Phased Array Scanning

Two Types
Linear Scanning Sectorial Scanning
Both describe how the elements within the array are pulsed to create the desired acoustic beam Not to be confused with Scan Views

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Linear Scanning (Electronic Scan)

Linear scanning is sometimes referred to electronic scanning Is the ability to move the acoustic beam along the axis of the array without any mechanical movement.

The beam movement is performed by time multiplexing of the active elements across the probe aperture (ie. Electronic scanning)

Scanning extent is limited by:

number of elements in array number of channels in acquisition system

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Linear Scanning

Useful for inspection of welds without having to move or raster the probe.

Numerous angle scans can be generated across a probes

aperture during a single scan
Angled Linear Scan

Allows for optimal detection / sizing for traditional and complex geometries.

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Sectorial Scanning

Sectorial scanning has the ability to scan a complete sector of

volume without any probe movement.

Useful for inspection of complex geometries, or those with space restrictions

Combines the advantages of a wide beam and/or multiple

focused probes in a single phased array probe

N 2...... 1

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Sectorial Scanning

A specific number of elements (Aperture) is defined to be

used for a specific beam angle (focal law)

For every angle beam generated the entire defined element aperture is fired to a specified time delay (focal law)

Numerous beam angles are used for coverage area during scanning.

Example -30to 30 for volumetric Example 45 to 70 for weld inspection

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Sectorial Scanning

Weld Inspection
Delays

35

40

45

55

65

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Phased Array Scanning Philosophy

Select arrays to give adequate coverage; need to ensure HAZ and weld zone covered

Scan weld in parallel linear motion, -> much faster.

Left: conventional raster scan

Right: phased array scan

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Probe & Wedge Designations

Probe 5L64-A2 5 = 5MHz L = Linear Array 64 = # of Elements A2 = Casing Wedge SA2-N55S SA2 = Probe Casing N = Normal Orientation 55S = 55 Optimal Refracted Shear Wave

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Number of Elements

The quantity of elements in a phased-array probe is always a compromise between: Desired working range of the probe Focusing capability Steering capability Electronic system capability Cost For example, to create a probe with a large working range and a large steering capability, a large amount of elements will be needed, which might exceed the electronic capability of the system, or the budget.

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Aperture

Direct effect on the working range of the probe ie. Near Field The Near Field obtained by a probe will have a direct effect on the focusing limitations of the probe. Large apertures enable the ability to inspect large volumes of area without any probe movement.

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Phased Arrays Working Range

The working range of the probe is the range where the probe can be used to perform inspection. The concept of near-field inspections: A phased-array probe can focus within its near-field only. All phased array inspection must be performed within the near field, this allows for the focusing of the beam

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Screen Setup

Three views are generally used for detection and evaluation on the acquisition unit.

Sectoral View: used to detect signals in the weld volume area of interest. A-Scan View: used for signal amplitude responses C-Scan View: used for locating indications throughout the recorded scan length.

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Screen Setup

S Scan Skip & weld centerline cursors are set on the Sectoral view after being inputted in part parameter setup. S-Scan viewing area can then be used to ensure complete coverage of weld volume and HAZ is achieved. This can be easily checked with cursors S-scan can then be used to determine signal location in regards to depth and axial location for interpretation purposes

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Screen Setup

A-Scan TCG and sensitivity are set using A-Scan response Signal amplitude height for accept reject criteria is checked on A-Scan. Signal response also used for interpretation purposes C-Scan Viewing area for C-Scan is set on the S scans using the gate function. C-Scan gate is set to cover the weld volume from root to cap region Indications throughout the scan length can then be detected and measured for length.

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Different scanning views

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Calibrations

Wedge Delay and Sensitivity Calibrations Performed Note: In most cases wedge delay is not necessary. This is due to the high quality of probe and wedge manufacturing Thin wall materials will not require a wedge delay TCG is performed across the entire area of interest. A 2 point TCG is sufficient for one line scan weld inspection Calibration and setup parameters are then saved as a setup file on the storage card Setup files can then be opened at a later date to use for that particular inspection

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Weld Measurements

Pipe Thickness This will be entered as the part thickness prior to inspection Will ensure correct skip cursors are placed on S-Scan for indication locating and interpretation

Weld Width This is necessary to ensure complete coverage of the weld volume and HAZ is achieved with the preset offset. Will also aid in location of indications and interpretation
Note: Both measurements are to be recorded along to aid in later analysis and repeatability of scan results.

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General

Weld Visually Examined Weld to be checked throughout its entire length for any anomalies I.e. Undercut, Stop/Start, Weld Spatter, Mismatch etc Record the Following: Scan Start Scan Direction Location ie N, S, W, E, pipeside, tee, elbow etc.
Note: All recorded info are to be recorded to aid in later analysis and repeatability of scan results.

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