Ultrasonic testing at the sheet-processing section of OJSC Ashinskiy metallurgical plant

After the modernization of the rolling equipment, an ultrasonic control unit (UZK) is functioning at the hot-rolled sheet processing section in the sheet-rolling shop No. 1 of OJSC "Ashinskiy metallurgical plant".

As you know, ultrasonic quality control units were mainly used in the quality control department to detect defects in finished products, but this happened already outside the technological process. Several product samples were checked for exceeding the defect tolerance rate according to product standards outside the manufacturing workshop.

Thanks to the ultrasonic inspection, automatic non-contact ultrasonic testing of the base metal and longitudinal edges of the sheets will be carried out. “This is done with the help of electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMAT), which are installed above the roller conveyor,” commented Vitaly Federyaev, deputy head of equipment for rolling shop # 1.

The EMAT moves due to the "air cushion" above the sheet. The entire surface of the sheet is controlled, and not individual areas, thanks to two rulers. The edges are also checked for delamination using independent ultrasonic inspection units. The insertion units automatically move depending on the width and position of the sheet.

Due to the presence of an ultrasonic inspection in the shop, time is saved for control, and defects are determined accurately and without damaging products. The installation is absolutely safe for the personnel working in the workshop. The equipment is serviced by one person, who is located in the operator's cabin and controls the process of the installation using computer monitors.

The UZK model installed at OJSC "Ashinsky Metallurgical Plant" was produced by the German company Nordinkraft.