FIFTH CANADIAN CONFERENCE ON NONDESTRUCTIVE ... - IAEA

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The utilities using an acoustic emission proof test discover defects in metallic
and frp components. Most of these are trivial and could be addressed in
alternate approaches* but the bottom line is that critical defects are being
discovered by the test, thus increasing the level of safety in the workplace.
The proof test cannot protect against critical failure brought about through
abuse. The on-board monitor can potentially provide some assurance during
operation, exactly where it is needed, but may generate unwanted downtime due to
false alarms.
Catastrophic failure of bucket trucks is rare. This makes evaluation of an
acoustic emission program based on statistical evidence alone very difficult if
not impossible.
REFERENCES
1. J.R. Mitchell and D.G. Taggart, Acoustic Emission Testing Electric Utility
Fleet Management, V. 2, No. 5, October/November 1983.
2. J.W. McElroy, On-Board Acoustic Emission Monitoring of Fiberglass Boom
Aerial Lift Trucks Society of Automotive Engineers, Congress on Exhibition,
Detroit, February 1980.
3. J.A. Baron, Status Report on Assuming the Structural Integrity of Aerial
Personnel Devices Canadian Electrical Association, Study SD-124.
4. K. Moore, Aerial Equipment Requires Thorough, Regular Inspection
Transmission and Distribution, January 1984.
5. A. Nielsen, Acoustic Emission Source Based on Pencil Lead Breaking,
Svejsecentralen, Copenhagen, Publication 80.14.
6. Acoustic Emission Test Method for Insulated Aerial Personnel Devices
American Society for Testing and Materials proposed standard, Committee F18.
7. CSA Standard C225, Canadian Standard for Vehicle-Mounted Aerial Devices,
Canadian Standards Association.
8. Procedure for Acoustic Emission Testing of Aerial Lift Devices, PSE&G
Research Corporation, 1980.