[en] Requirements for a remote nondestructive inspection application are presented and the design features of an automated ultrasonic testing device to operate within these limits are described. A conceptual design was developed for a miniature device containing rotating mirror optics that direct the focused ultrasonic beam. Mirror positioning is accomplished with stepping motors and precision gear trains that are controlled by a computerized closed loop servo system. The effort demonstrates the increased effectiveness achieved by evaluating nondestructive examination needs and capabilities early in the design stages of a project

[en] A device is described for reducing internal reflections from the tire of an ultrasonic search wheel probe or from within the material being examined. The device includes a liner with an anechoic chamber within which is an ultrasonic transducer. The liner is positioned within the wheel and includes an aperture through which the altrasonic sound from the transducer is directed

No abstract available

[en] An advanced ultrasonic system was developed to obtain highly reproducible inspection data and to overcome certain limitations encountered with the manual scanning method. Experience from field operations from 1976 through 1980 is discussed. The scope includes a description of the computer controlled system, personnel training, inservice inspections, data analysis, and current upgrading of the system

[en] This study examines the effectiveness of a 420 keV x-ray machine, electron linear accelerators and isotopes as radiation sources utilizing various imaging systems for the examination of intermediate-level radioactive waste products. Although an existing 420 keV radiographic equipment is used for examination of certain low-level waste, it lacks the penetrating power for examination of lead lined drums or drums containing intermediate-level radioactive sludge. Two 55-gal drums containing simulated waste were prepared for the test. Industrial radioactive sources (Co₆₀ and Ir₁₉₂) were used in and on the drum during the imaging tests to serve as concentrated radioactive waste. Evaluations were conducted using radiographic equipment ranging in energy from 420 keV to 11 MeV and five different image detection and processing systems. Results are reported that describe the relative effectiveness of each system, and recommendations for implementation of the technology are included. 13 refs., 10 figs., 4 tabs

[en] A miniature ultrasonic search head was developed for computer-controlled inservice inspection of nuclear piping weldments. Major performance objectives were increasing data reproducibility and versatility of inspection techniques and reducing radiation exposure for certified Level II inspectors. The fluid-filled search head houses a toroidal axicon lens, transducer, and folded mirror system that produces either a small diameter near-parallel beam or a defocused beam. The folded mirror system also provides a long fluid path, thus eliminating multiple echoes during the inspection period. Monitoring of beam characteristics and operation of the linear and two angular motions are computer controlled. Data reproducibility is improved by computer control and monitoring of acoustic and mechanical performance characteristics. Versatility is achieved through varied beam shapes and orientations and the flexible diaphragm which permits scanning simple or complex shapes. Extensive automation of field operational steps allows the Level II inspectors, who are in short supply because of radiation burnout, to function primarily from the radiation-free computer console

[en] The requirements for precision and reproducibility of ultrasonic testing during inservice inspection of nuclear reactors are both quantitatively and qualitatively more severe than most current practice in the field can provide. An automated ultrasonic testing (AUT) system, which provides a significant advancement in field examination capabilities, is described. Properties of the system, its application, and typical results are discussed

[en] A miniature ultrasonic search head was developed for computer-controlled inservice inspection of nuclear piping weldments. Major performance objectives were increasing data reproducibility and versatility of inspection techniques and reducing radiation exposure for certified Level II inspectors. The fluid-filled search head houses a toroidal axicon lens, transducer, and folded mirror system that produces either a small diameter near-parallel beam or a defocused beam. The folded mirror system also provides a long fluid path, thus eliminating multiple echoes during the inspection period. Monitoring of beam characteristics and operation of the linear and two angular motions are computer controlled. Data reproducibility is improved by computer control and monitoring of acoustic and mechanical performance characteristics. Versatility is achieved through varied beam shapes and orientations and the flexible diaphragm which permits scanning simple or complex shapes. Extensive automation of field operational steps allows the Level II inspectors, who are in short supply because of radiation ''burnout'', to function primarily from the radiation-free computer console