MAC's ultrasonic weld line tester
Magnetic Analysis Corp. will be highlighting information on the Echomac® WLD ultrasonic weld line test system at its Booth in Hall 6 I -12 at Tube 2018 Dusseldorf. Featuring operating conveniences for inspecting tube weld zones on-line during continuous production, the system is designed to test for longitudinally oriented defects that are typical of the ERW welding process. These systems are typically four channels, using both CW and CCW sound modes for detection of ID and OD longitudinal defects between 5% and 10% of wall thickness. Additional channels can be added, depending on the application.
The WLD system includes MAC’s well regarded Echomac® instrumentation, and a test head incorporating transducer assemblies with irrigated shoes for constant coupling with the tube being tested. Individual adjustment of each transducer to easily achieve optimal position for CW and CCW direction is available. In addition a coupling alarm alerts the operator to any loss of coupling between a transducer and the tube, because of loss of water or improper alignment, and remote weld following is included in the system. Another convenience during operation is that individual irrigated transducer shoes can be easily exchanged to accommodate tube size changes in 5 seconds using MAC’s new quick disconnect mechanisms.
The WLD test head is supported by a strong gantry that allows for operating on the weld line for mill testing, or off line for easy calibration for a new tube size. A precision roller assembly is located in the off-line position to allow for easy calibration of the transducers. Once the calibration is achieved, the test head is simply moved back to the on-line position for production line testing.
The remote operator station contains essential controls including the video monitor. The instrument system is programmed with the transducer locations and a spray marker located downstream is automatically instructed to spray paint onto the actual defect location to enable sorting of the cut tubes. Separate colors can be selected for OD and ID condition. Chart recordings are also generated that represent the tube condition of each cut tube. These are stored in digital format and are archived for future retrieval.