Use of a remote-sensing superhigh-frequency acoustic emission transducer in the inspection of welds

Inspection of welded joints using an acoustic emission method is described. Instrumentation of domestic manufacture is used: an IAS-4 single-channel acoustic tester and a special unit for power supply and amplification for an SHF remote-sensing transducer (proprietary design). During the welding, because of the temperature gradient between the molten weld metal and the solid HPC metal of a high-pressure cylinder, defects arise that are detected by recording acoustic emission signals in the cooled weld within 5 - 10 min. The rise and decay of the acoustic activity can be detected using contact and SHF remote-sensing acoustic emission transducers.