UltraWave Software

(Section 3-1)
 Getting Started

Getting Started is the first screen that appears when the UltraWave LRT software is opened.
From this screen, the user can select from Create New Inspection and Open Existing
Inspection Files.

Create New Inspection: Initiates the process of collecting

new inspection data.

Open Existing Inspection Files: Initiates the process of

loading previously collected data in order to:
• Add new inspection data to an existing job.
• Analyze the existing data.
• Generate a report from the existing data.
 Front Panel Layout

This is the general layout of the UltraWave LRT software. This layout will be used to describe the
location of various controls and indicators.

Status Bar

Main Tree Menu

Main Display

Main Tree
 UltraWave LRT Tree Control Structure

Level 1 Level 2 Level 6 Level 7

Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
Specify the job Add any number ANYLS ““ kHz F “” kHz file
of lines to the Add any number The Active and file added for
name added for each
job of Locations to Axisymmetric Analysis Folders each distance focusing
each line Folder is created are created
frequency

Job X Line 1 Location 1 Axisymmetric Active Focus Focus 20 ft F 22 KHz

… … …
…

Synthetic
S 20 kHz
Focus

Analysis ANYLS 20 kHz

…
 Main Tree
The main tree is designed to organize, save, and re-load the components of an inspection job in the
UltraWave LRT software. The simple hierarchy allows the user to easily add various scans and
analyses to the Job (the highest level of the hierarchy). Existing scan and analysis data are loaded
into the software via the main tree.
 Axisymmetric Calibration
The axisymmetric calibration screen becomes accessible from the main display when an existing
axisymmetric scan is highlighted in the main tree or a new axisymmetric scan is created from the
location screen. When axisymmetric is selected in the main tree, the user may access the
axisymmetric calibration screen via the toggle calibration/axisymmetric view control in the
calibration control section.

Frequency Scan Graph

Calibration A-Scan Graph

Axisymmetric Calibration
Control Panel

Calibration Bar Graph

 Axisymmetric Calibration
The Calibration Bar Graph displays a plot of the amplitude for each channel in ring 1 (blue) and
ring 2 (red) in the UltraWave LRT unit. The dashed horizontal line represents the clipping
threshold; If any of the channels display an amplitude greater than the dashed line, then there will
be clipping.

Clipping Threshold

Ring 1
Ring 2
 Axisymmetric Scan
The axisymmetric scan screen becomes visible in the main display when an existing
axisymmetric scan is highlighted in the main tree or a new axisymmetric scan is created from the
location screen. When axisymmetric is selected in the main tree, the axisymmetric scan screen
is visible by default.

Frequency Scan Graph

Axisymmetric A-Scan Graph

Axisymmetric Scan Control

Panel
 Axisymmetric Scan
The red cursor on the Frequency Scan Graph has three functions:
1. Changing the frequency being displayed on the Axisymmetric A-Scan Graph.
2. Selecting the frequency for creating an axisymmetric analysis.
3. Selecting the distance at which to perform an active focusing scan.

The horizontal position of the vertical

The vertical position of the horizontal cursor
determines the frequency being displayed on the
Axisymmetric A-Scan Graph and the frequency for
which an axisymmetric analysis will be generated if
desired.
cursor determines the focusing distance
for an active focusing scan when the Add
Active Focus Scan button is pressed.
Note: double clicking anywhere on the
graph will snap the cursor to that location.
 Axisymmetric Scan
The Zoom Tools allow the user to choose from several different zoom functions.

Zooms in the x and y direction for the selected area.

Zooms in the x direction only for the selected area.

Zooms in the y direction only for the selected area.

Automatically zooms in in the x and y direction.

Automatically zooms out in the x and y direction.

Defaults x and y axes to original ranges.

 Axisymmetric Scan
The Colormap Controls allow the user to modify and interact with the Frequency Scan Graph
independently of the Axisymmetric A-Scan Graph.

Display: Selects number of color

levels used on the intensity plot

AVG: Select between no averaging,

a three-frequency average, or a
five-frequency average.

Combined Flexural Display:

Toggles display of vertical flexural
mode.
Vertical Flexural Display: Toggles
display of vertical flexural mode.
Horizontal Flexural Display:
Toggles display of horizontal
flexural mode.
Axisymmetric Display: Displays
the axisymmetric mode.
 Axisymmetric Scan
The A-Scan Display Controls allow the user to modify and interact with the Axisymmetric A-Scan
Graph independently of the Frequency Scan Graph.
Axisymmetric Display: Toggles the
axisymmetric mode on/off.
Horizontal Flexural Display: Toggles the
horizontal flexural mode on/off.
Vertical Flexural Display: Toggles the
vertical flexural mode on/off.
Combined Flexural Display: Toggles the
combined flexural graph on/off.
Reverse Overlay Display: Toggles the
reverse overlay display on/off.
Frequency: Changes the frequency
being displayed on the Axisymmetric A-
Scan Graph.
Default Cursors: Resets the graph
cursors to the zero position.
Toggle Datum Reference: Toggles
reference position between tool location
and datum location.

Toggle Log Display: Toggles between

logarithmic and linear display.
Toggle Average Display: Toggles
between current display and an average
of all frequencies for each mode.
 Axisymmetric Scan
While axisymmetric is highlighted in the main tree, the following selections are available in the main
tree menu.

Toggle Report/Main Tree Display:

Changes the tree control between the
main tree and the report tree.
Delete Axisymmetric Scan: Deletes
axisymmetric scan from the location.
Add Analysis Frequency: : Adds new
analysis scan at selected frequency.

Add Synthetic Focus Scan: Adds a new

synthetic focus scan.

