Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT/UTM) enables the precise determination of the actual wall thickness in pipelines, tanks, and steel structures without cutting, drilling, or dismantling. These measurements are fundamental for effective assessment of the structural integrity in various industries, from offshore and shipbuilding to energy and petrochemicals.
The measurement is based on transmitting ultrasonic waves into the tested material using a probe, similar to conventional ultrasonic testing (UT). The waves reflect off the back wall, and the travel time is used to calculate the material’s thickness. Testing can be performed at specific points (A-scan method) or using a mobile scanner to create a graphical cross-section of the tested element (B-scan).
Ultrasonic thickness testing evaluates the condition of equipment and installations exposed to corrosion, erosion, and operational wear. It enables the rapid detection of areas with excessive wall thinning before failures occur. The method is widely used for: