Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)

Part of the Ultrasonic family, Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) is a non-destructive testing method which is widely adopted across industries. Unlike conventional Ultrasonic testing, which uses a single transducer, the PAUT testing method utilises an array of ultrasonic elements to create a tailored ultrasonic wave form based on wave physics principles. Each element is controlled individually by the pulser so delays can be introduced to phase the firing order of the elements. This allows the ultrasonic beam to be steered, focused or both.

PAUT has applications in most assets and structures where specialised flaw inspection is required. ALS optimised PAUT applications for these critical assets include:

• Tank construction welds.
• Bolt inspection for corrosion and breakage. 
• Shafting cracking in complex shaft geometry including hollow bore shafts or axels.
• Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) of upstream oil and gas equipment.
• Complex geometry scanning, such as nozzle to shell welds.
• Solid shafts and pins for detection of cracking.
• Turbine components for detection of critical cracking and corrosion.

Given PAUT’s advanced visualisation capability, the technique is often used in place of Radiography as PAUT does not require ionising radiation for inspection. Unlike Radiography, PAUT does not need a safety zone or cause delays in production. 

Advantages of PAUT

The advantages include:

• PAUT has flexibility when assessing unique geometries.
• Inspection is performed in-situ, eliminating disassembly and transport costs, and unnecessary downtime.
• Accurately detects and sizes many sub-surface defects, with high-probability to detect developing cracks.
• Capable of working for many different material types.
• A permanent record of the inspection is maintained.
• PAUT requires careful planning and set-up, but once done can provide an efficient inspection.
• ALS can offer PAUT at temperatures up to 150°C using a specially developed procedure and temperature specific focal law management.

The ALS Approach

Our experienced PAUT technicians offer bespoke solutions to our client’s dilemmas and can confidently tackle varied geometries.

ALS continuously looks ahead and regularly invests in the latest technologies available to our industry. With continual advancement and superior customer value a priority, including training and certification of our technicians, ALS is able to continually deliver the most advanced, efficient and effective inspection methods available in the asset care field.