Inspection Procedure with Eddy Current Weld Probes

In order to perform a Eddy Current Testing (ECT) Weld Probe inspection, you need to have the right equipment. We would reccomend the following:

• Impedance plane display eddy current instrument (e.g. Vantage or Veritor). 
• Eddy Current Weld Probe. 
• Paint probe to assess coating thickness and compensate calibration by means of shims. 
• Test block with 2, 1 and 0.5mm notches and four 0.5mm shims. 

Inspection Procedure

The Eddy Current Testing (ECT) Weld Probe Inspection Procedure requires a certain workflow of scanning in accordance to the standard BS EN 1711 now superseded by ISO 17643 (Non-destructive examination of welds - Eddy current examination of welds by complex plane analysis). More information on this standard can be found at the BSi Website.  

It is also important to remember that the active part of the probe is 3mm x 3mm. The diagrams below demonstrate the procedure: 

1. ZIG ZAG SCAN OF THE TOE IN THE HAZ (HEAT AFFECTED ZONE) ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE TOE. 

2. SCAN OF THE WELD CAP. 

3. A SWEEP ALONG THE TOE.