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308 West Basin Road

P.O. Box 903

New Castle, DE 19720

Phone: 302-328-0500

Fax:302-328-0417

E-mail: info@lehightesting.com

 

IRIS© - Ultrasonic ‘B’ Scan Inspection Method

The Ultrasonic Internal Rotating Inspection System (IRIS) is one of the most accurate, up-to-date, and reliable technologies for the inspection of heat exchanger and boiler tubes in use today. 

IRIS inspection is an ultrasonic immersion pulse echo technique. It uses an ultrasonic transducer that is contained in a test head and is self-centered within the tube being examined.

 

 

 

Ultrasonic pulses are emitted along a path parallel to the tube axis, the pulses are then reflected by a rotating mirror at a 45⁰ angle and directed radially onto the tube wall.

Reflections from the inner and outer walls follow the same path back to the transducer. The time interval between the first echo from the internal surface of the tube and the first echo from the outside surface of the tube can be used to represent the tube wall thickness.

As the mirror rotates, the ultrasonic beam is traversed around the tube circumference and each successive pulse is mapped out on the screen of the IRIS system. There are nearly   200 readings per revolution and over 2300 revolutions per minute.

When the probe is advanced along the tube, the ultrasonic pulses paint a continuous helical path on the tube wall ensuring 100% coverage.

Unlike Eddy current inspections, the data provided does not require special interpretation or guess work, and a report can be supplied immediately following the inspection. There is also increased reliability with IRIS because the ultrasonic technique is quantitative. It can distinguish between external and internal conditions, and is not affected by the construction of the bundle (i.e. stiffeners, baffles, tube sheet and supports).

The only preparation required for this type of inspection is thorough cleaning of the tube bore.  A variety of methods are available and we can facilitate all necessary support services.

General IRIS inspection principle

LTL has the necessary experience and certified inspectors to provide complete Mechanical Integrity Inspection programs. From development to implementation to ongoing program maintenance, we assist you throughout the entire inspection process. For more information on IRIS© inspections and our other testing and inspection capabilities, please contact one of our professionals to discuss the  options available.

Materials Testing, Failure Analysis, Materials Engineering & Consulting,  Mechanical Integrity Inspection & Consulting