Using permanently Fixed Ultrasonic Transducers To Inspect In-Service Equipment

This article covers the use of permanently attached ultrasonic transducers for inspection and process plant equipment condition monitoring while in service.This can be a single probe installation, however systems are available that can incor- porate a large number of single or multi-element probes, complementing conventional techniques, into a fully integrated plant inspection monitoring capability.

Transducers can be permanently bonded to areas which are difficult to inspect by conventional methods due to limited access (such as under cladding, subsea, etc.) or component geometry that inhibit the use of these traditional approaches. Techniques are being developed and adapted to provide long-term defect and condition monitoring of plant equipment at elevated temperatures. This paper outlines the current and continuing development of the capabilities by reference to the results of case studies and concludes with the benefits that this type of installation can achieve.