Add Active Focus Scan: Adds a new

active focus scan.
 Active Focusing
Adding an active focusing scan begins on the Axisymmetric screen. The user begins by selecting
the focusing distance using the vertical red cursor. Then, the Add Active Focus Scan button is
pressed, activating the Active Focusing Frequency Selection Window, where the user selects
focusing frequencies.

Add Active Focus Scan:

Initiates the process of adding an
active focus scan.

Vertical Red Cursor: Selects the

distance for the active focus
scan.

Active Focusing Frequency

Selection Window: Pop-up
window that is activated when
Add Active Focus Scan is
pressed. Allows the user to select
focusing frequencies.
 Active Focusing
The Active Focusing screen is visible in the main display after the active focusing scan is
complete.

Axisymmetric A-Scan

Axial Profile
Focus Waveforms

Focus Notes: Provided for the

user to include any information
concerning the active focus scan.
 Synthetic Focusing Scan
The synthetic focusing screen becomes visible in the main display when the user highlights an
existing synthetic focusing scan in the main tree or creates a new synthetic focusing scan from the
axisymmetric screen. A synthetic focusing scan is calculated from the axisymmetric data. Therefore,
synthetic focusing scans can be generated offline.

Axisymmetric A-Scan

Synthetic Focus Colormap

Synthetic Focusing Scan
Overview of synthetic focusing controls.

Amplitude Control: Changes the

maximum amplitude value in both
the Axisymmetric A-scan plot and
Synthetic colormap.

Display: Changes the number of

color levels used on the intensity plot

Circumferential Increments:
Changes circumferential resolution.

Axial Step Size: Changes the axial

resolution.

Update: Calculates a new synthetic

focusing scan and overwrites the old
scan.
 Analysis
The analysis screen becomes visible in the main display when the user highlights an existing
analysis in the main tree or creates a new analysis from the axisymmetric screen. A new
analysis is created by moving the horizontal red cursor to the desired frequency or by entering
the frequency in the Frequency control, then pressing the Add Axi Frequency for Analysis
button.

Add Axi Frequency for

Analysis

Select the analysis frequency

using either the horizontal red
cursor or the Frequency control.
 Analysis
The analysis screen becomes visible in the main display when the user highlights an existing analysis
in the main tree or creates a new analysis from the axisymmetric screen. The analysis screen is
provided for the user to perform a detailed analysis on a particular frequency. This includes features
such as adding distance-amplitude correction curves, adding reflector annotations, adding notes, etc.

Analysis Graph: Displays a Distance

(x) vs. Amplitude (y) plot for the
axisymmetric, horizontal flexural, and
vertical flexural modes at the selected
analysis frequency.

Pipe Schematic: Displays a pipe

schematic with different indicators
based on annotations placed on the
Analysis Graph by the user.

Analysis Controls: Controls for

manipulating the Analysis Graph.
Indication List: Displays a list of
indications/annotations that have
been added to the Analysis Graph
by the user.
 Analysis
The Analysis Graph displays a Distance (x) vs. Amplitude (y) plot for the axisymmetric, horizontal
flexural, and vertical flexural modes at the selected analysis frequency. Annotations can be added to
any indication in the waveform. At welds, the DAC curves drop representing the energy reflected.

Dead Analysis Non-Inspection

Distance-Amplitude
Zone Graph Zone
Correction Curves
Annotations
 Analysis
The DAC curves behave in the following manner.

Shift + ↑

Shift + ← Shift + →

Shift + ↓
 Analysis
The Analysis Controls allow the user to manipulate the Analysis Graph. These controls allow the user to
perform functions such as adding DAC curves, enable/disable plots, etc.
Axisymmetric Display: Toggles
axisymmetric plot on/off.
Horizontal Flexural Display: Toggles
horizontal flexural plot on/off.
Vertical Flexural Display: Toggles
vertical flexural plot on/off.
Combined Flexural Display: Toggles
combined flexural plot on/off.
Reverse Overlay Display: Toggles
reverse overlay plot on/off.
Annotation Key: Displays the
annotation key.
Annotation Mode: Toggles
annotation tool on/off.
Measurement Cursor: Toggles the
measurement cursors on/off.
Toggle Datum Reference: Toggles
reference position between tool
position and datum position.
Toggle Log Display: Toggles plots
between log and linear mapping.
DAC Curve Display: Toggles DAC
curves on/off.
 Analysis
The Pipe Schematic displays a layout of the pipe being inspected with indicators at different axial
distances based on the annotations placed on the Analysis Graph by the user. Different
shapes/colors correspond to different types of reflectors.

Weld Reducer (-)

Flange Expander (+)

Category 3 Defect T-Piece

Category 2 Defect Branch

Category 1 Defect Bend Weld

See Info Pipe Support

Wall Penetration Tool Position

 Report Generation
Report Generation provides a simple means of compiling all of the inspection data, user-defined
parameters, and notes into a Microsoft Office Word document. The data that will be included in
the report can be selected and reviewed by the user via the Report Tree. The user may view the
Report Tree by pressing the Toggle Report/Main Tree Display button located in the main tree
menu.

Toggle Report/Main Tree

Display: Changes the tree
control between the main tree
and the report tree.
 Report Generation
Data are added to the Report Tree via a shortcut menu that is accessed by right-clicking an item
in the Main Tree. In the shortcut menu, select Add Item to Report to add the highlighted
selection to the Report Tree.

