076] Test parameters associated with the depth of testing in industrial parts preferably further include incident resolution and exit resolution. Incident resolution corresponds to the thickness of the industrial part that cannot be tested below the incident surface 12. Specifically, incident resolution depends on the material of the part being tested, the surface conditions of the part, and the transducer used.
[0077] The untestable thickness 18 shown in Figure 3 corresponds to the incident resolution.
[0078] The output resolution corresponds to the thickness that cannot be tested directly in front of the ultrasonic emission surface. If the tested depth is too great, the transducer will not receive an echo from the emission surface, and therefore the value provided for the output resolution is zero.
[0079] The set of test parameters preferably includes one or more of the following parameters, i.e., - For example, the frequency of the ultrasound emitted by the converter 14, such as 10 MHz or 20 MHz, - Polarity of the incident ultrasonic beam (longitudinal or transverse wave), - Whether or not a correction factor is applied, and the value of the correction factor (the correction factor is applied when the incident surface is not flat). Includes one or more of the following.
[0080] The set of test parameters is preferably the following parameters, namely: - Overlap of the surroundings between two consecutive ultrasonic shots belonging to the same rotation, - Overlap between ultrasonic shots belonging to two consecutive rotations Includes.
[0081] These overlaps are expressed as the proportion of the reach of each ultrasonic shot at the incident surface 12, that is, as the ratio of the overlap between shots.
[0082] In fact, along the same rotation, the transducer 14 emits an incident ultrasonic beam at a determined frequency while moving. The reach of these beams on the incident surface 12 must overlap so that the entire incident surface 12 is scanned.
[0083] The overlap ratio is a forced parameter. The overlap ratio depends on the size of the reach of the incident ultrasonic beam at the incident surface 12, the speed of movement of the transducer 14, and the emission frequency of the transducer 14.
[0084] It should be noted that the transducer 14 moves at a certain distance from the incident surface 12.
[0085] Similarly, the axial displacement between the two rotations is selected such that there is an overlap between the reach formed by the incident ultrasonic beam in one rotation and the reach formed by the incident ultrasonic beam in the next rotation in the other rotation. The overlap depends on the size of the reach formed by the incident ultrasonic beam at the incident plane and the axial spatial displacement between the two rotations.
[0086] The set of test parameters also includes an evaluation threshold expressed as a percentage of the full scale, and below the evaluation threshold, the echo is not considered to correspond to a significant indication.
[0087] In step S20, an ultrasonic testing program for the industrial part 10 is established. This program defines a set of operating parameters for each ultrasonic testing operation.
[0088] The set of operating parameters is: - Incident surface 12 in industrial parts, - Operating parameters related to the depth of testing in industrial parts, - Direction of incidence of ultrasonic waves on the incident surface 12, - Operating parameters related to the transducer 14 that generates ultrasonic waves, - Operating parameters related to the ultrasonic beam generated by the transducer 14, - Operating parameters characterizing the trajectory of the transducer 14 at the incident surface 12 It includes at least [this].
[0089] The plane of incidence and the direction of incidence shall be as defined above.
[0090] The operating parameters related to the test depth in industrial parts are typically the same as the test parameters related to the test depth in industrial parts.
[0091] The operating parameters related to the converter 14 are, for example, the following parameters, namely: - Number of transmitter-receiver elements in the converter, - The shape of the converter, i.e., a spherical surface, a spherical radius of curvature, a circular surface, a circular radius, a rectangular surface, etc. - Frequency of the emitted ultrasound, - Water level between the transducer and the incident surface, - The frequency of ultrasound emission, i.e., the time interval that separates two ultrasound shots. Includes one or more of the following.
[0092] The operating parameters related to the ultrasonic beam generated by the transducer 14 are, for example, the following parameters, namely: - The type of wave generated by the transducer 14, which is selected between longitudinal and / or transverse waves. - The size of the reach of the incident ultrasonic beam at the incident surface Includes one or more of the following.
[0093] The operating parameters characterizing the trajectory of the transducer 14 at the incident surface 12 include, for example, all of the test parameters related to the trajectory of the transducer 14 at the incident surface 12 as described above.
[0094] The operating parameters that characterize the trajectory of the transducer 14 at the incident surface 12 also include the velocity of the transducer 14's movement relative to the incident surface 12.
