New ASTM Nondestructive Testing Standard Covers Examination of Mill and Kiln Girth Gear Teeth
Posted: 2013-5-24
Methods of examining large girth gear teeth to detect surface breaking flaws
have often been time-consuming and limited in terms of data collected.
However, a new ASTM International standard provides a more effective method
for gear examination using eddy current array, a technology that has been widely
used but, until now, not standardized.
ASTM E2905/E2905M, Practice for Examination of Mill and Kiln Girth Gear Teeth
- Electromagnetic Methods, was developed by Subcommittee E07.07 on
Electromagnetic Method, part of ASTM International Committee E07 on
Nondestructive Testing.
Tom Shumka, president, Global Inspections–NDT Inc., and an E07 member,
confirms that ASTM E2905/E2905M addresses the need to detect surface
breaking flaws electronically and to accurately size any surface breaking cracks
found on cast and forged mill girth gear and pinion teeth faster and more
effectively than other methods.
ASTM E2905/E2905M describes a two-part procedure. The first part, using eddy
current array technology, covers the ability to detect 100 percent of surface-
breaking discontinuities in the addendum, dedendum and root area of a gear
tooth. The second part, using alternating current field measurement, is
concerned with accurate measurement of the length and depth of any cracks
found in the areas specified in the first part.
"The applications for this standard include detection and sizing of surface
breaking flaws in any conducting material," says Shumka. "The principal
advantages of eddy current array over other examination methods are it’s
cleaner, faster, documentable and greatly improves probability of detection.
Another advantage is the gear teeth do not need to be wiped down after
cleaning."
According to Shumka, the new standard will provide a quick reference to improve
understanding of eddy current array testing on mill and kiln girth gear teeth
across every applicable level of contractual parties. Shumka says that ECA
technology, which has been used in the nuclear industry for years, is clean, fast
and easily documented. In addition, the probes used in ECA can be shaped to fit
complex geometries.
"In today’s world, production and uptime on industrial equipment is of utmost
importance," says Shumka. "Although most gear engineers have known about
using ECA for years, most wanted a standard developed before they would
consider using the method."
have often been time-consuming and limited in terms of data collected.
However, a new ASTM International standard provides a more effective method
for gear examination using eddy current array, a technology that has been widely
used but, until now, not standardized.
ASTM E2905/E2905M, Practice for Examination of Mill and Kiln Girth Gear Teeth
- Electromagnetic Methods, was developed by Subcommittee E07.07 on
Electromagnetic Method, part of ASTM International Committee E07 on
Nondestructive Testing.
Tom Shumka, president, Global Inspections–NDT Inc., and an E07 member,
confirms that ASTM E2905/E2905M addresses the need to detect surface
breaking flaws electronically and to accurately size any surface breaking cracks
found on cast and forged mill girth gear and pinion teeth faster and more
effectively than other methods.
ASTM E2905/E2905M describes a two-part procedure. The first part, using eddy
current array technology, covers the ability to detect 100 percent of surface-
breaking discontinuities in the addendum, dedendum and root area of a gear
tooth. The second part, using alternating current field measurement, is
concerned with accurate measurement of the length and depth of any cracks
found in the areas specified in the first part.
"The applications for this standard include detection and sizing of surface
breaking flaws in any conducting material," says Shumka. "The principal
advantages of eddy current array over other examination methods are it’s
cleaner, faster, documentable and greatly improves probability of detection.
Another advantage is the gear teeth do not need to be wiped down after
cleaning."
According to Shumka, the new standard will provide a quick reference to improve
understanding of eddy current array testing on mill and kiln girth gear teeth
across every applicable level of contractual parties. Shumka says that ECA
technology, which has been used in the nuclear industry for years, is clean, fast
and easily documented. In addition, the probes used in ECA can be shaped to fit
complex geometries.
"In today’s world, production and uptime on industrial equipment is of utmost
importance," says Shumka. "Although most gear engineers have known about
using ECA for years, most wanted a standard developed before they would
consider using the method."