Open All Items: Expands all

items in the Main Tree.
Close All Items: Closes all items
in the Main Tree.
Add Item to Report: Adds the
selected item to the Report Tree.
Run-Time Menu: System Information

Battery Supply Status: Indicates whether or not the

battery charger is connected to the computer.
CPU Temperature

System Temperature

Battery 1 Percent Charge

Battery 1 Temperature (degC)

Battery 2 Percent Charge

Battery 2 Temperature (degC)

Advanced Settings
 Advanced Settings
The Advanced Settings allow the user to modify parameters that typically do not need to be
modified. The Advanced Settings can be accessed by selecting Settings from the File Menu. A
window will appear that will allow the user to modify the values of various controls.

Settings
Questions?
UltraWave Inspection Procedure
(Section 3-2)
Inspection Procedure
• Scope
• Pre-job walk-down
• Equipment
• System Software
• System Calibration
• Transducers, Collars,
Bladders
• Qualifications
• Band Assembly
• Cable connections
• Collar and module calibration
• Collar installation
• System and startup
• Selection of a test location
• Surface prep
• Thickness measurements
• Tool inflation
• Geometric sketches
• Starting the software
• Job level information
• Line level information
• Location level information
• Data acquisition lengths
• Axisymmetric data collection
• Signal calibration
• A-scan /A-scan colormap
• Feature identification
• Anomalies
• Directional control check
• Reverberations
• Flexural modes
• Selection of frequencies for focusing and analysis
• Active focusing
• Defect classification
• Synthetic Focusing
• DAC curves
• Diagnostic length
• Tool Removal
• Acquisition from a secondary position
• Report Generation
• File structures
• Transferring data
• Unit shutdown
• Charging and storage
Inspection Procedure Scope

• Proper care must be taken in the operation of the equipment to ensure

accurate results.
• All inspectors should be properly trained and certified
• Info provided is a general reference- designed to assist an operator in
running the UltraWave unit
• Should be considered the minimum requirement to properly inspect a
line.
• Additional information can be found in the product manual.
• All services companies should develop their own inspection procedure
Define Work Scope

• Critical part of the planning process for a guided wave examination.

• Project manager or lead inspector should discuss the expectations
of the job with the client.
• It is the duty of the project manager or lead inspector to ensure
that the proposed inspection method is capable of meeting the
client’s expectations.
• The capability of the technology should be fully disclosed to the
client.
Information Required to define the Work Scope

• Pipe material, diameter, and wall thickness

• Is it a standard size pipe (e.g. ASME Schedule)
• Are there other pipes in close proximity? What is the spacing between pipes?
• Is the pipe seam welded, circumferentially welded, spiral welded?
• What is the expected length of pipe to be inspected?
• What is the configuration of the pipe to be inspected (e.g. buried, coated, bends, etc.)
• How will pipes be accessed?
• How is the pipe supported?
• Is the pipe insulated or coated?
• What are the pipe contents?
• What is the expected surface temperature?
• Will there be any work restrictions?
• What is the inspection timeline?
Pre-job Walk-down (Optional)

• First time clients

• When a client is not familiar with the guided wave technology or inspection
procedure
• Will help in determining tool locations
• Advanced preparation for access
• Advanced surface prep
• Improved logistics during the inspection
Equipment list
• Laptop and charger
• UltraWave software
• P/R unit and Case
• P/R unit charger
• Ethernet cable
• Collar umbilical cables
• Transducer module kit
• Transducer jumper kit
• Bladder kit
• Band kit
• Air pump
• Cordless driver kit
• Hand driver
• Driver bits
• Transducer test box
• Transducer test box leads
• Module screws
• Range finder
• UT thickness gage
• Notebook
• Inspection procedure
• Safety equipment
• Gloves
• Extra batteries
• Extra modules
• Extra jumpers
Optional equipment

• Extra Cables
• Flashlight
• Paint Scraper
• Wire Brush
• Screw drivers
• Tape measure
• Electrical tape
• Pliers
• Wire cutters
System Software

• The system laptop comes preinstalled with the UltraWave

software.
• An additional copy of the software and installation disk is also
provided with the system.
• Updates
• User is responsible for ensuring software is up to date
• HASP Key
System Calibration

• The UltraWave unit is to be calibrated by Olympus on a yearly basis or

immediately in the event that any unusual behavior is experienced with
the system.
• The most recent calibration date and date of next calibration is listed on
the back of the unit.
• It is the responsibility of the inspector to be aware of this date and be sure
that the calibration is always up to date.
• A serial number is also listed on the back of the unit to trace service
history
Transducer/Collar requirements

• The system has been supplied with a collar and band kit to inspect even size
pipes in the range of 2 in to 24 in.
• The system is also supplied with sufficient modules to populate up to a 24 in
collar plus extra modules in the event that one is damaged.
• It is the responsibility of the inspector to bring to site bands, collars, and
sufficient modules to cover the sizes to be inspected.
• If space permits, it is best to carry the entire kit at all times as sometimes
drawings can be incorrect.
• Collars for sizes other than those in the kit can be purchased for an additional
fee.
• Contact Olympus regarding the availability of additional collars.
• It is important to note that the inspector should closely monitor the condition of
the bladders, as they should be replaced after any signs of wear.
Bladders

• 60 psi max inflation, 30 psi for larger sizes

• Always check for fraying or damage to the sheath or Kevlar strap
• Do not use the bladder if it is visually damaged
• Ensure that the bladder is tight and clasped firmly before inflation
• Never overinflate a bladder
• Never inflate a bladder without it on the pipe, as this may damage the seal or
valve
• Never attempt to remove the bladder while under pressure
• Always check pressure before and after acquisition
 TVI Check

(see system manual for detailed TVI check procedure)

Transducer Validation Interface (TVI)

