Phased Array NDT Inspection
by IES Inspection & Engineering Services
Phased Array NDT Inspection
Phased array is a cutting edge technology based upon the pulse echo ultrasonic technique that has been used for over half a century. It uses the concept of electronically steering individual or multiple ultrasonic beams to scan welds, forgings or castings to detect flaws that could be critical to the safe operation of the component.
Unlike conventional pulse-echo ultrasonic inspection probes that can only scan at a fixed angle the phased array system can be configured to use the optimum beam angle or range of beam angles to provide maximum coverage. The probes need only be moved along the weld at predetermined standoffs for the weld to be scanned using beams of various angles.
Phased Array (UT)
We have close relations with an accredited company who specialise in advanced ultrasonic services providing not only phased array but also Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) technique, colour corrosion mapping and automated pulse echo testing.
Phased array is a cutting edge technology based upon the pulse echo ultrasonic technique that has been used for over half a century. It uses the concept of electronically steering individual or multiple ultrasonic beams to scan welds, forgings or castings to detect flaws that could be critical to the safe operation of the component.
Phased array probes contain a number of small transducers. Unlike conventional pulse echo ultrasonic inspection probes that can only scan at a fixed angle the phased array system can be configured to use the optimum beam angle or range of beam angles to provide maximum coverage. By activating a specific number of elements and applying varying amounts of voltage to the elements the beam can be steered at specific angles and rastered backwards and forwards. The probes need only be moved along the weld at predetermined standoffs for the weld to be scanned using beams of various angles.
Phased array can be used in combination with the TOFD technique to provide the ultimate volumetric weld inspection. The phased array system can also be used to detect corrosion on pipework of 4″ diameter and above using the Olympus HydroFORM system and for detecting corrosion of flange faces using the Olympus flange face inspection technique.
Phased array ultrasonics
Phased array ultrasonics (PA) is an advanced method of ultrasonic testing that has applications in medical imaging and industrial nondestructive testing. Common applications are to noninvasively examine the heart or to find flaws in manufactured materials such as welds. Single-element (non-phased array) probes, known technically as monolithic probes, emit a beam in a fixed direction. To test or interrogate a large volume of material, a conventional probe must be physically scanned (moved or turned) to sweep the beam through the area of interest.
In contrast, the beam from a phased array probe can be focused and swept electronically without moving the probe. The beam is controllable because a phased array probe is made up of multiple small elements, each of which can be pulsed individually at a computer-calculated timing. The term phased refers to the timing, and the term array refers to the multiple elements. Phased array ultrasonic testing is based on principles of wave physics, which also have applications in fields such as optics and electromagnetic antennae.
Principle of operation
The PA probe consists of many small ultrasonic transducers, each of which can be pulsed independently. By varying the timing, for instance by pulsing the elements one by one in sequence along a row, a pattern of constructive interference is set up that results in a beam at a set angle. In other words, the beam can be focused and steered electronically. The beam is swept like a search-light through the tissue or object being examined, and the data from multiple beams are put together to make a visual image showing a slice through the object.
Phased Array NDT Testing in Industry
Phased array is widely used for non-destructive testing in several industrial sectors, such as construction, pipelines, and power generation. This method is an advanced NDT method that is used to detect
Inspections using UAV are quick to arrange and complete and ideal for high level, limited man access or wide area surveys. Target co-ordinates will be archived allowing future annual inspections or repeat inspections to be completed using stored grid references of each location or object.
Phased Array NDT Inspection – Phased Array Display
Phased Array NDT Inspection – Phased Array Mobile Unit
Phased Array NDT Inspection Enquiries
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