Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing

Inspection Solutions for Today and Tomorrow

PAUT Training and Certification Requirements
ASNT added PAUT in 4th quarter of 2011
Prerequisite to PAUT is UT level II Certification
Minimum 80 hours classroom training
Training course outline is specified in CP-105
Minimum 160 hours on the job (hands on) training
Specific examination consisting of a minimum 30
questions on PAUT
Levels of Responsibility
ASNT does not address PAUT level Is. Its assumed that a PAUT
inspector will be an experienced UT level II.
General Industry Level II PAUT under ASNT
Additional Performance Demonstration Qualification (PDQ) certs
under
EPRI
API
Per Contract Documents
No certified Level III PAUT per ASNT, only in house or contractor
designation as Subject Matter Experts (SME).
Codes and Standards Accepting PAUT
ASME
First through Code cases 181 and 2235
Now as direct acceptance through article 4 and mandatory appendices
ASTM E2700 Standard Practice for Contact Ultrasonic Testing of Welds using
Phased Array
ASTM 2491 Standard Guide for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of
Phased Array Test Systems
API 1104 Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities
AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code Steel
AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding Code
History of PAUT
1801 Constructive/Destructive
interaction demonstrated
In phase combination =
reinforcement
Out of phase combination =
cancellation
1960s Researchers begin to develop
systems using pulsed multi-point
transducers to direct mechanical waves
1970s Medical imaging diagnostics
appear
Beam steer offers cross sectional
image views
What is PAUT

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing is an

advanced ultrasonic technique used for
flaw detection, sizing, and imaging
Uses multi-element (array) probes for
increased beam steering and focusing
compared to conventional UT
Like having many small conventional UT
probes in one pulsed at predetermined
intervals
How Phased Array Works
Each individual wave generated within the scan goes through
the pulse/receive cycle as shown below
How Phased
Array Works
Each received analog A-Scan
is digitized and rendered
into 2D display formats
Signals from the entire
sequence are compiled into
various image formats for
evaluation
PAUT Views
A data view is a 2D
graphic rendering
of the ultrasonic
data
Data views
A-Scan
B-Scan
C-Scan
S-Scan
ToFD
Ray Tracing
Strip Charts
A-Scan View
Source by which all other
views are created
Amplitude vs time
An A-Scan exists for every
sound beam
One for each segment
of a linear scan
One for each angle of
an S-Scan
Rulers allow presentation
of information in time,
sound path, or true depth
Amplitude is linked to
color pallet
B-Scan View
A side view looking from the back side of the probe
Represents data collected through the entire scan length for one A-Scan
View changes dynamically as angle or VPA is scrolled
 C-Scan View
C-Scan is a plan view/top view
View is generated based on gate positioning and mode (may be configured for
gate A and B independently)
Data can be presented in amplitude or position (thickness) formats
S-Scan View
Presents all A-Scans within the
group in an angular sector or
sweep range
A-Scans are converted to color
coded lines representing
amplitude
May be corrected for delay and
true depth relative to the
ultrasonic axis as shown here
Time of Flight Diffraction (ToFD)
The ToFD display offers a B-Scan representation of
the diffracted signals detected in pitch catch
conventional UT probes
As with all other image views ToFD is built off
individual A-Scans
 Ray Tracing View
Provides 2D representation of the weld, showing rebounds
of the beam path and A gate position for the first, last and
active focal law
Should only be used as a reporting tool
Master Thoughts
Its still UT
Anything UT can do PAUT can do better
Technology enabled
UT is not new, neither is PAUT
Computer assistance of proven technology
Advancements in transducer material/design
Medical use and capability perfected
Adapted for use in industrial sector
Key elements
Multi-dimension sizing offers more accurate assessment of integrity
Weld images provided in multiple 2D orientations, giving 3D of views
Raises production while reducing costs
 PAUT for
Pipelines
API 1104 21st Edition
 API 1104 21 st Edition
Appendix A Option 1 Engineers
Critical Assessment (ECA)

PAUT has been accepted since 19th

Edition of API 1104
Approved by PHMSA
Approved by The Ohio Gas Association
Multi dimension sizing allows for use of
ECA
ECA/Fracture Mechanics acceptance
criteria used and can reduce reject and
repair rates.
 Why PAUT? Why Now?
No dangerous ionizing radiation
Reduced safety factor
Increased production
Possible reduction in reject rate
No expensive regulatory fees
Accurate permanent records
Equipment generated reports with detailed
indication tables
Physical and cloud storage of data with no
degradation
Multiple weld images included with data
Results auditable onsite or remotely every day
Setup and equipment data/configuration
automatically included in report
Pipeline NDT PAUT RT
Why PAUT? Why Now?
Mainline crew $120/hr $175/hr
Tremendous cost savings
Data/Film
$5/per
$35/weld
Lower hourly fees
weld Less manpower
$800- No regulatory costs
Equipment fees $600/day
$1200/day Lower data vs film cost
Tie-in/HDD NDT crew $95/hr $175/hr Remote auditing offering lower costs
No production interruption
N/A Lower liability consideration due to
(combined
Project lead with other $1200/day safety
service Safety
position) No ionizing radiation
Less manpower
$1000-
Licensing N/A $10,000 Only seasoned personnel are certified
per project ECA criteria more accurately reflect
likelihood of failure
Auditing $5/weld $1000/day
Benefits Recap
Increased production
Increased usefulness of data
Increase in job safety
Decreased costs of inspection/NDT
Decreased repair/rejection rate

An investment in innovation is an investment in a safe profitable future!