A high-speed ultrasonic testing machine for tubes

An ultrasonic flaw detection equipment has been developed for testing steel tubes at speeds compatible with modern rates of production. The system uses a series of identical probes arranged in a ring encircling the tube. Fast sequential pulsing of the probes, together with slow rotation of the tubes gives effective circumferential scanning speeds several times faster than is obtainable by purely mechanical methods. The probe rings are immersed in a small tank of water through which the tube is passed via specially designed water retaining valves.