Understanding The Purpose And Benefits Of Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing

10 May 2019
 Categories: Business, Blog


Any time you deal with the fabrication of anything that demands solid, durable welds, you need to be confident in the weld integrity. It's hard to truly evaluate the internal structure of welds without some form of internal inspection technology. That's where things like phased array ultrasonic testing come in. You can validate weld integrity from the inside out with these types of tests. Here are some of the things you should know about phased array ultrasonic examination and what it can do for you.

What Exactly Is Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing?

Phased array ultrasonic testing relies on an assembly of multiple elements connected to a transducer. Those elements carry pulses, each one at a different rhythm. The system sends those pulses through the weld, evaluating the echoes that come back to assess the condition of the weld's internal structure.

The way that the pulses bounce back will vary based on the consistency and condition of the weld. Cracks and thin spots will respond differently than an even, consistent, solid weld. The analysis of the phased array ultrasonic machine will tell you where the issues are and what types of flaws you are dealing with.

What Types Of Objects Can Use Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing?

If you find yourself wondering if phased array ultrasonic testing could be right for your needs, you may be surprised to learn just how many things it can actually work well for. There are a wide variety of applications for this type of testing.

Pipes: If you are running piping, whether for oilfield work or any other industrial need, you've probably got sections of pipe that have been welded together. If so, you need to be sure that the welds are secure. Weak or damaged welds can lead to leaks in piping, which can be costly to address. This type of weld testing is a great option for these products.

Pressurized containers: Any time you have anything under pressure, the integrity of the welds is paramount. The pressure inside of a container can wreak havoc on a fragile or weakened weld. Depending on the application, it can also put you at risk of an explosion onsite. That makes it important that you ensure every weld's structural integrity through non-destructive testing such as this.

Structural steel fabrications: Any kind of steel fabrication typically relies on welding to some extent. When you're dealing with a structural application, the durability of that weld is vital to the overall structural stability of the project. Make sure you test every weld in an application like this to eliminate the risk of liability issues.

Monitoring corrosion threats: Just as it can be used for testing weld integrity, if you have concerns about any of your welded metal corroding beneath the weld surface, you can test that with phased array ultrasonic testing as well. You can even keep records of the results for each area, allowing you to compare and detect the progression of problem areas. This is ideal for monitoring corrosion treatments as well, to determine how effective they are.

Detect hidden damage: Hidden cracks, thin walls, and similar weaknesses in any structure make that structure vulnerable to failure. While you're testing the strength and integrity of welds, you can do the same to test the condition of the overall structure, looking for any signs of weakness or damage that could pose a problem down the road.

The more you understand about the benefits of non-destructive testing for welding purposes, the easier it is to see its value. Talk with a service near you today to have a specialist come out and assess your welds and other metal structures.


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