Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing Constantia Kloof

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) is an advanced ultrasonic NDT method that uses a multi-element probe (typically 16–256 elements) to electronically steer, focus, and shape ultrasonic beams without moving the probe mechanically. It produces real-time, high-resolution images (A-scan, B-scan, C-scan, S-scan) of internal defects in welds, forgings, and composites — dramatically improving speed, coverage, and detectability over conventional UT.

How It Works:

• Multi-Element Probe
• Electronic Pulsing (Phasing)
• Beam Formation
• Data Acquisition & Imaging

Applications:

• Weld inspection
• Corrosion mapping: Tanks, pipes, vessels (grid or encoded).
• Aerospace: Composites, bond lines, honeycomb.
• Forgings & castings: Crack detection in turbine blades.
• In-service: CUI, HTHA, crack sizing.

Equipment:

• Probes: 1D linear, 2D matrix, dual linear, curved arrays.
• Instruments: Olympus Omniscan, GE Mentor, Zetec TOPAZ, Sonatest VEO.
• Software: Beam simulation, data analysis, reporting (Tomoview, UltraVision).

Advantages:

• Single-pass full volumetric coverage.
• Permanent digital records (audit-ready).
• High POD for planar defects (cracks, LOF).
• No radiation (unlike RT).
• Encoded scans → repeatable, traceable.

Limitations:

• High cost (equipment, training).
• Requires skilled Level 2/3 operators.
• Couplant needed (gel, water).
• Complex setup (focal laws, calibration).
• Data overload (large files).