[0095] The set of operating parameters also includes evaluation thresholds. These evaluation thresholds are determined as previously described for the set of test parameters.
[0096] During step S30 of the ultrasonic testing of industrial parts, data characterizing the ultrasonic testing process actually performed is recorded for each ultrasonic testing operation.
[0097] The ultrasonic testing step is typically performed using the ultrasonic testing device 20 shown in Figure 4. This ultrasonic testing device 20 is - A transducer 14 configured to emit ultrasonic waves and detect the ultrasonic echoes returned by the industrial component 10, - A rotating support 24 on which the industrial part 10 is fixed, - A manipulator 26 moves the converter 14 at a predetermined distance from the industrial part 10, - A computing unit 28 for testing the transducer 14, the rotating support 24, and the manipulator 26, and the computing unit 28 is programmed to perform an ultrasonic test plan. It is equipped with.
[0098] The industrial component 10 is immersed in a tank 30 filled with a liquid medium 32. Typically, the rotating support 24 is also immersed in the liquid medium, which is typically water.
[0099] The industrial component 10 is fixed to the rotating support 24 such that its axis of rotation X coincides with the axis of rotation of the rotating support 24.
[0100] The manipulator 26 is, for example, a manipulator arm.
[0101] The manipulator 26 has several degrees of freedom suitable for moving the transducer 14 in the incident plane 12 in combination with the rotation of the rotating support 24, according to a trajectory planned for each ultrasonic test operation.
[0102] The manipulator 26 maintains the transducer 14 at a predetermined distance from the incident surface 12 provided in the ultrasonic test plan.
[0103] The recorded data consists of the echo returned by the industrial component 10 and the operating parameters of the test device 20.
[0104] The echo returned by the industrial component 10 is measured by the transducer 14 and recorded by the calculation unit 28. The operating parameters of the test device 20 are recorded by the calculation unit 28.
[0105] The operating parameters of the test device 20 correspond to all the operating parameters of the transducer 14, the manipulator 26, and the rotating support 24.
[0106] If the industrial part is not a rotating body, other ultrasonic testing devices can be used, for example, without a rotating platform.
[0107] Alternatively, industrial parts are not immersed in a liquid bath. Testing may be performed on parts in air.
[0108] Step S40, which verifies the conformity of industrial parts for ultrasonic testing, - Substep S41 verifies the conformity of the ultrasonic testing program to the reference framework, - Substep S42 verifies the conformity of the ultrasonic test to the reference framework and Includes.
[0109] Substep S41, which verifies the conformity of the ultrasonic test program to the reference framework, includes verification that several criteria are met for each ultrasonic test operation of the ultrasonic test program, using test parameters and operational parameters.
[0110] Substep S42, which verifies the conformity of the ultrasonic test to the reference framework, includes, for each ultrasonic test operation, the extraction of effective parameters from the recorded data and verification that several criteria are met using the test parameters and effective parameters.
[0111] The extraction of effective parameters is performed automatically.
[0112] Substep S41, which verifies the conformity of each ultrasonic test operation in the ultrasonic test program, and / or substep S42, which verifies the conformity of the test, are performed automatically by the calculation unit and generate at least one file listing the criteria that are not met and the deviations from the criteria.
[0113] Typically, substeps S41 and S42 are performed automatically by the calculation unit. A list of unmet criteria and corresponding deviations is compiled in the same file.
[0114] Furthermore, verification step S40 includes a substep S43 in which at least one file is analyzed by an expert.
[0115] Experts analyze deviations from the required criteria and, based on those deviations, determine whether an ultrasound examination is permissible.
[0116] Typically, there is a master test program that is copied before execution. The program is recorded during its execution, and the recorded program (all criteria) is validated against the reference framework.
[0117] Preferably, at least one of the criteria verified in substep S41, which verifies the suitability of the ultrasonic testing program, is a numerical criterion applicable to quantity.
[0118] Therefore, substep S41 includes calculating a first value characterizing the quantity using at least one operating parameter, calculating a second value characterizing the quantity using at least one test parameter, and comparing the first value with the second value.
[0119] The criterion for the numbers being verified is, for example, that the deviation between the first value and the second value is less than a predetermined maximum value. This criterion is predetermined.
