Where are phased array systems used?

Ultrasonic phased array systems can potentially be employed in almost any test where conventional ultrasonic flaw detectors have traditionally been used. Weld inspection and crack detection are the most important applications, and these tests are done across a wide range of industries including aerospace, power generation, petrochemical, metal billet and tubular goods suppliers, pipeline construction and maintenance, structural metals, and general manufacturing. Phased arrays can also be effectively used to profile remaining wall thickness in corrosion survey applications.

The benefits of phased array technology over conventional UT come from its ability to use multiple elements to steer, focus and scan beams with a single transducer assembly. Beam steering, commonly referred to sectorial scanning, can be used for mapping components at appropriate angles. This can greatly simplify the inspection of components with complex geometries. The small footprint of the transducer and the ability to sweep the beam without moving the probe also aids inspection of such components in situations where there is limited access for mechanical scanning. Sectorial scanning is also typically used for weld inspection. The ability to test welds with multiple angles from a single probe greatly increases the probability of detection of anomalies. Electronic focusing permits optimizing the beam shape and size at the expected defect location, thus further optimizing probability of detection. The ability to focus at multiple depths also improves the ability for sizing critical defects for volumetric inspections. Focusing can significantly improve signal-to-noise ratio in challenging applications, and electronic scanning across many groups of elements allows for C-Scan images to be produced very rapidly.

How it works

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• Consists of an array of elements in one single probe, which pulses in a programmed and individual way
• A precise software controls the constructive and destructive interferences (focal laws), driving the direction, the angle and the focal spot of the ultrasonic beams
• The Phased Array Technology allows for:
  • Deflection of the electronic beam
  • Electronic scanning of the beam
  • Complex inspections

Phased-array technology allows the generation of an ultrasonic beam with the possibility of setting the beam parameters such as angle, focal distance, and focal point size through software; furthermore, this beam can be multiplexed over a large array. These capabilities open a series of new possibilities; for instance, it is possible to quickly vary the angle of the beam to scan a part without moving the probe itself; phased array also allows the replacement of multiple probes and even mechanical components. Inspecting a part with a variable-angle beam also ensures detection regardless of the defect orientation while optimizing signal-to-noise ratio. This technology has numerous exciting applications in NDT.

Benefits of Phased Arrays

Phased array technology offers the following capabilities:

• Software control of beam angle, focal distance, and spot size
• Multiple-angle inspection with a single, small, electronically controlled, multi-element probe
• Greater flexibility for the inspection of complex geometry
• High-speed scans with no moving parts