-New equipmen System analyses weld radiographs Analysis of radiographic inspection of welds is the aim of a computer package from Inspection Equipment Ltd of Kidlington, Oxford, UK.

Called COMRAD, the system uses the Sharp PC 1262 compact computer with software adapted to the standard being used. In use, the operator follows a series of prompts to enter details of the weld, radiation source, film type, etc. The computer then prints out the necessary information for the radiographic inspection to be carried out, including the minimum source-film distance, maximum kV, exposure time, etc.

The system also warns if the isotope is unsuitable for the material thickness under examination and gives a choice of geometric technique (eg single or double wall). If the chosen technique is not recommended for the given pipe diameter and wall thickness, a further warning is given. Once the program is loaded the computer can be unplugged

from the interface unit and taken on site. The weld inspection information will be displayed on the LCD panel as the program is worked through.

The unit complete with interface, micro-cassette recorder and printer measures 330 x 150 x 55 mm in its case. Battery powered, the unit also operates direct from the mains with an adaptor/charger, which is provided.

Inspection Equipment Ltd, Station Field Industrial Estate, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1JD, UK

COM RAD weld radiography analysis system

Couplant-free transducers

manufactured in USA

Angle beam/shear wave transducers and replaceable wedges which mate without the application of couplant are being manufactured by Ultran Laboratories Inc of State College, PA, USA.

The wedge can remain in place until it is worn excessively or the operator decides to change beam angles. Field tests are said to have shown these probes to give stable performance for months. This is in contrast to conventional probes whose sensitivity gradually changes as the couplant dries. There is said to be no increase in noise and only a 2-4 dB drop in sensitivity compared to conventional angle beam probes.

Self-coupling angle beam probes are available in 1,2.25 and 5 MHz and in Ultran's full range of element sizes and beam angles.

Ultran Laboratories Inc, 139R North Gill Street, State College, PA 16801, USA

Linear X-ray systems for conveyor belt inspection

To ease the problems associated with single scan conveyor belt industrial inspection using X-ray techniques, Thomson-CSF has introduced a new range of solid- state X-ray linear sensor systems based on 720 elements or 1024 elements (TH 9575 and TH 9583).

The TH 9575 includes two sensor heads which can be set at an angle, one with 432 elements and the other with 228 elements. Input energies of different levels can be covered on request (20 keV to several MeV). The TH 9583 is a fixed linear detector.

The output from these units is by differential pairs of signals. Two accessory modules, depending on whether the X-ray sensor is required to give a computer input or a television image, are offered.

Thomson-CSF Components and Materials Ltd, Ringway House, Bell Road, Basingstoke RG24 OQG, UK

Multipurpose vibration analyser launched A microprocessor-based vibration analyser has been launched by Schenck Ltd. Called the Vibroport 30, the instrument is a combined balancing instrument, frequency and order-ratio analyser, transfer- function analyser, tachometer, vibration severity and shaft vibration meter, bearing condition meter, balancing computer and printer. A built-in automatic tracking filter is said to eliminate errors due to variations in rotational speed and closely adjacent disturbing variations.

Inputs are provided for vibration displacement, velocity and acceleration transducers. Photo- electric pick-ups can be connected to generate reference signals.

Results are displayed digitally and can be output in numerical or graphical form via the integral printer. During test routines the operator is prompted by user- dialogue and a step-by-step account is output and recorded.

Schenck's multipurpose vibration analyser

Vibroport 30 is said to be suitable for field balancing rotors of any size and weight with speeds between 60 and 100 000 rev/min. Balancing can be performed in one- to-four planes.

Schenck Ltd, Station Approach, Bicester, Oxon OX6 7BZ UK

248 NDT International August 1987