Ultrasonic thickness measurement (UTM) is a non-destructive testing (NDT) technique used to determine the thickness of materials, usually metals, by measuring the time it takes ultrasonic waves to travel through the material and reflect back from the opposite side.

 

In recent years, there has been growing interest in integrating ultrasonic thickness measurement with drones to perform inspections of large and complex structures, such as bridges, pipelines, storage tanks and industrial facilities. By equipping drones with ultrasonic sensors and positioning systems, inspectors can remotely assess the thickness of materials without manual measurements or scaffolding, significantly reducing inspection time and cost and improving safety.

 

Applications in different industries

 

  1. Infrastructure Inspection: Drones equipped with UTM sensors can assess the thickness of bridges, tunnels, dams and other infrastructure objects, allowing timely identification of potential structural problems.

 

  1. Pipeline monitoring: In the oil and gas industry, drones can be used to inspect pipelines for corrosion, erosion or other defects, ensuring the integrity and safety of the transportation network.

 

  1. Storage tank inspection: Drones can perform UTM inspections of storage tanks, silos and vessels in industrial facilities, detecting corrosion or leaks that could compromise structural integrity.

 

  1. Ship Hull Inspection: Drones equipped with UTM sensors can assess the thickness of ship hulls, propellers and other maritime structures, allowing timely identification of areas in need of maintenance or repair.

 

  1. Building inspection: In the construction industry, drones can be used to inspect facades, roofs and other structures for signs of wear or damage, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

 

Advantages and Limitations

 

Advantages

  1. Accurate Measurements: Ultrasonic thickness measurement provides highly accurate thickness measurements, allowing inspectors to identify thinning or corroded materials with precision.

 

  1. Efficiency: The use of drones for UTM inspections enables rapid assessment of large areas or structures, minimizing downtime and disruption to operations.

 

  1. Cost effectiveness: Drone-based UTM inspections require less personnel and resources compared to traditional methods, resulting in cost savings for asset owners and operators.

 

  1. Safety: Inspecting structures with drones eliminates the need for workers to enter dangerous or hard-to-reach areas, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.

 

  1. Data visualization: UTM data collected by drones can be visualized and analyzed in real time with advanced software tools, allowing inspectors to make quick and accurate informed decisions.

 

Challenges

  1. Surface Condition and Material Properties: UTM measurements can be affected by surface conditions such as roughness, corrosion or coatings, which can interfere with the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves. In addition, the accuracy of UTM measurements can vary depending on the material properties of the test sample, such as density, porosity and acoustic impedance.

 

  1. Coupling medium: Achieving good coupling between the ultrasonic transducer and the test surface is critical for accurate thickness measurements. Variations in the coupling medium (e.g., air, water, gel) can introduce measurement errors, especially in applications where access to the test surface is limited or the surface is uneven.

 

  1. Geometry and Curvature: UTM measurements can be challenging in situations where the test sample has complex geometry or curvature. Ultrasonic waves can refract or reflect differently depending on the angle of incidence, which can lead to inaccuracies in thickness measurements, especially near edges, corners or curved surfaces.

 

Ultrasonic thickness measurement integrated with drones provides a valuable solution for non-destructive testing and inspection of structural components in various industries. Its accuracy, efficiency, cost-effectiveness and safety benefits make it an indispensable tool for assessing the integrity of critical infrastructure and ensuring regulatory compliance.