Method for processing acoustic emission testing data to define signal velocity and location

Non-destructive acoustic emission testing is an effective and cost-efficient way to examine pressure vessels for hidden defects (cracks, laminations etc.), as well as the only method that is sensitive to developing defects. The sound velocity in the test object and its adequate definition in the location scheme are of paramount importance for the accurate detection of the acoustic emission source. The acoustic emission data processing method proposed here in comprises a set of numerical methods and allows defining the source coordinates and the most probable velocity for each signal. The method includes pre-filtering of data by amplitude, by time differences, elimination of electromagnetic interference. Further, a set of numerical methods is applied to them to solve the system of nonlinear equations, in particular, the Newton – Kantorovich method and the general iterative process. The velocity of a signal from one source is assumed as a constant in all directions. As the initial approximation is taken the center of gravity of the triangle formed by the first three sensors that registered the signal. The method developed has an important practical application, and the paper provides an example of its approbation in the calibration of an acoustic emission system at a production facility (hydrocarbon gas purification absorber). Criteria for pre-filtering of data are described. The obtained locations are in good agreement with the signal generation sources, and the velocities even reflect the Rayleigh-Lamb division of acoustic waves due to the different signal source distances from the sensors. The article contains the dependency graph of the average signal velocity against the distance from its source to the nearest sensor. The main advantage of the method developed is its ability to detect the location of different velocity signals within a single test. This allows to increase the degree of freedom in the calculations, and thereby increase their accuracy.