[0120] The quantities are, for example, the following: - Tested depth for the first rotation, - Tested depth for the final rotation, - Resolution at the level of the ultrasonic incident surface, and, potentially, resolution at the level of the ultrasonic emission surface. - Overlap of the surroundings between two consecutive ultrasonic shots in the same rotation, - Overlap between ultrasonic shots belonging to two consecutive rotations, - Evaluation thresholds that enable detection of significant indications That is the case.
[0121] The second value is either read directly from the reference framework, for example, or calculated using the test parameters in the reference framework.
[0122] The first value is either read directly from the ultrasonic test program for the corresponding test operation, or calculated using the operation parameters in the test program.
[0123] For example, regarding the ambient overlap between two consecutive ultrasonic shots in the same rotation, the second value is read directly from the reference framework. The first value is the following operating parameter, i.e., - Converter firing frequency, - Circumferential movement speed of the incident surface under the transducer, - The size of the ultrasonic beam's reach at the level of the incident surface. It is calculated using
[0124] The quantity can also be expressed as a correction factor.
[0125] Therefore, substep S41 is a duplicate test, i.e., - Firstly, verify that the ultrasonic test program does not provide a correction factor for the operation if the reference framework does not provide one (the correction factor box is not checked). - If the reference framework provides the use of correction factors for test operation, compare the number between the correction factor of the reference framework and the correction factor of the test program. This includes the correction rate values, which are read directly from the reference framework and test program.
[0126] Similarly, at least one of the criteria verified in substep S42 for verifying conformity of the ultrasonic test is a numerical criterion applicable to the quantity. Therefore, this substep includes calculating a first value characterizing the quantity using at least one valid parameter, calculating a second value characterizing the quantity using at least one test parameter, and comparing the first value with the second value.
[0127] The criterion for the number being verified is, for example, that the deviation between the first value and the second value is less than a predetermined maximum value that appears in the reference framework.
[0128] The quantities are, for example, the following: - Tested depth for each rotation, - Resolution at the level of the ultrasonic incident surface 12, and, possibly, resolution at the level of the ultrasonic emission surface 15, - Evaluation thresholds that enable detection of significant indications, - Gain applied to each test operation That is the case.
[0129] The first value directly corresponds to an effective parameter extracted from the recorded data, or is calculated from one or more effective parameters. For example, for incident resolution, exit resolution, evaluation threshold, and gain, the first value directly corresponds to an effective parameter extracted from the data.
[0130] The first value for the tested depth is calculated using the following effective parameters, namely gate delay and gate range.
[0131] These parameters are shown in Figure 5, which represents the amplitude of the signal recorded by the transducer 14 as a function of time. The origin of the time axis corresponds to the emission of the incident ultrasonic signal. The gate delay parameter corresponds to the time interval between the emission of the incident ultrasonic signal and the reception of the echo from the incident surface. This parameter corresponds to the position of the first peak along the time axis.
[0132] The gate range parameter corresponds to the time gap between the two peaks shown in Figure 5. The second peak corresponds to the moment of recording by the transducer 14 of the echo returned by the exit plane. The first value is calculated as follows: V1 = Gate delay + Gate range
[0133] The second value is either read directly from the reference framework for the corresponding test operation, or calculated using the test parameters in the reference framework.
[0134] For example, the second values for incident resolution, exit resolution, evaluation threshold, and gain are read directly from the reference framework.
[0135] The second value for the tested depth is calculated as follows: V2 = Sound path depth - Output resolution in the sound path
[0136] The sound path depth and the output resolution in the sound path are parameters that appear directly in the reference framework.
[0137] For example, regarding the ambient overlap between two consecutive ultrasonic shots in the same rotation, the second value is read directly from the reference framework. The first value is the following effective parameter, i.e., - Converter firing frequency, - Circumferential movement speed of the incident surface under the transducer, - The size of the ultrasonic beam's reach at the level of the incident surface. It is calculated using
[0138] Advantageously, substep S42, which verifies the test's conformity to the reference framework, also includes testing if certain effective parameters are modified during the ultrasonic testing step. If the effective parameters are modified, this modification may be performed by an operator, and this modification may cause the effective parameters to fall outside the acceptable range defined in the reference framework.
[0139] This verification specifically concerns the following quantities, namely: - Resolution at the level of the ultrasonic incident surface, and, potentially, resolution at the level of the ultrasonic emission surface. - Evaluation thresholds that enable detection of significant indications This will be implemented.
