Prototype EMAT system for tube inspection with guided ultrasonic waves

A prototype system with full computer support for ultrasonic inspection of ferritic tubes using guided waves is described. The ultrasonic waves are launched and received with the aid of electromagnetic acoustic transducers which are layed out as linear phased arrays. The array structure provides a good axial directivity for the transducers so that the probe can be positioned anywhere along the tube length sequentially transmitting ultrasonic pulses in the foreward and backward directions. While the probe is fixed at one axial position during inspection the tube length is measured by the system and flaws are detected from returning ultrasonic echos. Results of the inspection of tubes with natural flaws are given and the wavelength-spectrum of the ultrasonic mode used for the inspection is discussed with respect to flaw depth sizing.