Ultrasonic Testing is the use of high-frequency sound waves to detect imperfections, take measurements or to locate changes in material properties of solid objects. Because of its capabilities and reliability, UT is one of the fastest growing Non Destructive Testing techniques. It is the method of choice for critical applications where full volumetric inspection is required, especially when there is only limited access to the object being inspected.
The piezoelectric crystal creates a mechanical disturbance (ultrasonic wave) when subjected to voltage. This ultrasonic wave is from the transducer into the object to perform the inspection. Because ultrasonic waves do not transmit easily through air due to differences in impedance, the transducer needs to be to the solid being inspected using a liquid between the transducer and the solid being inspected.
An EMAT or Electro Magnetic Acoustic Transducer consists of a magnet and a coil of wire and relies on electro-magnetic acoustic interaction for elastic wave generation (ultrasound). Using Lorentz forces and magnetostriction, the EMAT and the metal test surface interact and generate an acoustic wave within the material. The material being inspected is its own transducer and there is no need to couple the EMAT with the material, which is one of the EMAT advantages. For more information see EMAT Technology.
EMATs can easily generate any wave mode available with piezoelectric UT (Rayleigh, creeping, shear Vertical, longitudinal) plus others that are very difficult to generate with conventional methods (shear horizontal, Lamb). Also, EMATs can generate shear waves at any angle and sweep the material from 0º to 90º using the same transducer by simply modifying the frequency. In terms of frequencies available, Innerspec has deployed systems ranging from 50KHz to 12MHz.
Because the sound is generated in the part inspected, EMAT test has several unique advantages:
Because of the specific particle motion, horizontally polarized shear energy is the only practical means to ultrasonically inspect austenitic welds and materials with dendritic grain structures (e.g. stainless steel welds). Moreover, as a guided or plate wave, horizontal shear waves fill up the thickness of the material and provide complete, thru-thickness inspection in one pass of the transducer.
EMAT is especially well suited for real-world, industrial applications where speed and accuracy of inspection are paramount and the conditions of the material and process are not always ideal due to the EMAT test advantages we have seen before.
EMAT works with any material that conducts electricity. Overall, EMAT works with almost all metals, however some metals are better suited to the technique than others.
EMAT is a relatively new technique still unexplored by many potential users. EMAT transducers also require high power and specific electronic equipment that is not widely available. As industry discovers the advantages of EMAT tests its use will spread to an increasing number of applications.
In terms of wave propagation and response to defects, the same standards that apply to conventional UT apply to EMAT. In addition to this, there are recognized ASTM standards on EMAT inspection. See EMAT Technology.
Because EMAT requires more power to generate the ultrasound, EMAT instruments are generally more expensive than piezoelectric UT instruments. However, by eliminating couplant delivery and disposal and being less affected by process and material conditions, they are significantly more cost effective in integrated inspection systems. In general, integrated EMAT systems are normally equivalent to or less expensive than piezoelectric UT systems.
Real-time inspection at production speeds is one of EMAT’s most interesting advantages. We currently have weld inspection systems operating at 3m/s, and some applications have reached inspection speeds of 26m/s.
Yes. There are no health risks associated with either the technology or the equipment.
Yes, EMAT transducers can be used in phased array. Innerspec Technologies has developed several applications with phased array for inspection of welds and large volumes.
We design our integrated to be used by line operators without any specific ultrasonic training. Our portable instrumentation is similar to conventional UT systems, with only some special features that are unique to EMAT.
Yes. Innerspec Technologies sells sensors and has research capabilities to develop custom solutions for specific applications. However, it is important to note that most EMAT sensor designs require high-power instrumentation that is not widely available. For these cases, we can also provide specific instrumentation modules to meet individual requirements.
Contact us with the details of the application. Once we receive this information, we will immediately let you know if it is a good application for EMAT. We might also ask you to send samples to perform a proof-of-principle or feasibility test. Unless specific equipment is required (e.g. custom sensors), Innerspec Technologies will perform this initial test completely free of charge. If the results of the test are positive, we will provide you with a complete quotation. Once we quote your application, the final system will have the same 100% performance guarantee as our existing products.
Most of our systems are available worldwide through our network of offices, and distributors although some restrictions apply. Contact us to inquire about availability in your country.