Description

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) is an advanced nondestructive testing technique that utilizes a set of ultrasonic testing (UT) probes made up of numerous small elements, each of which is pulsed individually with computer-calculated timing (“phasing”). When these elements are excited using different time delays, the beams can be steered at different angles, focused at different depths, or multiplexed over the length of a long array, creating the electronic movement of the beam. Phased array probes can be used manually in a free running mode scrubbing the surface of a component, attached to an encoder to record position, or mounted on a semi-automated or motorized scanner for optimum productivity. Using phased array probes in direct contact with the component, whether mounted on a hard wedge, a water delay line, or even inside a wheel probe, gives inspectors the ability to quickly scan large areas for corrosion, cracking, and other defects with high resolution. PAUT can be used to inspect almost any material where traditional UT methods have been utilized and is often used for weld inspections and crack detection.