More on Olympus Phased Array: http://bit.ly/1zo4CRu Even when a complete technique replacement may not be feasible there are many possible scenarios where radiography can be left as the final acceptance method and manual phased array ultrasound can still be applied to increase quality and efficiency of process. The smaller compact, less expensive and more user friendly phased array instruments now available make this an even more valid addition to a radiographic inspection process. Contact us: http://bit.ly/1rDmq94 Sign up for our newsletter: http://bit.ly/1j5FOTy

1.
Application Notes Summary
Manual Phased Array Ultrasound as a Complement to Radiographic
Inspections
Summary
Many
codes
allow
for
the
substitute
of
one
method
of
stated
nondestructive
testing
NDT
for
another
as
long
as
certain
requirements
are
met.
A
popular
trend
in
recent
years
is
the
complete
replacement
of
radiographic
testing
with
ultrasonic
methods.
Although
this
offers
huge
benefits
in
many
cases
it
is
not
always
practical
in
all
cases
because
of
time
investment,
training,
procedures,
end
user
approvals,
investment
in
new
equipment,
personnel
requirements,
and
other
considerations.
This
is
often
done
as
a
permanent
complement
that
fits
the
environment
or
as
short
term
cooperation
between
methods
while
the
complete
switch
to
Phased
Array
is
being
implemented.
Introduction
Even
when
a
complete
technique
replacement
may
not
be
feasible
there
are
many
possible
scenarios
where
radiography
can
be
left
as
the
final
acceptance
method
and
manual
phased
array
ultrasound
can
still
be
applied
to
increase
quality
and
efficiency
of
process.
The
smaller
compact,
less
expensive
and
more
user
friendly
phased
array
instruments
now
available
make
this
an
even
more
valid
addition
to
a
radiographic
inspection
process.
Areas
Where
Phased
Array
is
Typically
Employed
in
a
Radiographic
Process
o Buildup
of
thick
welds
in
between
passes
o Allows
for
verification
that
initial
weld
build
up
is
defect
free
before
adding
more
material
without
moving
the
component
to
an
area
for
radiographic
test
or
clearing
the
area.
This
is
especially
valuable
when
using
costly
base
and
filler
materials,
clads,
and
in
very
thick
pressure
vessel
manufacturing.
o Verification
of
defect
type
and
extent
suspected
from
radiographic
film

2.
o Phased
array
views
and
image
processing
ability
offer
additional
tools
for
defect
characterization
especially
with
difficult-­‐to-­‐interpret
defects.
o Verification
of
geometric
features
and
inspection
of
valves
and
other
tie-­‐ins
where
radiographic
film
placement
is
difficult
and
subject
to
errors.
o Verification
of
repairs
made
based
on
radiographic
examination
o Phased
array
can
easily
be
applied
quickly
to
verify
the
repair
was
successful
before
taking
final
acceptance
radiography
after
repair.
This
is
very
valuable
for
large
components
that
are
difficult
to
move
around.
o Prove
up
and
height
sizing
of
defects
found
with
radiography
o Allows
instant
depth
and
thru-­‐wall
extent
without
removing
component
from
radiography
area.
o Auditable
data
saving
o Manual
Sector
scans
and
other
image
types
can
be
saved
so
A-­‐scans
can
be
replayed
as
a
permanent
volumetric
record
of
discontinuity.
Why
Manual
Phased
Array
is
a
Great
Complementary
Method
o Accurate
Depth
and
thru-­‐wall
extent
sizing.
o Flexible
programming
angles
for
coverage
and
detection.
o Imaging
including
raw
A-­‐scan
data.
o Portable
and
easy
to
employ
in
difficult-­‐to-­‐access
areas
and
areas
where
there
is
little
room
to
place
film.
o No
hazards
or
chemicals
and
can
be
employed
without
stopping
other
processes
around
it
or
moving
parts.
o Upgradeable
to
encoded
phased
array
to
meet
radiographic
replacement
codes.
o Same
as
ultrasonic
physics
so
easy
to
re-­‐train
existing
workers.
o Well-­‐established
codes,
guides
and
training
paths.
Typical
Equipment
and
Inspection
Requirements
o Phased
Array
Acquisition
unit
(OmniScan
SX
or
EPOCH
1000i)
o Phased
Array
Probe
and
Wedge
chosen
by
materials
that
need
to
be
inspected
o Ultrasonic
Couplant
o Suitable
Calibration
blocks
for
material,
Sensitivity,
TCG
and
other
required
calibrations
as
require
Conclusion
Radiography
replacement
has
become
an
industry
trend
and
code
accepted
practice.
Modern
easier-­‐to-­‐
use,
less
expensive
portable
phased
array
equipment
and
associated
software
has
accelerated
this
practice
in
recent
years.
In
some
cases
an
immediate
change
of
method
may
be
difficult,
impossible,
or
take
some
time
to
change
the
practice
completely.
Recent
trends
in
phased
array
equipment
have
increased
the
use
of
phased
array
as
a
partial
replacement
or
complement
the
radiographic
method
with
many
benefits.