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Chime and Multiskip Inspection
Chime and Multiskip Inspection
While the time for the inspection itself is just a few minutes, the setup of the scanner at site
takes much more time depending on the size of the part to be inspected.
CHIME Setup
Two probes are placed on the material to be inspected in a pitch catch configuration as
shown below.
The CHIME probe shoes are angled to provide shear waves at the critical angle, which
results in 3 wave modes in the material inspected:
Creeping waves - surface skimming compression waves:
Changes in the amplitude and arrival time of received signals indicate the presence of
defects in the material. The A-scan signals is processed and usually shown in an image
similar to TOFD, dependent on signal amplitude.
Although CHIME is a screening technique, it is capable of performing a semi-quantitative
evaluation of defects. As already mentioned signals can be categorized in three ways:
Changes in transmission signal indicate the presence of a defect. Total signal loss indicates
large defects and are easily detectable. The amount of signal loss is related to the area and
depth (i.e. volume) of the defect – i.e. small volume defect = low signal loss ; large volume =
large signal loss.
CHIME shall be performed only on parallel or near-parallel walled material as signals break
up when wall thickness changes by 14% over 80 mm.
Circumferential beam inspection is limited by OD/ID ratio (must be less than 1.2). Inspections
can still be carried out on materials with a larger ratio but the full volume coverage cannot be
guaranteed.
There is no limit when probes are axially placed.
Loss of CHIME signal amplitude can occur under a number of circumstances including:
Cushion between pipe and support, which damps the creeping waves
The presence of coatings
Slight surface roughness on either the inspection surface or backwall.
Loss of, or reduced coupling efficiency
The above circumstances for the loss of signal may limit the applicability of the technique, or
if localized, could be mistaken for wall loss flaws (i.e. false calls). Experience to date
indicates that the bulk waves signals are less sensitive to the above circumstances of signal
loss than the CHIME peak signals.
Special 2 MHz TOFD probes of high sensitivity have been used together with suitable rugged
wedges made of brass. These wedges come with incorporated irrigation channel for best
coupling. The water couplant flows directly under the wedge so that good couplant is assured
all the time even in upside down configuration of the scanner.
Note: As the scanner is equipped with magnetic wheels and spring loaded probe holders,
sufficient coupling is ensured. In cases where the spring loaded force is not enough, simply
adjust the scanner height to produce more force for the spring loaded probe holder.
Center area
(“clean”
material)
X mm saw cut
area
Y mm saw cut
area