Module/Ring Select Knob

Octant Select Knob

(+) Binding Posts

Module
Receptacle
(-) Binding Posts

A Receptacle A
B

B Receptacle
Octant / Quadrant testing
• Before each test a capacitance check should be performed on the collar to
ensure that
• the collar is wired correctly
• there are no faults in the wiring
• the modules are functioning properly
• To perform this test, the two umbilical cables should be plugged into the
Transducer Validation Interface (TVI) and the multimeter should be attached to
the BNC connector on the test box with the supplied leads.
• The multimeter should be set to capacitance mode. The left knob should be
set to Ring 1 and the right knob should be used to select each octant or
quadrant.
• Once the first ring is checked, the second ring should be selected and again
each octant or quadrant should be checked.
• If an individual octant is reading incorrectly, each module in that segment
should be checked.
• The correct capacitance values for the modules are found in the supplied
table.
Individual module checking
• Individual module calibration is only required if a fault is found in the
octant /quadrant testing.
• To check an individual module, a module jumper cable should be used
to connect the module to the test box.
• The left knob should then be set to module 1 and then 2 to read the
capacitance of each transducer.
• The correct capacitance value for a single module is 2.6nF.
• If a module’s capacitance differs from this value by more than 0.5nF, the
module should be replaced.
• If all of the modules in the segment are found to be good, then the
jumper cables from that segment and the umbilical cable should be
checked.
Cable testing
• Cable testing is only required if the quadrant / octant test is failed and all
of the individual modules are found to be okay.
• To check the umbilical jumper cables, use the continuity check feature on
the multimeter to check each pin in the suspect cables,
• Each pin should be checked for continuity to one and only one pin on the
opposite connector.
Visualy check all components
A last visual check should be made of all components and connections to
look for any signs of major wear or damage. This includes the cables,
connectors, modules, and bladders.
Pipe Installation
 Step 1: Pipe Installation

Tightly wrap module-band assembly around

pipe and fasten the hook and loop fastener.

Ensure:
•Hook and Loop fastener is securely fastened
•Band is tightly wrapped
•NO space between module and band

DO
NOT
Step 2: Pipe Installation
*Remove ALL air from bladder
before installation/removal
Fasten the second hook patch on the
air bladder to the remaining loop
section on the module-band
assembly.

When placing air bladder ensure

both logo are in the same orientation.
Step 3: Pipe Installation

Wrap air bladder around module-

band assembly, place first hook
patch of air bladder on top of loop
patch of air bladder.
 Step 4: Pipe Installation

Female
Buckle

Male Buckle

Air bladder has two metal Insert male buckle into female Pull Kevlar strap taught
interconnect buckles. buckle through slot. Ensure male
buckle rests flat on top of female
buckle.
 Step 5: Pipe Installation

Ensure:
•Interconnect bucket is securely fastened
•Band is tightly wrapped
•NO space between module and air bladder

DO
NOT
Umbilical Cord Connection
Umbilical Cord Connection

Key Slot
• Place umbilical wire labeled ‘A’ in the receptacle
labeled ‘A’.

• Place umbilical wire labeled ‘B’ in the receptacle

labeled ‘B’.

• Make sure to line up the key slot which is located

at the top of the plug and lightly press the Lemo
connector into the receptacle.
 Ethernet Connection
Arrow

Button

To connect RJ45 Ethernet plug,

ensure that arrow is on top and
lightly press the plug into the To remove RJ45 Ethernet plug,
Ethernet receptacle until a click is press button on the Ethernet
heard. receptacle, and pull plug housing.
Charger Connection

To charge, insert the charger

into the charging receptacle.

When charger is connected.

The battery light will flash red.

To remover charger, lightly pull

the charger connector from the
receptacle.
 Battery Installation
Keyed Slot Keyed Slot

Insert right battery first, with key slot facing the

1 3 right. Fully insert battery by applying slight force
to the battery end. (Optional) Insert left battery
second with key slot also facing right.

2 4
 Powering the UltraWave LRT Unit

• The UltraWave LRT unit comes with two rechargeable Li-ion batteries.
• When fully charged, the batteries will last 8 hours under normal system
operation.
• The batteries can be charged either internally through a charging cable
connected to the UltraWave LRT unit, or by placing the batteries in their
separate charger.
• Each battery has an indicator that displays the percent charged. Also, the
UltraWave LRT software will display the battery life, and notify the operator
when 15% battery life is left.
Selection of Test Locations
The selection of a proper test location is critical to the success of a guided wave exam. Non-ideal tool locations can negatively
effect the quality of the data. While the inspection environment will often limit the possibilities, some general guidelines for
optimal tool location are as follows:

1. Place the tool near the middle of the desired diagnostic length to equally distribute this area in the forward and backward
directions.
2. When placing the tool between structural features, such as between two welds, justify the tool toward one of the structural
features such that it is not midway between the two features.
3. Locate the tool such that there are no structural features within 3 ft (1 m) on either side of the collar.
4. When possible, remove thick, well-adhered coatings within 3 ft (1 m) of either side of the collar. More often, 0.5 m on each
side of the collar is removed.
5. Place the tool in an area where the pipe surface is smooth and even around the entire circumference. Follow surface
preparation procedure.
6. Place the tool in an area of relatively uniform wall thickness. Follow the thickness measurement procedure.

