The Most Advanced Form Of Nondestructive Testing (NDT)

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing

X LLC

Presentation Contents • Benefits for weld inspection • Phased Array vs. Radiography • Range of uses • Basic Principles of Ultrasonics • Conventional Ultrasonic Testing • Beam Steering • Code Compliant

X LLC

Benefits of Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing – More portable than Radiography in terms of equipment – Code compliant – Increased probability of defect detection – Better flaw sizing and dimensioning – Ability to immediately furnish location and size of weld flaws with

pinpoint accuracy.

X LLC

Phased Array vs. Radiography • Disadvantages of radiography:

– Cost of down time for testing & interpretation, both operations & contractor personnel

– Accessibility limitations – Cost of down time for retest & interpretation, both operations &

contractor personnel

X LLC

Industry Usage

Medical Aerospace

Railroad Components Pipeline

X LLC

Basic Principle of Ultrasonics • The ultrasonic sound beams travel through the part, which is known as a

pulse. • The pulse is traced for an echo. This is known as Pulse Echo (PE)

X LLC

Conventional Ultrasonic Testing X LLC

Phased Array Ultrasonics • Definition: Ultrasonic phased arrays use a multiple element probe

whereby the output pulse from each element is time delayed in such a way so as to produce constructive interference at a specific angle and specific depth.

X LLC

Phased Sound Beams • Ultrasonic sound beams are emitted through the individual elements in a

time delayed pattern to create a sound wave that may be manipulated; swept and/or steered.

X LLC

Steering and sweeping beams of sound inside the weld and base metal of equipment allows technicians to map the features and defects of the test piece.

X LLC

35⁰ to 70⁰ Sectorial Scan

35⁰ to 70⁰ Sectorial Scan

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing • Code Compliant:

– The ASME (American Society for Mechanical Engineers) Section V and API RP2X explicitly accept phased arrays. Three ASME code cases have been written specifically for manual phased array: Code Cases 2541, 2557 and 2558

– The American Welding Society (AWS) Structural Welding Code D1.1 implicitly accepts phased arrays. New technologies such as phased arrays can be proven in Annex K

– Note that ultrasonic examinations shall be performed in accordance with a written procedure conforming to the requirements of ASME BPV Code Section V Article 4. ACTEMM's PAUT-1 test procedure meets these requirements

X LLC