[0140] For these quantities, the substep of verifying the conformity of the ultrasonic test to the reference framework is: - Verification of initial values of quantities, - Verification of cases where the quantity is modified from its initial value to a new value during ultrasonic testing, - In the case of modifications, verification is performed to ensure that the new values conform to the reference framework. Includes.
[0141] The validation of the initial values of the quantities and the new values of the quantities is carried out as described above.
[0142] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to an ultrasonic testing assembly for industrial parts.
[0143] The test assembly is specially adapted to perform the test methods described above. Conversely, the test methods described above are designed to be performed by the test assembly detailed here.
[0144] The test assembly is - A reference framework that provides multiple ultrasonic test operations for industrial parts, wherein each ultrasonic test operation includes a reference framework that defines a set of test parameters, - An ultrasonic test program for industrial part 10 that defines a set of operating parameters for each ultrasonic test operation, - An ultrasonic testing device 20 for industrial parts, configured to record data characterizing the ultrasonic testing process actually performed for each ultrasonic testing operation, according to the ultrasonic testing program, - A computing unit 28 configured to perform ultrasonic testing and verification of the conformity of industrial parts, wherein the verification is: * Verification of the ultrasound test program's conformity to the reference framework, including verification that multiple criteria are met using test parameters and operational parameters for each ultrasound test operation of the ultrasound test program. * Verification of the ultrasound test's conformity to the reference framework, including the extraction of effective parameters from recorded data for each ultrasound test operation, and verification that multiple criteria are met using the test parameters and effective parameters. Includes a computing unit 28 and It is equipped with.
[0145] The reference frameworks are as previously described.
[0146] The set of test parameters will be as described above.
[0147] The ultrasonic testing program for industrial parts is performed as described above.
[0148] The operating parameters are set as described above.
[0149] The ultrasonic testing device 20 for industrial parts is constructed as previously described. Data recording is performed by the calculation unit 28 of the ultrasonic testing device.
[0150] The computing unit configured to perform conformity verification of industrial parts by ultrasonic testing is either the computing unit 28 of the ultrasonic testing device 20, or a computing unit different from the ultrasonic testing device 20.
[0151] The calculation unit 28 is configured to perform verification of the conformity of the industrial parts to ultrasonic testing in accordance with the method described above. [Explanation of symbols]
[0152] 10 Industrial Parts 12 Incidence plane 14 Converters 15. Ejection surface 16 Shape Echo 18. Thickness that cannot be tested. 20 Ultrasonic Testing Devices 24 Rotating Support 26 Manipulators 28 computing units 30 tanks 32 Liquid medium I incident P1 Depth P3 Maximum testable depth UA, UB, UC, UD, UE, UF, UG, UH, UI entrance plane X axis of rotation
Claims
1. An ultrasonic testing method for industrial parts (10), Step (S10) is to generate a reference framework that provides a plurality of ultrasonic test operations on the industrial part (10), wherein the reference framework defines a set of test parameters for each ultrasonic test operation. Step (S20) of establishing an ultrasonic test program for the industrial part (10) that defines a set of operating parameters for each ultrasonic test operation, Step (S30) of ultrasonic testing of the industrial part (10) according to the ultrasonic testing program, with recording of data characterizing the ultrasonic testing process actually performed for each ultrasonic testing operation, Step (S40) of verifying the conformity of the industrial part (10) to the ultrasonic test, A substep (S41) for verifying the conformity of the ultrasonic test program to the reference framework, the substep (S41) including verification that a plurality of criteria are met for each ultrasonic test operation of the ultrasonic test program using the test parameters and the operation parameters, and A substep (S42) for verifying the conformity of the ultrasonic test to the reference framework, the substep (S42) including, for each ultrasonic test operation, extracting actual parameters from the recorded data and verifying that a number of criteria are met using the test parameters and the actual parameters. Step (S40) and Ultrasonic testing methods including
2. The test method according to claim 1, wherein the substep (S41) for verifying the conformity of each ultrasonic test operation of the ultrasonic test program, and / or the substep (S42) for verifying the conformity of the ultrasonic test, is performed automatically by a computing unit to generate at least one file listing the criteria that are not met and the deviations from the criteria.