In many circumstances it is not possible to follow all of the aforementioned test location guidelines. In these situations, the
operator should select the tool location such that as many of the aforementioned guidelines are followed as possible. The
operator should then be aware of the possibility for reverberations and other artifacts to manifest in the acquired data.
Surface Preparation
• As a general guideline, the UltraWave collar can operate as designed when placed on top of thin well-adhered coatings such
as paint and fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) with total thicknesses less than approximately 0.025”.
• It may operate efficiently on top of even thicker coatings in some cases. The easiest way to determine if a coating should be
removed is to perform a test shot. If an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio is obtained from a known structural feature (e.g. a
weld), the coating should not have to be removed.
• Thick coatings, such as typical coal-tar enamel or tar-glass-felt wraps, will need to be removed from the pipe in the vicinity of
the tool location. Ideally, 3ft of coating should be removed on each side of the tool.
• Regardless of coating removal, the surface of the pipe or coating should always be free of dirt, dust, and debris. Poorly
adhered coating, regardless of type, should always be removed.
• Some example surface preparation specifications from can be found from The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC).
• If the use of power tools is permitted, the pipe surface should be prepared according to SSPC-SP 15.
• If the use of power tools is not permitted, the pipe surface should be prepared according to SSPC-SP 2.
• The operator should be aware that better tool balance is achieved if all transducer surfaces are in contact with the same
material, coating or bare metal, and not a combination of the two.
SSPC-SP 15, Commercial Grade Power Tool Cleaning SSPC-SP 2, Hand Tool Cleaning

• A commercial grade power tool cleaned steel surface, to retain • Hand tool cleaning removes all loose mill scale, loose rust,
or produce a minimum 25 micrometer (1.0 mil) surface profile. loose paint, and other loose detrimental foreign matter.
• A commercial grade power tool cleaned steel surface, when • It is not intended that adherent mill scale, rust, and paint be
viewed without magnification, shall be free of all visible oil, removed by this process.
grease, dirt, rust, coating, oxides, mill scale, corrosion products, • Mill scale, rust, and paint are considered adherent if they
and other foreign matter, except as noted. cannot be removed by lifting with a dull putty knife.
• Random staining shall be limited to no more than 33 percent of
each unit area of surface as defined. Staining may consist of light
shadows, slight streaks, or minor discolorations caused by stains
of rust, stains of mill scale, or stains of previously applied
coating. Slight residues of rust and paint may also be left in the
bottoms of pits if the original surface is pitted.
Thickness measurement

• The actual wall thickness of the pipe at the tool location should be
measured with a calibrated UT gauge prior to attaching the tool.
• The purpose of this measurement is to check for wall thickness uniformity
at the tool location and to determine/verify the pipe schedule.
• Multiple thickness measurements should be taken around the entire
circumference.
• At the very least, a thickness measurement should be performed in each
circumferential section of pipe associated with one of the tool’s
segmented channels.
• If more than 20% wall loss is detected in the proposed tool location area, a
new area should be selected.
• If there are no other tool location possibilities, the operator should be
aware of the potentially adverse effects of the wall loss on phased-array
focusing capabilities.
Tool orientation

• It is important to check and be sure that the tool is oriented so that the
center of channel 1 is at the top dead center of the pipe.
• If this is not possible, the location of the center of channel 1 relative to
the TDC should be recorded.
• If the tool is on a vertical pipe, a reference to tool orientation should be
noted in the software on the location screen.
Inflating the tool
• Once the collar is assembled and oriented properly, the bladder must be
inflated.
• Bladders should be inflated to 60 psi.
• Overinflating the bladder could result in damage to the equipment.
• Under no circumstance should the operator attempt to remove the band while
the bladder is inflated.
• The bladder has a self tightening buckle that makes it very difficult to remove
while under pressure. This is to help prevent removal of the bladder while it is
under pressure.
• Once the bladder is inflated, the operator should recheck the alignment to be
sure that the bladder did not move as it was inflated.
• It is also important to check and make sure that all of the modules are seated
properly.
• Do not remove the air pump as the air will escape from the bladder.
 Geometric Sketch (Pipe Drawing)

• It is also recommended that a photograph of the tool at the tool location be taken for later reference or inclusion in
the final report.
• Some indication of the line identification and location identification should be included in the photograph (e.g.
written on the pipe or on a small white board).
• Taking a photograph of the unambiguous reference point is also recommended.
 What to Include in the Geometric Sketch
Your sketch should include:
• Structural features such as elbows, supports, flanges, branches, valves, expanders, collars,
etc.
• Any ground or wall penetrations
• Any visible damage, corrosion, or repairs
• Any coatings, paint, or insulation
• The presence of any casing, the nature of the spacers, and the manner in which they are
attached at the entry and exit points of the casing
• The general condition of the pipe in terms of moisture, corrosion, coating damage, etc.
• The contents of the pipe (if known)
• The line name, identifying information, size, material, etc.
• The location of the collar during each shot and the name of these locations in the data tree
• The nature of the environment and soil (if buried)
• Any other information that could be useful later

If you are unsure of whether or not something should be included in the

sketch, INCLUDE IT. Any additional information is valuable during data
analysis and review.
6” dia. sch. 40
Thin paint coating
Input Job, Line, Location Information
Job information

• All relevant information regarding the client

• Site location
• Test procedure being followed
• Lead inspector on site
• Other information recorded could include a description of the work scope
as well as an executive summary of the results.
Line information

