- N e w equlpmen NDT technique detects vehicle corrosion Corrosion of vehicle bodywork can now be detected nondestructively using Corrotest, an instrument developed by Institut Dr F6rster of Reutlingen, FRG, and Technical Inspection Authority of Rhine-Westphalia, FRG. Rust and corrosion beneath paint or underseal coatings can be detected, claims the manufacturer.

The material surface is scanned with the test probe and values are processed by a microcomputer incorporated in the instrument. Intact sheet steel with various thicknesses of coating, filler, incipient corrosion and metal corroded at the edge, on one side or through are among the differential material conditions on the tester's display.

Applications by technical inspection authorities (MOT tests etc) and vehicle assessors are anticipated.

Institut Dr F6rster, In Laisen 70, Postfach 1564, D-7410 Reutlingen, FRG

Corrotest being used during trial phases

Portable ultrasonic system developed Portable, ultrasonic inspection system has been developed by Metal and Pipeline Endurance Ltd (MAPEL) of Biggleswade, UK.

Incorporating the MAPEL- designed digitizing signal recorder, data such as equipment performance characterization, calibration data, integrated A- scan envelopes for the complete test and defect details including B-scan images can be logged and displayed. These data can be re-

examined after testing and compared with other resutts.

Operating with conventional ultrasonic equipment, the system is intended to supplement rather than replace manual skills.

The system is currently available only as part of the NDT service MAPEL offers to clients.

Metal and Pipeline Endurance Ltd, 7-8 Elden Way, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire SE18 8NH, UK

Non-contac t diode laser v i b r o m e t e r launched

Non-contact vibration measurement is the aim of the model 1941 diode laser vibrometer from Bristol Industrial and Research Associates Limited (BIRAL) of Bristol, UK.

Consisting of a near-infrared single mode laser diode and a power supply/signal processing unit, the vibrometer operates within the frequency range 1 Hz 100kHz.

The instrument is claimed to measure vibration on any type of surface and where access or mounting of traditional sensors is not possible.

Bristol Industrial & Research Associates Ltd, PO Box 2, Portishead, Bristol BS20 9JB, UK

Portable vibrat ion analyser designed f o r f i e l d use A portable vibration analyser designed for day-to-day use in the field and aimed at machine health monitoring has been launched by Bruel and Kjaer.

The 251 5 vibration analyser can store data for subsequent analysis or for on-site comparison of current and historical vibration.

Bruel and Kjaer (UK) Ltd, 92 Uxbridge Road, Harrow HA3 6BZ, UK

MAPEL's ultrasonic inspection system in use

Castings to be tested semi-automatically Semi-automatic testing of ductile iron castings is now possible using a system developed by Wells Krautkramer and the British Cast Iron Research Association (BCIRA).

The system uses ultrasonics to check the speed of sound in order to assess the graphite structure and therefore strength and integrity of the castings.

The system uses a 4-channel Krautkramer WDM-V ultrasonic instrument with the immersion technique. Castings are prewetted in one half of the tank before

being transferred to the test jig.

Wells Krautkramer, Blackhorse Road, Letchworth, Herts SG6 1HF, UK

Ductile iron castings can be tested using the system devised by Wells Krautkramer

NDT International August 1988 291