-New equipment Transducer libraries for ultrasonic characterization of materials Dedicated 'transducer libraries' for materials evaluation have been introduced by Ultran Laboratories. Suitable for industrial QC functions and R&D laboratories, they comprise an assortment of ultrasonic transducers (approximately 25) selected for a set of specific applications. The library facilitates selection of materials-suitable transducers and includes technical support such as application notes and assistance in data interpretation. A complete characterization and performance analysis report is provided with each transducer.

Four libraries are available:

• NDC of porous and liquid sensitive materials

• Interface and thin materials characterization

• High resolution imaging without high frequencies

• High detectability microscopic applications.

Ultran Laboratories Inc, 1020 East Boal Avenue, Boalsburg, PA 16827-0719, USA

Automatic inspection of nozzle welds Phoenix Inspection Systems have successfully undertaken the design and installation of a scanning mechanism for automatic ultrasonic inspection of nozzle welds from the external surface. It is intended for use with larger nozzle diameters such as those in the reactor coolant loop pipework of a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). The S.W.I.S. (Saddle Weld Inspection System) provides Nuclear Electric's NDT Applications Centre in Manchester UK, with an in-house capability for inspecting nozzle welds. It has been designed to operate in any orientation. The manipulator uses a fixed ring for

Saddle weld inspection system designed by Phoenix Inspection Systems

location and positional accuracy. The ring, which is supplied in two parts, is suitable for nozzles with a branch line from 200 mm to 480 mm.

The nozzle scanner is used in conjunction with a DC motor controller and a digital inspection processing system designed by Nuclear Electric. The scanner can accommodate an array of two probes or a single probe fitted with a motorized skewing device. The arm is pivoted to accommodate the saddle geometry and is loaded on to the nozzle surface by a gas spring. The probe carriage is driven along

the radial arm on a ground vee slide using a zero backlash toothed belt drive. A DC motor is an integral part of the radial arm and includes a harmonic drive gearbox, to further reduce backlash. Positional feedback is provided by an incremental encoder. The toolpost is spring loaded, allowing an 80 mm rise and fall of the probe, and incorporates a low friction slide and constant force springs.

Phoenix Inspection Systems Limited, 46 Melford Court, Hardwick Grange, Woolston, Warrington, Cheshire WA 1 4RZ, UK

Automated i nspection and measurement system The Integral 125 system from Finlay Microvision, combined with their Scopeman TV fibre optic microscope system, provides an automated inspection and measurement facility.

The system provides machine vision alignment/registration, part/component recognition,

assembly verification/inspection, print verification, process monitoring, measurement and guidance and character reading. All these functions can be carried out before, during or after the manufacturing process.

The system can accommodate eight camera inputs switched into

NDT&E International Volume 25 Number 1 1992 53