• Unique identifier
• Useful descriptors may include the pipe diameter, pipe material, pipe product,
pipe function, GPS coordinates, etc.
• If a line changes diameter along its length, a new identifier for the line should be
created for each differently sized section.
• type and thickness of any protective coatings should be entered at this point for
future reference.
Location information
• Every test location should have associated with it a name that is unique to the line being
tested (e.g. TL1, TL2, etc.).
• The distance from the collar to the selected unambiguous datum point should be
recorded.
• This distance should be measured from the air hose nozzle near the middle of the collar.
• The relative direction of the datum point should be recorded as being in the forward or
backward direction.
• A description of the datum point should be recorded in the datum notes for future
reference.
• The angular orientation of the collar on the pipe should also be recorded for later
interpretation of the focusing results.
• The angular datum is typically taken to be the Top Dead Center (TDC) of a horizontal pipe.
If the pipe is vertical, the datum can be a noteworthy structural feature (e.g. facing wall) or
a cardinal or intercardinal direction (e.g. N, W, SE, NW, etc.).
• If the tool is not aligned with the angular reference points, the amount of rotation in the
clockwise direction should be recorded. This rotation is measured from the point between
the first and the last channel of the transducer collar.
Data Acquisition Length
• The length of pipe over which data is to be collected, or data
acquisition length, must be determined by the operator.
• The same length of data should be collected in the forward and
backward directions.
• The UltraWave software is automatically configured to do this.
• Data should be collected to at least 10ft beyond the furthest feature to
be identified.
• It is best to over estimate the data acquisition length.
• Note that the data acquisition length is different than the diagnostic
length. The diagnostic length refers to the useable, or analyzable,
portion of the data acquisition length.
Collect axisymmetric data
• The first step of the data acquisition procedure is to collect the
axisymmetric data.
• This is done in the UltraWave software by clicking on the “Add
Axisymmetric Scan” icon on the main tree control panel.
• Axisymmetric data will automatically be collected from 25kHz to
85kHz in 1kHz increments.
Identify known features / calibration feature
• To verify that the collar is seated evenly on the pipe and that all channels
are functioning as expected, it is necessary to calibrate the tool.
• Calibration is completed by comparing the received reflections in each
channel from an axisymmetric reflector (i.e. a weld).
• Ideally the closest weld to the collar will be used
• If the location of the closest weld is not known from a visual inspection or
from an isometric drawing, the axisymmetric data should be reviewed and
the closest weld indication should be used for calibration.
• The calibration feature should not be beyond a branch, elbow, or other
feature that may cause non-axisymmetric wave propagation.
Check collar signal balance
• Calibration of the UltraWave collar is important to proper operation.
• The UltraWave software has a calibration mode to determine if the collar is contacting the pipe correctly and
if signal clipping has occurred.
• If important information is clipped, the gain should be decreased and the axisymmetric scan run again.
• The gain can be changed in the advanced settings window.
• The calibration plot also allows the user to select any point in the colormap to view the channel balance.

• To calibrate the unit, place the cursor over an axisymmetric reflector, such as a weld, and then look at the
channel balance chart below the colormap.
• This graph shows the magnitude of the signal from each channel at the position selected.
• If the system is calibrated properly, the bars within the graph will have similar amplitudes.
• The red and blue colors represent the two rings of the tool.
• The largest and smallest bar within a ring should be no more than 6dB apart.
• Envelopes of the individual waveforms are also displayed to the right. The envelopes are displayed with the
same color key as the umbilical cables.
• There are also dashed black lines in the bar graph and envelope plots. These dashed lines represent the
clipping amplitude. Any signal that touches this line is clipped.
Collar Balance Check (Calibration)

Use the red and blue calibration bar chart to check for:
• General collar balance; all channels ideally within 6 dB
• Dead channels (problem with wiring or pulser/receiver electronics)
• Poor coupling on some channels (prepare pipe surface better and reinstall collar)
• Signal saturation/clipping of weld reflection (reduce gain and reacquire data)
• Low signal amplitude (increase gain and reacquire data)
Reseat collar if needed
• If the tool is not balanced properly, the tool should be deflated and
reinflated to reseat the modules.
• If this does not work, the tool should be rotated or slid forward or
backward.
• If possible, look at where the modules contact the pipe and be sure that
they are all touching near the center of the contact surface.
• Also check to see if the surface is prepped properly.
• If none of these things work, recheck the calibration of the collar to see if
there is a bad transducer or cable.
Collar Balance Check (Calibration)

Use the red and blue calibration bar chart to check for:
• General collar balance; all channels ideally within 6 dB
• Dead channels (problem with wiring or pulser/receiver electronics)
• Poor coupling on some channels (prepare pipe surface better and reinstall collar)
• Signal saturation/clipping of weld reflection (reduce gain and reacquire data)
• Low signal amplitude (increase gain and reacquire data)
Determine Overall Data Quality
• After the signal balance is checked, the overall quality of the data should be
assessed before proceeding with the inspection
• The gain setting should be applied so that the largest amplitude reflection in the
inspection region is close to, but not above, the clipping threshold. This assures
maximum use of the vertical range of the A/D card.
• Check the signal for the attenuation level. If attenuation is much higher than
expected, check the pipe for unforeseen conditions or consider re-evaluating the
pipe at another time (when it is cooler, ground is drier, etc.).
• Check the overall noise level of the signal. A high level of general noise can be an
indication of general corrosion, or it may be an indication of an improper setup of
the system or a problem with the system electronics.
• If the data is of poor quality, this may be remediated by double-checking the
surface preparation and collar setup procedure or by repeating the inspection at
a different time, depending on the cause of the problems.
A-scan analysis
• Once ensuring that the tool is calibrated, the operator may begin the initial
on-site analysis procedure.
• This begins with the overall review of the A-scan colormap and associated
A-scans generated from the axisymmetric data collection.
Tool Removal
• Once all axisymmetric and focusing data has been collected, the
tool may be removed from the pipe.
• Prior to removing the tool, the operator should check the pressure
indicator on the air pump to ensure that the bladder is still inflated
to 60psi and that it did not lose pressure during the exam.
• If the tool lost more than 10psi of pressure, the test should be
repeated.
Reposition tool and repeat process
• As discussed previously, acquiring data from a second tool position, near
the first, can be very helpful for identifying phantom indications from
reverberations or mode conversion.
• Furthermore, it provides redundant data that can improve inspection
confidence.
• Whenever possible, a data collection should always be completed from a
second location. The second location should be ~1ft or more from the first
test location.
 File Transfer: Folder Structure
• All data used by the UltraWave LRT software is stored in C:\UltraWave LRT Data
• There are two types of folders located in this directory. The Job Files stores all the .uwf files
for easy selection in the software. The .uwf file contains the data’s system path hierarchy.
This folder including its contents do not need to be moved or copied. The .uwf file is also
located in the Job data folder and the software manages the Job Files folder. The other
folders are the actual data folders themselves. All the folders start with Job and proceed with
the unique job identifier.

