What Does
Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT) Mean?
Automated ultrasonic testing is a family of ultrasonic testing methods that use mechanized means to drive the ultrasonic scanning equipment around the part being tested. Automated ultrasonic testing may also incorporate computer software that can aid the technician when detecting discontinuities. Automated ultrasonic testing reduces the ultrasonic inspection time for many different applications.
Corrosionpedia Explains Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT)
Automated ultrasonic testing uses the same basic components as regular ultrasonic testing, including pulsers, receivers, transducers, computers and display equipment, although a technician is usually still required to interpret the results. Operators may be required to reconfigure the equipment on a new component after each scan is performed.
Automated ultrasonic testing is very popular in the pipeline industry. In this application, a metal band is placed around the pipe. A "bug" is clamped onto the band. The bug has wheels that drive it around the circumference of the pipe. The bug also has transducers and receivers that send high frequency waves through the pipe. Water is often used as the couplant. Information is sent to a computer via a cord as the bug travels around the pipe. The information is then interpreted by an ultrasound technician.
Automated ultrasonic testing offers several benefits. It reduces the time it required to manually scan a component. It is more repeatable than manual ultrasonic testing methods because it is less reliant on the technician's scanning technique. Since automated ultrasonic testing is so repeatable, the process can be optimized to have greater accuracy than manual ultrasonic testing.