Important Information On Ultrasonic; Prerequisites For Testing With Ultrasonic Test Equipment; Operator Training - GE USM 36 Series Technical Reference And Operating Manual

1 Introduction
1.2 Important information on
ultrasonic testing
Please read the following information before using your
USM 36. It is important that you understand and ob-
serve this information to avoid any operator errors that
might lead to false test results. Such false test results
could result in personal injuries or property damages.
Prerequisites for testing with ultrasonic
test equipment
This operating manual contains essential information on
how to operate your test equipment. In addition, there
are a number of factors that affect the test results, but a
description of all these factors goes beyond the scope
of this operating manual. The three most important pre-
requisites for a safe and reliable ultrasonic inspection
are:
● Operator training
● Knowledge of special technical test requirements and
limits
● Choice of appropriate test equipment
1-4

Operator training

The operation of an ultrasonic test device requires prop-
er training in ultrasonic test methods.
Proper training comprises for example adequate knowl-
edge of:
● the theory of sound propagation,
● the effects of sound velocity in the test material,
● the behavior of the sound wave at interfaces between
different materials,
● the propagation of the sound beam,
● the influence of sound attenuation in the test object
and the influence of surface quality of the test object.
Lack of such knowledge could lead to false test results
with unforeseeable consequences. You can contact for
example NDT societies or organizations in your country
(DGZfP in Germany; ASNT in the USA), or also GE, for
information on the existing opportunities for training of
ultrasonic inspectors as well as on the qualifications and
certificates that can finally be obtained.
Issue 2 (12/2013)
Important information on ultrasonic testing
USM 36