Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) is a focused inspection technique designed to incorporate beam technology to detect complex geometries & sizing defects.
MISTRAS’ Phased Array (PA) inspection services are an accurate, efficient, and reliable volumetric examination technique offering real-time imaging to reliably detect and measure corrosion, cracking, flaws, and other defects across a wide variety of materials, components and industries.
What is Ultrasonic Phased Array Testing?
Phased Array is an ultrasonic testing technique that uses specialized multi-element “array” transducers and pulses those elements separately in a patterned sequence called “phasing”. This phasing sequence allows wave steering, focusing, and scanning. This is all performed electronically. The examination can be tailored for each application, increasing speed and reliability of the inspection.
With the ability to collect and encode full volumetric data, Phased Array brings code compliance and auditable results to the everyday Ultrasonic examination. This makes Phased Array an effective and efficient alternative to Radiographic inspection. And since there is no radiation or environmental hazards, Phased Array inspections can access radiation sensitive areas, increase project production by not displacing other crafts in the area, and maximizes on-site and personnel safety.
Advantages of Phased Array
- Excellent repeatability
- Increased inspection speed
- Accurate results
- Ability to inspect complex geometries
- Ability to inspect large areas
- Permanent auditable results
- No safety hazards
Phased Array Inspection Applications
- Corrosion mapping
- Detection of hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC), stress corrosion cracking (SCC), and stress-oriented hydrogen induced cracking (SOHIC)
- Weld inspection of pressure vessels, piping, and tubing
- Vessels and piping fabricated with composite materials
- Accurate sizing data for fitness-for-service (FFS) calculations
- Turbine blades and Christmas tree designs
- Pressure vessel and piping welds
- Erosion/corrosion mapping
- Friction stir welds
- Composite panels
- Landing gear cylinders
- Titanium billets, forgings and castings
Beyond Traditional Phased Array: Full Matrix Capture (FMC)
Full Matrix Capture (FMC) enables the collection of all the possible transmit/receive combinations. Combining FMC data with advanced imaging algorithms like Total Focusing Method (TFM) allows for areas to be inspected with ideal wave focus at all points on the image. These advance techniques allow MISTRAS personnel to provide better defect detection, imaging, characterization, and sizing on some of the most demanding applications.
