What is Phased Array

Phased Array Ultrasonic Inspection is the computer controlled triggering of individual element in a multi element probe. The PA probe consists of many small ultrasonic elements, each of which can be pulsed independently.

In conventional UT, a single piezoelectric element converts an electrical signal into a mechanical vibration.

What is Phased Array

A Phased Array probe is a long conventional probe cut into many small elements, which are individually excited.

All elements can be triggered individualy Full coverage from a calculated distance.

What is Phased Array It is like having many small conventional UT

probes integrated inside a single probe.

128 elements !

How Does Phased Array Work?

Ultrasonic phased arrays

consist of a series of individual elements, each with its own connector, time delay circuit.

Elements are acoustically insulated from each other.

Elements are pulsed in groups with precalculated time delays for each element (i.e., “phasing”).

How Does Phased Array Work?

By Applying Delay we can achieve

Beam Steering

Beam Focusing

Beam Steering + Focusing

How Does Phased Array Work?

Beam Steering

Provides the capability to modify the refracted angle of the beam generated by the array probe.

Allows for multiple angle inspections, using a single probe.

Conventional UT (angle beam probe)

Phased Array (simulating the refracted angle by applying delay)

How Does Phased Array Work?

Beam Focusing

Provides the capability to converge the acoustic energy onto a small focal spot.

Allows for focusing at several depths, using a single probe.

How Does Phased Array Work?

Beam Steering + Focusing

By combining both steering and focusing focal laws (delay applied to each element is in green), the focal point can be angled.

How Does Phased Array Work?

Using a single group of elements, on the same probe, different beam configurations can be performed:

No time delay Steering Focusing Steering + focusing

Phased Array Scanning Type

The movement of the acoustic beam is along the axis of the array, without any mechanical movement.

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Linear Electronic Scan

Phased Array Scanning Type

The ability to scan a complete sector of volume without any probe movement.

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

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Sectorial Scan

Advantages of Phased Array Faster Inspection.

Reliable.

Improved inspection capabilities through software control of beam characteristics

Technique sheet development based on job configuration.

Inspection with multiple angles with single, electronically controlled probe

No Radiation Hazard.

Permanent record of scanning data.

Software generated report with indication details.

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Phased Array Data Views

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A Scan

B Scan

C Scan

S Scan

Phased Array Data Views

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A display in which the received pulse amplitude is represented as a displacement along one axis (usually the y-axis) and the travel time of the ultrasonic pulse is represented as a displacement along the other axis (usually the x-axis)

Sound Travel Time Axis

Am

pli

tud

e A

xis

A Scan

Phased Array Data Views

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The B-scan presentations is a profile (cross-sectional) view of the test specimen

`

Scan Axis

Dep

th A

xis

Scan Axis

Dep

th A

xis

B Scan

Phased Array Data Views

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A two dimensional presentation of data displayed as a top or planar view of a test piece.

Sc

an

Ax

is

C Scan

Ultrasound Axis

PA Probe

Phased Array Data Views

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Sectorial scan view is unique to phased array equipment. In a linear scan, all focal laws employed a fixed angle with sequencing apertures. Sectorial scans, on the other hand, use fixed apertures and steer through a sequence of angles.

S Scan

Ultrasound Axis

Phased Array Probes

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Element arrangement of Phased Array probes

1D Linear- This is the most commonly used array plan in both straight beam and angle beam inspections. Easily manufactured and mounted on wedges, focuses in one axis at different depths and angles.

2D Square- Steering capability in three dimensions, spherical or single-axis focus.

1.5D Square- Excellent steering capability, focuses in one axis at different depths and angles

1D Annular- Spherical focusing at different depths

2D Annular- Elliptical or spherical beam with steering capability at different depths and angles.

1D Circular- Elliptical or spherical beam with steering capability at different depths, typically used for curved targets

Scanning

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Scanning will be carried out with the help of suitable Probes, Scanner & Inspection unit.

Weld Inspection by using Omniscan MX2 & HSMT Compact Scanner

Corrosion mapping using Omniscan MX2 & Glider Scanner

Thin wall tube inspection by using Omniscan MX & Cobra Scanner

Analysis

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Scanned data will be analyzed by PC based software

The images mentioned above are captured from Tomoview software.

TomoView is a PC-based software developed by Olympus used for design, data acquisition, and analysis of ultrasonic signals.

Reporting

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Software generated report with indication details

Phased Array Equipment

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Omniscan MX2 Manufacturer- Olympus, Canada

Phasor XS Manufacturer- GE, USA

Isonic Manufacturer- Sonotron NDT, Israel

SUPOR Manufacturer- SIUI, China

TOPAZ Manufacturer- ZETEC, China

TD FOCUS SCAN Manufacturer- Technology Design, UK

WeldRover Manufacturer- Olympus, Canada

Scanners Can be operated from 6” OD to flat surface. Automatic movement. Laser guide to maintain proper index. Can hold maximum 6 probes at a time. Strong Magnetic wheels.

HSMT Manufacturer- Olympus, Canada

Can be operated from 4.5” OD to flat surface. Manual movement. Can hold maximum 8 probes at a time. Magnetic wheels.

Cobra Scanner Manufacturer- Olympus, Canada

Scanners Can be operated from 0.84” OD to 4.5” OD Manual movement. Can hold maximum 2 probes at a time. Spring loaded design to hold onto carbon

steel and stainless steel pipes Can be configured to make one-sided

inspections with only one probe. Clearance -12mm

Magman Manufacturer- Phoenix, UK

Can be operated from 1.5” OD to flat surface. Manual movement. Can hold maximum 12 probes at a time. Magnetic wheels.

Scanners Can be operated from 0.5” OD to 4” OD Manual movement. Can hold maximum 2 probes at a time. Designed to hold onto carbon steel and

stainless steel pipes Can be configured to make one-sided

inspections with only one probe. Clearance -13mm

Bracelet Manufacturer- Phoenix, UK