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CONTENTS
This section covers some basic information as to how and why the Teletest software selects
the test schedule for a particular diameter/thickness combination. It is included here to give
the Level 1 operator an appreciation of the processes involved. Detailed information is
taught on the Level 2 course.
Looking at dispersion, taking one particular example, the inspection of an 12” pipe with
9.53mm wall thickness, the dispersion curves for the L(0,1), L(0,2), F(1,3), T(0,1) and F(1,2)
guided waves are shown in Fig 6.1. These curves illustrate that there is little or no dispersion
over the range shown for the Longitudinal wave mode and therefore are suitable conditions
for Guided Wave inspection.
Range
Figure 6.1 - Family of dispersion curves for specific pipe OD and wall thickness
The dispersion curves in this case are of phase velocity against frequency and have been
derived by calculation. The phase velocity is used rather than the group velocity and
Rev 0.1 April 2017 Section 6: Selection of Test Parameters Page 3 of 8
Guided Wave Pipe Inspection
therefore the velocities tend towards infinity at zero frequency, which is opposite to the case
with group velocity.
The phase velocity is the velocity with which two successive points of constant phase in a
wave move pass the measuring point. The group velocity is the velocity of the pulse passing
the measuring point Fig 6.2.
If the wave is non-dispersive, the phase and group velocities are the same.
To destructively interfere with the L(0,1) wave, the space between the inner and two outer
rings must be equal to one wavelength of the L(0,1) wave. Since V=f*λ, λ can be found from
the dispersion curve for L(0,1) in Fig 6.1. The optimum frequency becomes the frequency at
which phase velocity divided by frequency is equal to the ring spacing.
The pipe diameter has almost no effect on the optimum frequency for L(0,1) suppression,
the determining factor being pipe wall thickness. Fig 6.3 shows the optimum frequency for a
range of pipe wall thickness on curves for 30mm and 46mm ring spacing. Generally, the
thicker the pipe wall, the higher the optimum test frequency for L(0,1) suppression, the
increase becoming markedly less as the ring spacing increases.
Figure 6.3 - Optimum frequency for L(0,1) Suppression vs. pipe thickness.
The L(0,2) waves are travelling at almost twice the velocity of the L(0,1) waves, so the ring
spacing for suppressing L(0,1) waves has the effect of enhancing the L(0,2) waves.
However, the relationship between L(0,1) suppression and L(0,2) enhancement is non linear
and is also frequency dependent. Fig 6.4 shows how the peak output frequency for L(0,2)
waves from the three-ring tool varies with ring spacing.
-6
Output (dB)
-12
-18
-24
-30
0 20 40 60 80 100
Frequency (kHz)
Figure 6.4 – Effect of frequency on L(0,2) longitudinal wave output for different
ring spacing
Test frequencies where there is a low output of L(0,2) waves must be avoided, for example
at 60KHz with a 46mm ring spacing. Generally, the maximum output is at lower frequencies
for wide ring spacing than for narrow ring spacing. This is unfortunate, since thicker sections
require wider spacing and higher frequencies for L(0,1) suppression.
Finally, a test frequency must be selected where the L(0,2) waves are non-dispersive. The
dispersion curve must therefore be flat. This occurs in Fig 6.1 in the highlighted range.
The conditions for L(0,1) suppression, L(0,2) enhancement for the available ring spacings of
30mm and 46mm are shown in Fig 6.5.
The area shaded green on Fig 6.5 illustrates the range of optimum test frequency for a given
thickness when using the longitudinal wave mode. Table 6.1, overleaf, summarises the
information displayed in Fig 6.5
30 88 17.5 3.5 to 10
46 58 26.5 4.5 to 15
A considerable advantage of the torsional wave system is that the T(0,1) mode is non-
dispersive at all frequencies in the range of interest. This implies that there is a very wide
range of acceptable frequencies for which the Torsional waves may be used. Whilst the
usable range is generally wider than that for Longitudinal waves, there are limiting factors.
12”∅ 9.53mm WT
F(1,3)
L(0,2)
F(1,2)
T(0,1)
L(0,1)
Figure 6.6 - Dispersion curves for 12 inch diameter, 9.53 mm wall pipe
180.0
160.0
140.0
Frequency kHz
120.0
100.0
80.0
60.0
40.0
20.0
0.0
10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50
Thickness mm
Figure 7.7 - Maximum usable frequency with thickness for torsional waves
-6
Output (dB)
-12
-18
-24
-30
0 20 40 60 80 100
Frequency (kHz)
As for the Longitudinal case, the higher the output amplitude the better the sensitivity. Again,
use of frequencies around the minima should be avoided as the pulse shape breaks down.
Fig 6.8 also shows that there are other maxima at higher frequencies. It is possible to use
these frequencies also, although the amplitude is lower.
It should be noted that the same cyclic behaviour occurs when 2-Ring excitation is used.
However, the maxima are at different frequencies and the amplitudes are 2/3 of those with
the 3 ring tools. A 3 ring Torsional mode tool is available for special applications.