Patent GB-1380887-A (GB)
Title: Magnetic powder testing of ferromagnetic bodies
IPC: G01N27/84
Filed: 1973-01-03
Abstract: 1380887 Photo-electric detection of defects M FORSTER 3 Jan 1973 [26 Feb 1972] 444/73 Heading G1A [Also in Division G4] Objects composed of ferromagnetic material are tested for surface defects by the magnetic powder method, an image of the treated surface being formed on the screen of a cathode ray scanning tube for analysis. The image may be simply that formed by reflection of ambient light, or as in Fig.2 the magnetic powder is mixed with fluorescent material so that illumination by ultraviolet lamp 3 causes the line of powder indicating the area of a crack, to luminesce. The voltage picked off the front semi-conductor plate is analyzed and recorded or used to operate the marker to mark the defect. The tube is operated to provide a repetitive line scan while the steel billet sample 1 is moved longitudinally. As the billet moves, friction wheel 16 monitors its movement and controls time base 17. In this way, counters 12, 13 may be used to develop the cumulative defect length (total number of crossings of line scan across defects) and cumulative sample length (total number of scans), respectively by dividing the first by the second the specific defect length is obtained and may be printed out after each billet, every tenth one, or each batch. Transverse position of defects are detected by dividing the width of a billet into e.g. five channels, by the use of five triggers of increasing threshold levels, controlled by the time base, Fig.4 (not shown). Five respective marker spray guns are provided, and a computer store records the positions of defects to enable later removal by grinding &c. Depth of cracks is indicated by the intensity of fluorescence. By the use of three triggers of different response thresholds, Fig.6 (not shown), defects may be segregated into those which are acceptable; those within a depth range which can be corrected by grinding etc; and those which are to be scrapped. The defects in these groups are counted and in the two upper ones marked with different coloured inks. The objects with acceptable defects may be sorted out. Presence of lap and scaling defects of the shapes shown in Fig.7, is detected by feeding the two pulses resulting during each scan, to a bi-stable multi-vibrator which produces a square wave pulse of length dependent on the pulse spacing. The differences between each multivibrator pulse and a subsequent one are integrated to develop a step function for a scale or lap defect, as opposed to a zero function for two parallel cracks. Alternatively, the arrangement of Fig.8 (not shown) is used in which the scanning tube video signal is displayed on a monitor which has an array of photo-sensors viewing the projected linear image. The system is arranged to detect scales and no other defects. Use of T.V. monitor. Besides detection of scales, positions of defects across a billet may be indicated by use of an array of photo-transistors viewing the screen through cylindrical lenses, and supplying respective triggers and counters. By using a full raster scan by the viewing cathode ray tube or use of a vidicon or image orthicon camera, a display may be provided on the monitor, which allows immediate indication of correct operation of the system. Defects less than permissible depths may be eliminated from the display. A small area only may be viewed by marking off, to allow direct measurement in one raster scan of defect length density and/or specific defect length. Types of specimen. With square billets, four scanning systems are used; for hexagonal, three; for a circular sample, this is rotated as it is advanced and one scanner used. Welds may be examined and faults marked. A scanning system is moved along inside a pipe which has to be tested once in situ. Mass-produced articles such as bolts, screws &c. are referred to.