Guided-Wave Signal Phase Comparison for Weld Defect Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current long-range guided-wave inspection techniques face challenges in automatically differentiating reflected signals from geometric features and defects in longitudinal structures, especially when visual examination is not feasible, leading to time-consuming and potentially unreliable data analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing magnetostrictive sensors to characterize reflected waves based on phase comparison, where waves from 'step-up' and 'step-down' features are distinguished by their phase relationship with the incident wave, employing gated signal processing and correlation calculations to automatically identify geometric feature signals from defect signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If long-range guided-wave inspection is performed on longitudinal structures, then inspection coverage and efficiency are improved, but automatic differentiation of weld signals from defect signals becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by generating a reference signal from a known weld location before inspecting the actual structure. This reference signal is stored and later used for comparison to automatically differentiate weld signals from defect signals during the inspection process
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by comparing the phase of reflected waves from unknown signals against the stored reference signal. The phase comparison provides feedback that automatically identifies whether a signal corresponds to a weld or defect, resolving the differentiation difficulty
2Adaptability or versatility
If visual examination is not feasible for inaccessible structures, then inspection capability is maintained, but data analysis reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a copy of the reference weld signal and uses this copied reference for phase comparison against unknown signals. This copying approach enables automatic identification of weld signals without requiring visual examination, maintaining reliability for inaccessible structures
3Measurement precision
If manual data analysis is used to differentiate weld and defect signals, then accuracy is maintained, but analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical analysis with automated electronic phase comparison. By substituting the manual differentiation process with an automated algorithm that compares wave phases against a reference signal, the system maintains identification accuracy while dramatically reducing analysis time
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly improves the reliability and efficiency of data analysis by enabling automated differentiation of weld and defect signals, reducing analysis time and effort, particularly in inaccessible structures like those under insulation or at high elevations.
Implementation Method 1
One is referred to commonly as magnetostrictive sensor (MsS) technology... a MsS generates guided waves which travel in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe or tube... Detected guided waves are coupled back to the thin ferromagnetic strip
Implementation Method 2
A method utilizing magnetostrictive sensors to characterize reflected waves based on phase comparison, where waves from 'step-up' and 'step-down' features are distinguished by their phase relationship with the incident wave
Data Source
AI summary
A method and associated algorithms for identifying and distinguishing geometric feature signals from defect signals in the NDE of longitudinal structures. The method includes the steps of collecting an interrogation signal (including reflected components) from a longitudinal structure under evaluation and comparing it with a selected reference signal from a known geometric feature maintained in a database. The comparison involves a determination of the signals phase. Same phase signals identify the source as a geometric feature, while opposite phase signals identify the source as a defect. The comparison involves the steps of gating each of the signals and creating an array of correlation values between points on each. The correlation values are analyzed and a determination (based on comparing maximum and minimum correlation values) is made of the signal phases. A reliability factor may be determined by comparison of the correlation values and the maximum and minimum thereof.