Importance

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Abstract

A gas jet is positioned above the water nozzle of a system provided for ultrasonically detecting flaws in an article to be inspected. The water nozzle directs a substantially level water jet stream against an upright surface of the article as it is moved transversely of the nozzle. A transducer associated with the water nozzle transmits ultrasonic energy along the water jet stream toward the article, then receives echoes from flaws existing in the article. The gas jet directs toward the upright surface of the article a gas jet stream which is substantially parallel to, and vertically aligned with, the water jet stream. The gas jet stream serves to deflect the water splashing off the surface of the article after impact therewith and prevents the splashing water from descending toward and striking the water jet stream. The water nozzle and the gas jet may be positioned such that the longitudinal axes of the water jet stream and of the gas jet stream are both substantially perpendicular to the surface of the article being inspected. Preferably, the water jet stream exhibits laminar flow. Signals may be recorded which are received from the transducer representative of the attenuation of the ultrasonic energy caused by the condition of the article being inspected. In a further embodiment, opposed systems, each comprised of a water nozzle, gas jet, and associated transducer, may be positioned to direct water jet and gas jet streams against the article from opposite sides of the article, the opposed water jet and gas jet streams being substantially parallel and vertically aligned.

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First Claim