Non-destructive tests with the Phased Array technique

Written by Apolinar Noriega

Ultrasonic tests with the Phased Array technique allow to detect cracks and imperfections at an early stage and, in this way, protect assets of great value for companies.

In addition, they help avoid unexpected activity stops and costly repairs.  This is a reason wich more and more non-destructive testing are done under the Phased Array technique.

These kinds of tests allow detecting cracks and imperfections at an early stage and, in this way, protecting assets of great value for companies.

For this reason, many experts offer their services of corrosion and welding tests, as well as wall thickness measurement using the Phased Array technique.

Its effectiveness comes from the combination of multiple angles and focal depths through a probe that performs several different inspections without the ney the confied to modifguration of the transducer.

The results of these inspections are stored and visualized clearly to prepare reports. It can be used in conventional and special materials such as high alloy and austenitic stainless steel.

It is not surprising that this technique is gaining ground against the traditional X-Ray testing, which forced to stop the production of the activity and needs to have areas authorized for the use of Co60 (Bunker) to x-ray components of strong thickness.

Advantages of the technique

1. Allows timely control of the welding process contributing to the reduction of rejection rats.
2. High yields.
3. Saves time by allowing thick thickness inspection in short times.
4. Does not pollute the environment with chemical or radioactive waste.
5. It does not generate risk to people and the probability of radioactive incidents is eliminated.
6. With automated techniques, unlike manual UT, there is a high probability of detection and repetitiveness in the assay.
7. It saves money by not requiring exclusion zones that stop production due to the risk of ionizing radiation.
8. Permanent physical and digital registration at 100% of the welding volume.

Scope of the phased array technique

– Corrosion inspections.
– Welding inspections.
– Thickness measurements.
– Detection of cracks and defects.
– Anywhere where conventional ultrasound tests have been performed.