What Does
Ultrasonic Corrosion Monitoring Mean?
Ultrasonic corrosion monitoring is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method used to monitor the corrosion process. This monitoring process makes use of high frequency acoustic waves (sound waves) to measure or map the internal structure, thickness and other properties of the material being monitored.
Ultrasonic corrosion monitoring techniques can be used for:
- Flaw detection and evaluation
- Dimensional measurements
- Material characterization
Ultrasonic corrosion monitoring is highly favored for steel and other metals and alloys. It is also used to test the physical properties of concrete, wood and composites.
Ultrasonic corrosion monitoring is also known as ultrasonic testing.
Corrosionpedia Explains Ultrasonic Corrosion Monitoring
Ultrasonic corrosion monitoring makes use of high-frequency sound waves (acoustic waves) having a typical frequency range of 0.5 to 15 MHz to examine flaws and take measurements. To perform the monitoring, an ultrasound transducer connected to a diagnostic machine is passed over the object being inspected.
Ultrasonic corrosion monitoring is a nondestructive testing (NDT) method and one of the processes of NDT. In this technique, the material does not have to undergo any metal cutting, sectioning or chemical reactions for testing purposes. Also, the personnel involved in ultrasonic corrosion monitoring are not exposed to any potential health hazards, unlike the radiography monitoring technique.
The ultrasonic corrosion monitoring technique works on the principle of capturing and quantifying the reflected waves (pulse-echo) or the transmitted waves (through-transmission) with the help of electromagnetic acoustic sensors.
A typical ultrasonic corrosion monitoring system consists of several functional units:
- Pulser/receiver
- Transducer
- Display device
Ultrasonic flaw detection is performed by a trained operator who sets up the test, making sure to comply with standards and to properly interpret the results. The test results obtained from ultrasonic corrosion monitoring are highly reliable.