We have extensive interests in the inspection and health monitoring of infrastructure. Our long range guided wave technology is specifically aimed at the inspection of large structures and has found wide application.
Infrastructure Areas
We have worked on the application of guided waves to the inspection of tendons in post-tensioned bridges and as well as on the use of guided waves for the measurement of the elastic properties and thickness of layers in pavements and other structures. This has been used to measure tarmac thickness and the properties of stabilised ground after decontamination; it also has applications to the integrity of concrete and masonry bridges that we are keen to explore further.
Civil Projects
Potential Drop Creep Monitoring
Our guided wave technology is widely applied to the inspection of pipelines via our spin-out company Guided Ultrasonics Ltd. There is increasing interest in its use on buried pipe and in permanent monitoring via permanently attached transducers (PIMS). At present the technique is essentially a screening tool, flagging areas of concern that need to be further investigated by local inspection. However, we are now working to improve the defect characterisation and sizing capabilities in order to reduce the need for this second step. This work is supported by RCNDE members in the oil and gas, power, nuclear and defence sectors.
Pipelines Projects
The long range inspection of pipework
Sub-Wavelength Characterisation of Defects in Inaccessible Regions Using Guided Waves
Radiography of Sub-sea Pipelines
Improvements in ultrasonic inspection techniques for high-density polyethylene pipe joints
Improved Guided wave inspection of buried and coated structures
Area Monitoring using Ultrasonic Guided Wave
Electromagnetic NDE Techniques for Pipeline Inspection and Monitoring
Improvements in EMAT Sensitivity
Permanently Installed Guided Wave Monitoring
The rail industry has a continuing need for rapid, reliable methods of defect detection and characterisation that ideally can be deployed from a moving train. Most of the technology currently deployed concentrates on the head of the rail, but foot corrosion is also a concern, particularly in tunnels and at level crossings. Our spin-out company Guided Ultrasonics Ltd has produced a rail tester in collaboration with Railtrack/Network Rail (Guided Ultrasonics Ltd) This instrument is sensitive to defects in the whole cross section of the rail, including the foot. We have also worked on surface wave inspection of the head of the rail as an adjunct to existing methods.
Rail Projects
