Project Code: 36660
Start date and planned duration: January 2026, 12 months
Objective
- Validate viable probes without couplant or with retrieval/management system to prevent/minimise contamination
- Integrate a handheld scanning system for safe use at elevated temperatures
Project Outline
The project will evaluate and develop suitable ultrasonic testing techniques that can be deployed by operators on arc welds under construction while the surfaces are at elevated temperature. Probes and equipment that are readily available to industry from established suppliers will be tested and validated on test specimens developed by TWI. Representative weld imperfections that could arise during fabrication in the early stages of construction related to the root region will be implanted by TWI. The specimens, that are in plate form, will be heated to bring the temperature to inter-pass levels (200 - 300°C) and scanned at the elevated temperature level. The ultrasonic data will be analysed to establish whether the condition of the weld at an intermediate build stage can be assessed. This project is on the TWI Technology Roadmap, and future phases will utilise the output of this phase to develop systems using artificial intelligence technology to automate the assessment of welding.
Industry Sectors
- Oil and Gas
- Power
- Defence
- Construction and Engineering
Benefits to Industry
- The ability to make confident assessment of welds under construction will help to improve productivity, especially where the weld thickness is more than 50mm. By establishing the quality of the root region during construction the likelihood of repair operations that require significant removal of material can be minimised or eliminated, benefiting project schedules, operations and costs.