Ultrasonic Testing
Alliance Marine Surveyors use precise measurements of the hull plating & internal framing to provide the experienced surveyor with an excellent indication of the condition of a vessel.
What is Ultrasonic Testing?
Ultrasonic testing is a form of non-destructive testing that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to measure the thickness and condition of materials. Nearly all materials can be tested using ultrasonic sound. Read More…
In the marine industry, the most common application of ultrasound is the identification & quantification of corrosion on vessels constructed of steel & aluminum. It can also be used to measure the thickness & integrity of composite structures.
Precise measurements of the hull plating & internal framing provide the experienced surveyor with an excellent indication of the condition of a vessel.
Our test equipment
The Olympus 6LT Flaw detector and corrosion meter is a fully featured & versatile instrument that accommodates an array of single & dual element transducers especially suited for the survey of steel, aluminum & composite structures.
The device utilizes patented Olympus “Thru-Coat” technology to perform thickness measurements through suitable protective coatings using only a single ultrasonic echo. This offers greater accuracy over the conventional echo to echo method when measuring heavily corroded surfaces. The “Thru-Coat” function also calculates & displays the thickness of protective coatings.
The instrument can perform more traditional echo to echo thickness measurements in cases where “Thru-Coat” is unsuitable.
Ultrasonic Testing (UT) of Composite Boats and Spars:
Many modern yacht are constructed using composites which are a combination of fibres and plastic matrices. These fibres are sometimes randomly arranged, then flattened which are called chop strand mat or can be woven into a fabric. The fiber material is often glass, aramid or carbon where the plastic matrix is most often based on polymers such as polyester, vinylester or epoxy resins.
Alliance Marine Surveyors use Ultrasonic Testing to detect the following:
- Uniformity of laminate thickness
- Presence and type of delaminations
- Presence of voids and/or porosity
- Quality and bonding of laminate and integrity of repairs
- Inclusions and alien material presence in laminate
Advantages Associated with using Ultrasonic Testing Applications in Composite Yacht and Spars:
- Allows the Surveyor to carryout inspection using one-sided access
- Little to no prepping of the surface area before inspections
- Light weight equipment which can be used anywhere including aloft
- Instant results along with objective data
- Exceedingly accurate in determining the exact point of hidden anomaly and all associated characteristics.
Ultrasonic Testing (UT) of Aluminium and Steel Hulls:
Are you considering the purchase of a vessel constructed of steel or aluminium? An ultrasonic inspection could save you significant expense.
Aluminium Hull Thickness Testing
Aluminium vessels are prone to oxidation on the internal shell plating and frames. Without sufficient anodic protection, they are also prone to galvanic corrosion on external hull components.
In many instances, all of the internal platings of a vessel cannot be accessed for inspection. Ultrasonic thickness testing provides a convenient means to accurately assess the true condition of these areas.
Steel Hull Corrosion Testing
If you own a steel vessel then corrosion is always of some concern. Unfortunately, the observable external condition of the hull is often a poor indicator of the state of the steel plating. A steel hull will frequently experience greater corrosion internally than externally.
Ultrasonic thickness testing can be used to identify corrosion in situations where the internal parts of the hull are inaccessible for inspection.
Modern thickness testing techniques do not require the removal of antifouling or protective coatings.
We provide quick & efficient inspections with a comprehensive written report of all recorded thicknesses.
If you are concerned about the condition of the steel on your vessel, please get in touch.