Job data folder. Contains all

data pertaining to a single
inspection job.

Job Files: Contains list of all

.uwf files
 File Transfer: Selecting Job Folder
1. Navigate to the UltraWave LRT Data folder located at C:\UltraWave LRT Data
2. In this folder select one of the unique job folders.
3. Move the folder including all of its contents to the desired location.
4. It is beneficial to compress the unique job folder using Winrar or 7-Zip before
moving job folder.

Job data folder: Contains all data

pertaining to a single inspection job.
This folder including all its contents
needs to be backed up.

Job Files: Contains list of all .uwf

files. This folder does not need to be
backed up or included in the file
transfer

Compressed Job data folder:

Contains all data pertaining to a
single inspection job. This file
contains all the job data and is
easier to transfer.
 File Transfer: Importing Job Folder

• All Job data folders including their contents must be located in the UltraWave LRT
Data folder located at C:\UltraWave LRT Data. Failure to do so will result in
Software errors when loading the job data in the UltraWave LRT software.

• Do not change the name of the Job files or modify them in any way
Data Analysis
(Section 3-3)
89
Identify known reflectors in scan

• Using the geometric sketch or isometric drawing of the pipe, the operator
should first identify any possible indications from known structural features.
• These indications can help the operator characterize the overall quality of
the scan and can also aid in determining the diagnostic length.
• The operator should also note the frequency ranges over which indications
from known structural features have the best signal-to-noise ratios.
• Weld indications are of particular interest as they will be used to set the DAC
curves for the classification of anomalous indications.
Identify the
Welds Location
1
Identify the
Welds Location
1
 Identify the
Location
Pipe Supports 1
 Identify the
Location
Pipe Supports 1
Interrogate anomalies
• Any indication that cannot be associated with a known structural feature is
considered to be an anomaly.
• Anomalies can be caused by several phenomena and are not always
associated with corrosion defects.
• Some anomalies can arise due to guided wave propagation nuances such
as reverberation, poor directional control, or mode conversion. These
types of anomalies are referred to as phantom indications.
Directional Control Check

• A “reverse overlay check” is used to determine if an anomaly is a phantom

indication arising from poor directional control.
• The data from the backward direction is plotted over top of the data from the
forward direction.
• If an indication from the backward direction aligns perfectly with an indication
from the forward direction, the operator should suspect poor directional
control.
• In this case, the phantom indications are often associated with structural
feature in the opposite direction of the data being analyzed.
• Poor directional control is usually caused by non-optimal tool placement.
How to Identify Poor Directional Control Reflections (aka “Reverse Indications”)
• The reflector is similar in shape (but smaller in amplitude) and occurs directly under a
reflection from the reverse direction when the reverse overlay is enabled.
• The reflection reaches is maximum amplitude in the low-power band (40-65 kHz), in
which we know that directional control is poor.
• The indication does not remain at the same location when the collar is moved.
Reverberation Check
• In some situations, phantom indications can arise from a wave that is
bouncing, or reverberating, between two reflectors.
• For example, if a tool is placed between a wall penetration and a weld, it is
possible that a reflection from the wall penetration can travel past the tool,
reflect from the weld, and travel back to the tool.
• In this case, the reflection would look like an anomalous indication located
at a distance equal to twice the length between the tool and the wall
penetration plus the distance between the tool and the weld. The operator
should review the data to determine if any anomalies could potentially be
associated with reverberation.
• After the analysis has been completed, the operator should move the tool
~1ft in either direction and recollect data. Anomalies caused by
reverberation will remain at the same distance despite having moved the
tool.
Reverberations

Forward Wave Excitation

16’ 4’

Reverse Wave Excitation

16’ 4’
How to Identify Reverberations
• The reflector is nearly identical to (in shape and amplitude) and occurs directly under a reflection
from the reverse direction when the reverse overlay is enabled.
• The reflection reaches is maximum amplitude in the low-power band (40-65 kHz), in which we know
that directional control is poor.
• The reflection is always at the same distance from the collar even after the collar is moved several
feet in one direction or another (on the same section of pipe).
• The reflection shows up a distance equal to the distance between two structural features on the
current section of pipe.
Mode Conversion
• In some rare situations, it may be possible that the incident wave mode is converted into
a different wave mode by large reflectors such as flanges, T’s, or possibly branches.
• Phantom indications caused by mode conversion can easily be identified by looking at the
A-Scan colormap.
• If the axial location of an indication changes drastically with frequency, it is most likely a
mode converted wave.
• These mode converted waves will have higher velocities at higher frequencies and
therefore will appear in the A-Scan colormap as a streak of energy moving downward
and to the right as frequency decreases.
• Mode conversion can also be identified in the A-scan by checking to see if the axial
location of the indication moves drastically forward as frequency is increased.
• After all analysis has been completed, the operator should move the tool ~1ft in either
direction and recollect data.
• For indications caused by mode conversion, the axial distance to the indication will not
change proportionally with the location of the tool as the velocity of the mode converted
wave is different than that of the torsional wave generated by the tool.
 Separated Longitudinal and Torsional Dispersion Curves
The differences between the longitudinal and torsional modes can be seen more
clearly by separating them, as is done here for a 16” schedule 40 steel pipe.
6000 3500

