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U.S. Department of Energy
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Eddy-current probe characterization

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6530182
 [1]
  1. Jones (J.A.) Applied Research Co., Charlotte, NC (USA)

Characterization of various eddy current coil configurations was accomplished using state-of-the-art digital testing equipment. Program objectives were twofold: (1) to determine optimal detection frequencies for different probe diameters and coil configurations with emphasis on the bobbin-coil; and (2) to identify probe types most sensitive to volumetric and planar tube wall degradation. Optimal signal response for flaw detection was obtained at a frequency near the probe resonance which is determined by the combined electrical characteristics of the eddy current coil and probe cable length. Adding unnecessary lengths of extension cables resulted in poor flaw detection performance. The degraded performance was attributed to change in the probe resonance and the associated reduction in the received signal amplitude. Probe sensitivity tests were conducted with samples containing volumetric and planar flaws using the measured resonant frequency as a primary detection frequency for each probe type. In general, pancake coils offered the highest sensitivity for both volumetric and planar flaws. This report summarizes the results of probe characterization and probe sensitivity tests. 3 refs., 18 figs., 1 tab.

Research Organization:
Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (USA); Jones (J.A.) Applied Research Co., Charlotte, NC (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
EPRI
OSTI ID:
6530182
Report Number(s):
EPRI-NP-6990
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English