3. The testing method according to claim 2, wherein the verification step includes a substep of having an expert analyze the at least one file, the expert analyzing the deviation from the criteria to be met, and determining whether the ultrasonic test is permissible based on the deviation.
4. The test method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the criteria to be verified in a substep (S41) for verifying the conformity of the ultrasonic test program is a numerical criterion applicable to a quantity, and the substep includes calculating a first value characterizing the quantity using at least one operating parameter, calculating a second value characterizing the quantity using at least one test parameter, and comparing the first value with the second value.
5. The set of the aforementioned operating parameters is The incident surface (12) in the aforementioned industrial part (10), Operating parameters related to the test depth in the aforementioned industrial part (10), The direction of incidence of ultrasonic waves with respect to the incident surface (12), Operating parameters related to the converter (14), Operating parameters related to the ultrasonic beam generated by the converter (14), and Operating parameters characterizing the trajectory of the transducer (14) on the incident surface (12), A test method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least the following:
6. The test method according to claim 5, wherein the industrial component (10) is a rotating body about a rotation axis (X), and the trajectory of the transducer (14) in the incident surface (12) includes several rotations about the rotation axis (X), with an initial rotation and a final rotation, and possibly intermediate rotations regularly distributed between the initial rotation and the final rotation, and the operating parameters characterizing the trajectory of the transducer (14) in the incident surface (12) include a circumferential displacement about the rotation axis (X) between two ultrasonic shots in the same rotation and a spatial displacement between the two rotations.
7. At least one of the criteria verified in the substep (S41) for verifying the conformity of the ultrasonic test program is a numerical criterion applied to a quantity, the substep includes calculating a first value characterizing the quantity using at least one operating parameter, calculating a second value characterizing the quantity using at least one test parameter, and comparing the first value with the second value. The criteria to be examined in the substep (S41) for verifying the conformity of the ultrasonic test program to the reference framework are the following quantities, namely: The tested depth for the first rotation, The tested depth for the last rotation mentioned above, Resolution at the level of the incident surface (12) of the ultrasonic wave, The surrounding overlap between two consecutive ultrasonic shots in the same rotation, The overlap between ultrasonic shots belonging to two consecutive rotations, and, Evaluation thresholds that enable the detection of significant indications. The test method according to claim 6, which covers at least the following.
8. The set of test parameters is The incident surface (12) in the aforementioned industrial part (10), Test parameters related to the test depth in the aforementioned industrial part (10), The direction of incidence of ultrasonic waves on the incident surface (12), and Test parameters characterizing the trajectory of the ultrasonic transducer (14) at the incident surface (12), A test method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least the following:
9. The test method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the criteria to be verified in a substep (S42) for verifying the conformity of the ultrasonic test is a numerical criterion applicable to a quantity, and the substep includes calculating a first value characterizing the quantity using at least one actual parameter, calculating a second value characterizing the quantity using at least one test parameter, and comparing the first value with the second value.
10. The criteria to be examined in the substep (S42) for verifying the conformity of the ultrasonic test to the reference framework are the following quantities, namely: Tested depth, Resolution at the level of the ultrasonic incident surface (12), An evaluation threshold that enables the detection of significant indications, and The gain applied to each test operation, The test method according to claim 9, which covers at least the following.
11. The following quantities, namely, The resolution at the level of the incident surface (12) of the ultrasonic wave, and The evaluation threshold that enables the detection of significant indications, Regarding The substep of verifying the conformity of the ultrasonic test to the reference framework is: Verification of the initial value of the aforementioned quantity, Verification of the case where the aforementioned quantity is modified from its initial value to a new value during the ultrasonic test operation, In the case of modification, verification is performed to ensure that the new value conforms to the aforementioned reference framework, The test method according to claim 10, including the method described in claim 10.
