Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing

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3 Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing is our most requested service! Procedures: ASME Sec V ASME Sec III ASME Sec. VIII ASME B31.1 ASME B31.3 ASME B31.8 API 1104 API 653 API 670 AWS D1.1 AWS D1.5 Many companies claim to provide phased array services; however, due to high initial startup costs and limited experienced personnel, most companies simply cannot fulfill that promise. AER is the exception. AER has been developed from the ground up upon advanced NDE services. It is due to our core services relying heavily on advanced NDE such as phased array that we are able to provide competitive rates, experienced personnel, and the best equipment for your use. Why Request AER s Phased Array Services? Competitive pricing compared to radiography testing Experienced phased array experts 24 hour response time within the Southwestern Pennsylvania region Speed of acquisition and analysis minimizes costs, so we prefer to charge by the weld instead of by the hour Benefits: Safe, high quality inspection method Does not utilize radiation, decreasing safety and environmental hazards Increases quality control with a high probability of detecting critical flaws Limited production stoppages during testing High speed of acquisition with near real time results Results stored on DVD s Results produced and stored digitally, minimizing paper waste Fully volumetric, allowing for height, length and depth measurements of the flaw Accepted by ASME, AWS, and API standards in lieu of Radiography Flaw detection rate does not diminish as test object thickness increases

4 Safety Procedures Accepted for Phased Array in Lieu of Radiography: ASME Sec V ASME Sec III ASME Sec. VIII ASME B31.1 ASME B31.3 ASME B31.8 API 1104 API 653 API 670 AWS D1.1 AWS D1.5 Industrial Radiography Safety Hazards The use of Industrial Radiography poses health and safety hazards for workers. Radiography testing utilizes a radioactive source. To perform testing, the technicians utilize a radioactive source and must section off a safety zone around the part being tested. Even though precautions are taken, all workers in the area are exposed to radiation. Frequent exposure to radiation causes health problems. The picture to the right is a man with Radiation burns on his back. (NDT Resource Center. Man with radiation burns on his back. Digital image. Health Concerns. NDT Resource Center, n.d. Web. 22 May 2015.) A Safe Alternative: Phased Array Phased Array is a safe non-destructive testing method. Phased Array does not utilize a radioactive source, so workers are not exposed to radiation during the testing process. There is no need to wear extra protective gear or section off the area around the test object. NDT technicians are able to work right beside other workers safely. Benefits: No need to handle radioactive isotopes Worker safety is not at risk No extensive safety precautions need to be taken Eliminates the chance of radiation related accidents Phased Array uses ultrasonic sound waves for inspection Results are digital, eliminating the need to use chemicals for film processing

5 Environmental Phased Array is used to Safely Inspect: Pipeline Welds Pressure Vessels Piping High Energy Components Corrosion Assessment Wall Thickness Measurements Airplane Components Manufactured parts Mining Equipment Heavy Machinery And More With Industrial Radiography Testing: Requires the use of a radioactive source Chemicals and heavy metals are used to develop film Disposal of source, chemicals, and heavy metals creates environmental hazards Improper storage allows radiation to emit into the environment Radiation affects the cell structure of plants and animals Accidents create great environmental hazards With Phased Array Testing: Does not require the use of a radioactive source Utilizes harmless ultrasonic waves for testing Results displayed digitally Minimal environmental footprint Results stored digitally, minimizes paper use Does not require the use of chemicals or heavy metals No waste created from testing Phased Array Ultrasonic testing does not pose any threats to the environment. The method uses ultrasonic sound waves to detect flaws in a test object, which does not create an environmental hazard. Companies who request Phased Array services in lieu of Radiography testing are truly able to promote themselves as a green company. The use of Phased Array testing helps reduce waste because it does not require the use of chemicals or paper. Test results are produced and stored digitally.

6 Quality Accurate Fast Consistent AER s technicians are highly trained in Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing, so you can be sure that test results are accurate. Confused about interpreting Phased Array data? Call AER to schedule a meeting with our technicians. We will answer questions, explain, and help you understand Phased Array better. Quality Benefits: Consistently detects most or all flaws present Ability to specifically locate flaws Results stored on DVD s for quick reference Able to detect a wide range of flaws Superior to Radiography Testing Accepted by ASME, AWS, and API standards in lieu of RT Fully volumetric, allowing for height, length, and depth measurements of flaw Detection ability does not decrease with material thickness The chart pictured below was first published in a scholarly journal presented at the 18th World Conference on Non Destructive Testing. The chart summarizes the findings of an experiment to determine which testing method has a higher detection ability. The chart shows the detection ability of Industrial Radiography Testing (RT) and Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) on pipeline welds of varying thickness. The types of flaws tested for are CRACKs, LOFs, LOPs, SLAGE, CAVITY-s, and POROSITY-s. The thickness of the pipeline weld is listed in the far left column. The actual number of flaws in the test object are shown in the shaded blocks. The number of flaws each testing procedure actually found are shown below RT and PAUT. The chart shows PAUT as consistently detecting more flaws than RT, and it often is able to detect all flaws in the test object. Pipe thickness also proves to be no obstacle for Phased Array.

7 Production Impacts Production Benefits: Production shut down not necessary Equipment can be used in inclement weather Results produced digitally in real time Construction and inspection can be performed simultaneously Results stored digitally for quick reference If Phased Array is selected for your project, during the inspection phase, a production shut down is not necessary. Phased Array technology does not emit radiation, unlike radiography, so no safety hazards requiring workers to stay a specified distance away from the testing area are incurred. Phased Array uses ultrasonic sound waves to inspect components; therefore, construction and inspection can be done simultaneously. It is safe for an NDT technician to work right beside other workers on a project using Phased Array. Phased Array Ultrasonic testing equipment is also able to be used in inclement weather. Some forms of nondestructive testing are difficult or unable to be used in inclement weather; therefore, inspection cannot be done when the weather is bad. A project using Phased Array will not incur production and inspection inconsistencies due to the weather. Another benefit of Phased Array that will allow production to continue without delay is the test results are produced digitally in real time. If a weld needs repaired, an NDT technician is able to alert welders as soon as possible. This allows for quick weld repair turnaround, and minimizes future repairs due to direct feedback to the welding crews. Since the results are stored digitally, technicians are able to reference them at a later date if needed. The use of Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing allows for limited to no production stoppages, ensuring consistent and uninterrupted construction.