-New equipmen Unit is microprocessor controlled Full microprocessor control is featured in the USD10 ultrasonic flaw detector from Wells Krautkramer now being marketed worldwide.

A development of the USD1 mains- powered research instrument, the USD10 incorporates digital presentation and computer- addressability. Frequency range is 0.4 to 20 MHz (minus 3dB) or 0.1 to 35 MHz (minus 20dB). Screen display range is from 5 mm to 10 m with a delay control of up to 10 m (in steel). Maximum gain is 111 dB.

Keypad controls with only one function and a 1 O0 x 80 mm digital screen (400 x 240 pixels) allow the instrument to be operated through a series of menu displays. To simplify the operation, certain regularly used parameters are repeated on different tables. The instrument can store up to 10 sets of complete calibration data.

The USD10 is able to communicate directly with both video and computer peripherals via a built-in video link and RS232C interface.

The USD10 from Wells Krautkramer

Being microprocessor controlled, it is also possible to establish two- way communication with an external computer or a second USD10. Any screen data, data sets, A-scans etc, can also be down- loaded to a printer or direct into a standard video recorder.

Features include echo peak hold, precise distance amplitude correction (DAC) for constant echo height presentation regardless of defect depth, noise suppression by averaging plus high resolution and linearity from a new amplifier design.

Wells Krautkramer, Blackhorse Road, Letchworth, Herts SG6 1HF, UK

Corrosion monitor tests steel tower legs in concrete

The condition of a steel tower leg in a concrete foundation can now be monitored using an electrochemical technique developed by the Central Electricity Generating Board with hardware manufactured under licence by Cormon Ltd. The Tower Leg Integrity Monitor (TLIM) consists of a tower leg contact clamp, a ground probe and a reference half cell, connected to the battery powered instrument.

Operation of the TLIM induces current perturbations in the tower leg; the resulting changes in potential within the system are measured with reference to the half cell. The greater the active corrosion, the greater the injected current required to displace the leg potential. A value for the corrosion current is derived from the ratio of two readings. High corrosion currents indicate the need for excavation and more detailed visual examinations of the tower leg.

For further details contact: Cormon Ltd, Cormon House, South Stree~ Lancing, W Sussex BN 15 8A J, UK

Field trials success for automat ic hardness tester

An automatic Brinell Industries hardness tester has been successfully field tested, according to its manufacturer Foundrax Ltd of Somerset, UK.

The Brinscan Mk II is said to conform to the new British Standard BS240: 1986. The Brinscan Mk II employs an automatic Brinell microscope developed and manufactured by Foundrax to measure Brinell indentations and provide hard copy records.

The instrument has a large stationary table which makes it suitable for putting into line. The test head clamps the workpiece thus reducing the need for jigs and fixtures and the fully automatic cycle can be varied to suit customer needs.

Foundrax Engineering Products Ltd, West Lydford, Somerton, Somerset TA 11 7DEZ UK

Video framestore said to have high resolution A video framestore which is said to feature a high resolution of captured images is now being offered for quality assurance and production monitoring applications by Oggitronics Ltd of Maldon, Essex, UK.

The FS768 real-time storage video framestore can be incorporated into a variety of automated quality control facilities within industry. Typical applications include the on- line detection and rejection of faulty components, monitoring of rapidly moving images, surface defect analysis and the inspection of printed circuit boards.

The FS768 framestore captures video images of moving objects for assessment or comparison on a visual monitor. These images can be displayed, with enhanced clarity, as a single 'still' or as a succession of "stills' at the rate of 25 per second. Comparisons can be made, for example, between the captured

image of components on a transfer conveyor and the standard image in the framestore memory, enabling any imperfect component to be identified and rejected from the production line.

The video framestore can give a horizontal resolution of up to 800 pixels per line, a vertical resolution of up to 576 lines and a resolution amplitude of from one to eight memory bits.

Oggitronics Ltd, Poole House, 37 High Stree~ Maldon, Essex CM9 7PF, UK

Oggitronics' FS 768 video framestore

NDT International August 1987 247