12. An ultrasonic testing system for industrial parts, A reference framework that provides multiple ultrasonic testing operations on the aforementioned industrial component (10), wherein for each ultrasonic testing operation, The incident surface (12) in the aforementioned industrial part (10), Test parameters related to the test depth in the aforementioned industrial part (10), The direction of incidence of ultrasonic waves on the incident surface (12), and Test parameters characterizing the trajectory of the ultrasonic transducer (14) at the incident surface (12), A reference framework that defines a set of test parameters that include at least the following: Regarding each ultrasonic test operation, The incident surface (12) in the industrial part (10), Operating parameters related to the test depth in the industrial part (10), The direction of incidence of the ultrasonic waves with respect to the incident surface (12), Operating parameters related to the transducer (14) that generates ultrasonic waves, and Operating parameters related to the ultrasonic beam generated by the converter (14), Operating parameters characterizing the trajectory of the transducer (14) at the incident surface (12), An ultrasonic test program for the industrial part (10) that defines a set of operating parameters including at least the following: An ultrasonic testing device (20) for the industrial part (10) according to the ultrasonic testing program, configured to record data characterizing the ultrasonic testing process actually performed for each ultrasonic testing operation, A computing unit (28) configured to perform ultrasonic testing and verification of the conformity of the industrial part (10), wherein the verification is Verification of the conformity of the ultrasonic test program to the reference framework, including verification that multiple criteria are met using the test parameters and the operation parameters for each ultrasonic test operation of the ultrasonic test program. Verification of the conformity of the ultrasonic test to the reference framework, which includes, for each ultrasonic test operation, extraction of actual parameters from the recorded data and verification that multiple criteria are met using the test parameters and the actual parameters. A computing unit (28) including, An ultrasonic testing system equipped with [specific features / equipment].
13. The test system according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the criteria being verified in the context of the verification of conformity of the ultrasonic test program is a numerical criterion applied to a quantity, and the verification includes calculating a first value characterizing the quantity using at least one operating parameter, calculating a second value characterizing the quantity using at least one test parameter, and comparing the first value with the second value.
14. The set of the aforementioned operating parameters is The incident surface (12) in the industrial part (10), Operating parameters related to the test depth in the industrial part (10), The direction of incidence of the ultrasonic waves with respect to the incident surface (12), Operating parameters related to the transducer (14) that generates ultrasonic waves, Operating parameters related to the ultrasonic beam generated by the converter (14), and Operating parameters characterizing the trajectory of the transducer (14) at the incident surface (12), The test system according to claim 12 or 13, comprising at least the following:
15. The test system according to claim 14, wherein the industrial component (10) is a rotating body about a rotation axis (X), and the ultrasonic test device (20) of the industrial component (10) is configured such that the trajectory of the transducer (14) in the incident plane (12) includes several rotations about the rotation axis (X), with an initial rotation and a final rotation, and possibly intermediate rotations regularly distributed between the initial rotation and the final rotation, and the operating parameters characterizing the trajectory of the transducer (14) in the incident plane (12) include a circumferential displacement about the rotation axis between two ultrasonic shots in the same rotation and a spatial displacement between the two rotations.
16. In the context of the verification of the conformity of the ultrasonic test program, at least one of the criteria being verified is a numerical criterion applied to a quantity, and the verification includes: calculating a first value characterizing the quantity using at least one operating parameter; calculating a second value characterizing the quantity using at least one test parameter; and comparing the first value with the second value. The verification of the conformity of the ultrasonic test program to the aforementioned reference framework is performed by the following quantities, namely: The tested depth for the first rotation, The tested depth for the last rotation mentioned above, Resolution at the level of the incident surface of the ultrasound, The surrounding overlap between two consecutive ultrasonic shots in the same rotation, The overlap between ultrasonic shots belonging to two consecutive rotations, and, Evaluation thresholds that enable the detection of significant indications. The test system according to claim 15, comprising at least the following:
17. The set of test parameters is The incident surface (12) in the aforementioned industrial part (10), Test parameters related to the test depth in the aforementioned industrial part (10), The direction of incidence of ultrasonic waves on the incident surface (12), and Test parameters characterizing the trajectory of the ultrasonic transducer (14) at the incident surface (12), The test system according to claim 12 or 13, comprising at least the following:
18. The test system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein at least one of the criteria to be verified in the conformity status of the ultrasonic test is a numerical criterion applied to a quantity, and the verification includes calculating a first value characterizing the quantity using at least one actual parameter, calculating a second value characterizing the quantity using at least one test parameter, and comparing the first value with the second value.
19. The criteria examined for the verification of the conformity of the ultrasonic test to the reference framework are the following quantities, namely: Tested depth, Resolution at the level of the incident surface (12) of the ultrasonic wave, An evaluation threshold that enables the detection of significant indications, and The gain applied to each test operation, The test system according to claim 18, which covers at least the following.