Advanced NDT

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) used for flaw detection, sizing, and imaging. PAUT technology is the ability to modify electronically the acoustic probe characteristics.

The Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and Time of Flight Diffraction

(TOFD) technologies have made rapid changes in inspection and reliability in various industries. These ultrasonic testing techniques are rapidly replacing conventional radiography. A major advantage in replacing RT with PAUT & TOFD is reducing the radiation risks apart from increased probability of detection (POD), production rate and better sizing of the discontinuities.) Advanced NDT Phased Array Ultrasonic Boiler Tube Inspection applications have become almost the norm in many areas of industry today. The benefits of this non-destructive testing technology being the ability to store a full inspection record. The visual display of combined A-Scan, B-Scan, C-Scan and S-Scan gives a simplified understanding of flaw type and associated dimensions.

The majority of Phased Array equipment used on site is very portable and generally used in conjunction with manually driven encoded scanning devices, although much more elaborate robotic designs are available. The units vary in hardware from 16 to 64 element pulser configurations that determine the thickness of materials that can be covered within a single scan.

It is important that the individuals performing these examinations are trained, certified correctly in both the technology and actual equipment being operated. Detailed scan plans are required prior to examinations being performed and correct calibration/reference blocks and performance demonstration welds to correctly validate inspection technique.

Phased Array Technology has also been utilized to perform Ultrasonic examinations for the evaluation of environmental damage mechanisms such as HIC, SOHIC, SCC and HTHA. The sectorial image produced from a phased array scan can often reveal whether stepwise cracking is present between hydrogen blisters that would not be noted from 0 longitudinal inspection. Field trials have determined Phased Array techniques to be the most successful in identifying and sizing Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) in stainless steel piping butt welds. The image below indicates typical SCC detected using Phased Array techniques.

Allow the experts at QAMA NDT develop an inspection solution for your company, we can provide the Answer to obtaining the information you require to continue the safe operation of your plant equipment. Our team of NDT technologists has over 15 years’ experience in delivering advanced ultrasonic technology in the field, prior to their acceptance into construction codes as standard practices. We aim for quality and integrity everyday