How UT Works
Ultrasonic testing sends high-frequency sound into a material and measures the echoes that bounce back from defects and the back wall. This lets inspectors find internal flaws and measure thickness precisely.
Where It's Used
UT is widely used for:
- Weld inspection on structural and pressure equipment
- Corrosion and thickness monitoring
- Lamination checks on plate
- Sizing and monitoring known defects
What Affects the Result
UT is not a universal view through a component. Probe angle and frequency, coupling, calibration, material attenuation, surface condition, geometry and reflector orientation all affect sensitivity. A thickness reading applies to the measured location; an internal indication still needs interpretation against the procedure and acceptance criteria.
When Another Method Helps
Where access, geometry or expected defect orientation limits UT, visual inspection or a complementary surface method such as MPI, PT or ECT may add useful coverage. Method selection should follow the material, suspected damage and required decision rather than assuming one technique is always best.