Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary difference between conventional Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)?

The main difference is in the probe; conventional UT uses a single transducer, while PAUT utilizes multiple transducer elements.

What does PAUT stand for and describe the basic technology?

PAUT stands for Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing. It's a computerized application of ultrasonics that uses high-speed electronics and real-time imaging.

How are the elements in a PAUT probe controlled to achieve specific effects such as beam steering or focusing?

The elements' excitation is individually controlled by timing, which allows for steering and focusing.

What is a 'focal law' in PAUT?

<p>A focal law in PAUT defines the elements to be fired, the time delays and voltages for each element.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the individual transducer elements of a PAUT probe are arranged and function together.

<p>The PAUT probe is essentially a conventional probe cut into multiple acoustically insulated elements. They are pulsed in groups with pre-calculated time delays.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is beam forming in the context of PAUT?

<p>Beam forming is when no time delay is applied and the PAUT probe acts like a conventional UT probe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does beam steering modify the refracted angle in PAUT?

<p>Beam steering modifies the refracted angle by applying a linear focal law (delays).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using beam steering in PAUT?

<p>Beam steering allows inspection at multiple angles using a single probe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does electronic scanning achieve beam movement along an array?

<p>Electronic scanning achieves beam movement through time multiplexing the active element group.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of scan is often used for corrosion mapping, and what does the beam do?

<p>Linear electronic scanning is often used for corrosion mapping, where the beam moves along the length of the probe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a sectorial scan in the context of PAUT?

<p>A sectorial scan is the ability to scan a complete sector or volume without moving the probe.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name three applications of PAUT mentioned in the text.

<p>New construction weld inspection, In-service weld inspection and complex geometries inspection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of creating a scan plan in weld inspection?

<p>A scan plan ensures complete weld coverage and aids in equipment setup and focal law setting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name three equipment calibration steps in the weld inspection.

<p>Velocity, wedge delay for all angles, and sensitivity for all angles, Time Corrected Gain (TCG).</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides on-site, real-time interpretation, where else can inspection results be interpreted?

<p>Inspection results can also be reviewed post-inspection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT)

A type of ultrasonic testing that uses multiple transducer elements in a probe, allowing for advanced capabilities like beam steering and focusing.

Transducer elements

Individual parts of a phased array probe that emit and receive sound waves.

Beam steering

The ability to direct the ultrasonic beam in different directions by timing the activation of individual elements.

Beam focusing

The ability to focus the ultrasonic beam at specific locations within the material.

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Focal law

A set of instructions that determines the timing, amplitude, and activation of each element in a phased array probe.

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Beam forming in PAUT

The combination of various ultrasonic beams emitted by a probe to create specific shapes and directionalities.

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Beam steering in PAUT

The ability to adjust the angle at which a beam of sound waves is emitted by a probe.

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Beam focusing in PAUT

A technique used to focus sound waves at a specific depth, creating a narrow and intense beam.

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Electronic scanning in PAUT

The ability to move a beam of sound waves electronically using a probe, without any mechanical movement.

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Linear electronic scan in PAUT

A type of electronic scanning where the beam moves in a straight line along the length of the probe.

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Sectorial scan in PAUT

A type of electronic scanning where the beam moves in a cone-shaped pattern, covering a complete sector or volume.

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PAUT for complex geometries

The ability to inspect complex geometries, such as nozzles, flanges, and shafts, using a single probe.

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C-Scan mapping in PAUT

The use of PAUT to create a two-dimensional image of the inside of a material, revealing defects.

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Scan plan for PAUT weld inspection

A detailed plan for scanning a weld to ensure complete coverage by the sound waves.

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Equipment calibration in PAUT weld inspection

The process of verifying and adjusting equipment settings to ensure accurate and reliable inspections.

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Study Notes

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)

  • PAUT uses computerized ultrasonics with high-speed electronics for real-time imaging
  • Special probes are used in advanced technology for inspection
  • PAUT and conventional UT use the same basic theory, but the probe differs
  • PAUT probes are mosaics of transducer elements, enabling individual control of element excitation
  • This allows for precise beam steering and focusing

PAUT Probe Operation

  • Elements are acoustically isolated
  • Elements are pulsed in groups with calculated time delays
  • Focal law determines which elements are fired, their time delays, and voltages for both the transmitter and receiver

PAUT Beam Forming

  • No time delay is applied, making the PAUT probe similar to a conventional UT probe
  • The probe's elements are electronically controlled to form a beam

PAUT Beam Steering

  • Allows for modified refracted angles and multiple angle inspections with a single probe
  • Applies a linear focal law (delays)

PAUT Beam Focusing and Steering

  • Provides capability to focus at specific depths and angles simultaneously
  • Applies a focal law (delays), as depicted in figures

PAUT Electronic Scanning

  • Enables beam movement along an array axis without mechanical movement
  • Beam movement is achieved through time-multiplexing of active elements
  • Scanning types depend on probe geometry (linear, sectorial, lateral, combination)

PAUT Linear Electronic Scan

  • Beam moves along the length of the probe
  • Can be a straight beam or at a fixed angle
  • Commonly used for corrosion mapping

PAUT Sectorial Scan

  • Scans a complete sector or volume without probe movement
  • Useful for complex geometries
  • Distinguishes PAUT from other techniques

PAUT Applications

  • New construction weld inspection
  • In-service weld inspection (including Stress Corrosion Cracking)
  • Complex geometries (nozzles, flanges, shafts, bolts)
  • C-scan mapping
  • PAUT is commonly used, accepted, and code-compliant in phased array ultrasonics

PAUT Weld Inspection

  • Comprehensive scan plans for weld coverage are crucial
  • Scan plans help set up equipment and focal laws

PAUT Weld Inspection Calibration

  • Equipment calibration is important
  • Velocity, wedge delay, sensitivity, and time-corrected gain (TCG) for all angles are critical

PAUT Weld Scanning

  • Can be manual, semi-automated, or fully automated
  • Semi-automated systems use encoders and fixed distances to the weld center line
  • Automated scanners are completely programmable

PAUT Inspection Results

  • Signal interpretation occurs in real time, often with an omni scan
  • Tomo view is also used
  • Permanent data files are saved for future reference, such as for auditing inspection results

PAUT Advantages

  • Lateral defect position information (depth and height)
  • Permanent record
  • Repeatability (good for monitoring)
  • No radiation involved
  • Can be used for various applications
  • Identifies surface and volume defects (no dead zone)
  • Simplified interpretation

PAUT Disadvantages

  • Higher-cost equipment
  • Requires trained technicians for interpretation
  • Angle of incidence is not always optimal with S-scan

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Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing PDF

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