Ultrasonic Testing Sleeve Welding Liquid Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic testing methods are not suitable for electric arc-welded sleeves due to the difficulty in maintaining a consistent liquid column for effective ultrasound coupling, which is crucial for detecting internal and external defects without damaging the test object.
Innovation Solution
A testing device with a coupling element featuring a continuous recess and a compressible retaining element, made from polyamide, is used to maintain a constant liquid column during rotation, ensuring effective ultrasound transmission and compensation for irregularities on the sleeve's surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the coupling element is rotated around the sleeve to test the entire weld seam, then complete 360° testing coverage is achieved, but liquid is lost due to rotation and irregularities on the outer contour
Solution Approach 1:
The recess in the coupling element is pre-filled with liquid before rotation begins. This preliminary action ensures that the liquid column is already in place to transmit ultrasound during the entire rotation process, preventing liquid loss that would occur if filling happened during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid in the recess acts as an intermediary medium between the ultrasound source and the weld seam. It maintains continuous contact with the lateral surface of the sleeve during rotation, enabling effective ultrasound transmission while compensating for surface irregularities.
2Reliability
If liquid is constantly fed into the coupling element to maintain the liquid column, then ultrasound transmission is ensured, but the complexity of the testing device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recess in the coupling element is designed to automatically retain and maintain the liquid column through its geometric configuration. The liquid is fed only until the recess is full, after which the recess itself serves to maintain the liquid level without requiring active control systems or additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The state of the liquid column is maintained by controlling the filling parameter - the liquid is fed until the recess is completely filled. This parameter-based approach ensures reliable ultrasound coupling through the liquid medium without requiring complex real-time monitoring or adjustment mechanisms.
3Loss of substance
If an absolute seal is achieved between the coupling element and the sleeve, then liquid loss is prevented, but the device cannot accommodate irregularities on the outer contour of the sleeve
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid column in the recess acts as a flexible medium that can adapt to surface irregularities on the sleeve. Instead of requiring a rigid seal, the liquid maintains contact with the lateral surface throughout the rotation, accommodating variations in the outer contour while preventing liquid loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the rigid coupling element and the irregular surface of the sleeve. It maintains continuous contact and transmits ultrasound effectively while compensating for surface variations, eliminating the need for absolute sealing.
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
The solution allows for complete 360° testing of electric arc-welded sleeves in pipeline systems, maintaining signal quality and preventing liquid loss, thereby enabling reliable detection of weld defects in plastic pipes.
Implementation Method 1
a constant liquid column being maintained in the coupling element during the ultrasonic testing in order to transmit the ultrasound
Implementation Method 2
a compressible retaining element is arranged on the lower side of the coupling element, the retaining element being used to retain the liquid fed into the coupling element
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for the ultrasonic testing of a weld of an electric arc-welded sleeve (10) for plastic pipes (11), having the following steps:fastening a testing device (1) on the outer contour of the welded plastic pipe (11), comprising a circumferential fastening element (2) and a holder (3), the holder (3) preferably comprising a support (7), a carrier (8) and a gripper (9), and a coupling element with a recess,feeding a liquid, preferably water, into the recess (5) of the coupling element (4),wherein the recess (5) in the coupling element (4) is fully filled with the liquid, and a constant liquid column is maintained in the coupling element (4) during the ultrasonic testing in order to transmit the ultrasound.