Technical Paper

CHIME and MultiSkip Inspection

CHIME stands for Creeping Head wave Inspection Method. Two probes facing each other
are placed on the material to be inspected. One probe acts as the transmitter, the other
probe acts as the receiver. The CHIME probes are fitted into angled probe wedges. When
CHIME inspection is performed the complete volume between the probes is filled with 3
different ultrasonic waves. Changes in the amplitude and arrival time of received signals
indicate the presence of defects in the material inspected. The signals are usually displayed
in a TOFD type image showing shades of grey, dependent on signal amplitude.
CHIME inspection is a rapid, medium range, ultrasonic screening technique mainly used on
vessels, pipes and plates. The main application is the detection of corrosion in pipes under
supports, but it can be used for other restricted access area as well. With the CHIME
technique it is possible to detect corrosion occurring at inner and outer surfaces. However, it
is not possible to distinguish between the two cases.
CHIME is suitable for pipes > 80 mm diameter for circumferential ultrasonic beaming. For
axial beaming, there is no restriction on diameter. For axial beaming, the distance between
the transmitting and receiving probe should be less than about 1 m. For circumferential
beaming, the circumferential distance between probes should be less than about 700 mm.
CHIME is suitable for thicknesses in the range of 4 – 50 mm.
The CHIME technique is a semi-quantitative technique. Changes in transmission signal
indicate the presence of a defect. Huge signal loss indicates large defects. The amount of
signal loss is related to the volume of the defect.
The technique is only suitable for parallel or near-parallel walled material. Signals break up
when the wall thickness changes by about 15 % at around 80 mm probe distance.
While the inspection effectiveness for general corrosion and erosion is quite efficient,
the CHIME technique is not suited to detect any pitting.
For the inspection a good, accessible inspection surface is required. As already mentioned
CHIME cannot distinguish between external and internal corrosion. Inspections are carried
out at normal, ambient temperature.
The results are usually categorized as below:

 < 10% wall loss

 10 to 40% wall loss
 > 40 % wall loss

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.

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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:

 Bulk waves – generally low amplitude due to mode conversion:

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 Head waves, also called CHIME waves are shear-waves generated at the critical
angle (33).
A creeping wave is generated when the head wave interacts with the far surface.
This repeats at both inner and outer surfaces. Creeping waves generated at the near
surface are detected by the receiver.
There is a direct relationship between the time interval between the peaks in the CHIME
signals and the component thickness. The complex system of wave modes produces a
correspondingly complex signal
Pattern as shown below:

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:

 <10% wall loss

 10-40% wall loss
 >40% wall loss

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.

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The probe pair can be set up to give either circumferential (around pipe) or longitudinal
beams (along pipe). For the circumferential inspection it is essential that the OD/ID ratio is
less than 1.2 or there will be gaps in coverage.
Operating Temperature
CHIME works at normal ambient temperature, but may also be used at higher temperatures
provided the right high temperature probes are used.
Operator Dependency
Similar to most advanced ultrasonic NDT techniques; high level of skill is required to acquire
and interpret the data. It is essential that operators are properly trained and qualified.
Inspection limitations
CHIME is suitable for pipes > 80 mm diameter for circumferential beaming. For axial
beaming, there is no restriction.
For axial beaming, the distance between the transmitting and receiving probe should be less
than about 1m. For circumferential beaming, the circumferential distance between probes
should be less than about 700 mm. Suitable for thickness in the range of 4 – 50 mm.

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.

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Access requirements
Access required to manually attach the scanner and probes. Adequate clearance is needed
to move the scanner around the pipe (at least 200 mm overhead).
The surface condition requirements are as for any other UT inspection.

Parameters affecting inspections capabilities

Good surface preparation is required as with all contact ultrasonic techniques. Good coupling
required for transmission of ultrasound – in some cases this is monitored by a separate 0º
probe, preferably mounted on the same shoe as the CHIME probe (with common index
points).

Operator training and certification requirements

Several institutions (NDT schools etc.) offer training and certification.

Commercial availability product

United NDT offers the CHIME inspection system covering one of their USONIC Flaw
Detector in conjunction with a tailor made CHIME SCANNER.

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Practical example
Two x mm wide and y mm long saw cuts have been produced into a steel plate of 1.3 m
length (see the picture and drawing below).

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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.

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Results of the scan:
Scan Image:
X mm saw cut “clean material” Y mm saw cut

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Captured A-scans

Center area
(“clean”
material)

X mm saw cut
area

Y mm saw cut
area

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