5500
L(0,4) and L(n,4)
3000 T(0,1) and T(n,1)
5000

4500
Group velocity (m/s)

Group velocity (m/s)

L(0,3) and L(n,3) 2500
4000
L(0,5) and L(n,5)
L(0,2) and L(n,2)
3500 2000

3000
1500
2500
L(0,1) and L(n,1) T(0,2) and T(n,2)
2000
1000 T(0,3) and T(n,3)
T(0,4) and T(n,4)
1500 T(0,5) and T(n,5)

1000 500
0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Frequency (Hz) x 10
5 Frequency (Hz) x 10
5

(a) longitudinal group velocity dispersion curves (b) torsional group velocity dispersion curves

L: longitudinal mode 1st index: circumferential order

T: torsional mode 2nd index: family order
How to Identify Dispersive Mode Conversion in the F-Scan :
• The reflection occurs immediately before or after a very large reflector such as a flange or cut end
• The indication sweeps down and to the right→ longitudinal L(n,1) mode
• The location of the indication does not move proportionally with the movement of the tool
How to Identify Dispersive Mode Conversion in the F-Scan:
• The reflection occurs immediately before or after a very large reflector such as a flange or cut end
• The indication sweeps down and to the right→ longitudinal L(n,1) mode
• The location of the indication does not move proportionally with the movement of the tool
Flexural mode analysis
• Indications caused by corrosion will typically be non-axisymmetric in nature
and will therefore cause a non-axisymmetric reflection.
• Vertical and horizontal flexural mode A-scans and colormap scans can be
viewed in the UltraWave software and are an indicator of non-axisymmetric
reflectors.
• If an indication produces high flexural content, it should be treated as
potential corrosion.
• Furthermore, if the axisymmetric A-scan and either of the flexural A-scans
are aligned, this is another indication of corrosion.
• The operator should be aware that non-axisymmetric structural features
such as branches, vents, and drains will also produce high flexural content
and it is therefore important to identify these structural components.
 Axisymmetric
Flexural modes are received through the addition/subtraction of waveforms from the appropriate
quadrants (colored sections of the ring). This corresponds to different channel combinations for
pipes having different diameters. Below cross-sectional schematic of the channel layout around
the circumference of the pipe for 4-inch (left) and an 8-inch (right) pipes.

Channel 1 Channel 5
Channel 1 Channel 3 Vertical Flexural Mode + + Vertical Flexural Mode
Channel 2 Channel 6

Channel 3 Channel 7
Channel 2 Channel 4 Horizontal Flexural Mode + + Horizontal Flexural Mode
Channel 4 Channel 8
Flexural mode analysis

Low flexural content =

High flexural content = more axisymmetric feature
less axisymmetric feature (weld)
(saw cut)
Flexural mode analysis
Remember that non-axisymmetric structural features such as branches, vents, and drains will also
produce high flexural content and it is therefore important to identify these structural components.

High flexural content =

less axisymmetric feature
(pipe support)
Check anomalies for the following:

1.Poor Directional Control

2.Reverberations
3.Dispersion in A-Scan Colormap
4.Flexural Mode Analysis
Generalized Reflector Characteristics

Source: ASTM E2775-11

Select frequencies for final analysis and reporting
• The operator should identify the frequencies at which indications
from structural features and potential corrosion have the best
signal-to-noise ratios.
• These frequencies should be added to the main UltraWave tree for
final analysis and reporting.
Focusing
After classifying any anomalies as either phantom indications or potential
corrosion indications, the operator should perform phased-array focusing on
all suspect corrosion indications.
Active Focusing
Select distance at which anomaly appears
Based on the initial on-site analysis, the operator should place the QLS
colormap cursor at the axial distance associated with the peak of the
indication. From the main tree control panel, a focus scan is then
added for that axial location.
Select focusing frequencies based on confidence factors and optimal detection
frequencies in the QLS
• The frequencies for focusing should be selected primarily on the A-scan
frequencies with the best signal to noise ratios and secondarily on the
provided focusing confidence factors.
• The UltraWave software will automatically eliminate frequencies for which
phased-array focusing is not feasible.
• All acceptable focusing frequencies have associated with them a confidence
factor that provides a theoretically derived measure of how efficiently the
energy can be focused with the associated frequency and chosen axial
distance.
 Focusing Confidence Factors
The confidence factor (CF) is defined as the ratio between the energy in the
focused main lobe to that in the side lobes in the UltraWave software.

Good Bad

Large side lobes

 Active Phased Array Focusing
An example illustrating the circumferential defect-locating ability of the ultrasonic guided-wave phased-array
focusing technique.
In this example guided-wave energy is focused at 8 different angles at an axial distance of 8.2 ft in an 8” schedule
40 steel pipe.
A peak in reflected energy indicates that there is a defect located in Channel 7 @ 270° at a distance 8.2 ft. from
the location of the guided-wave inspection tool. Large reflections also being found at 225°and 315°mean the
defect is wide.
Axisymmetric A-Scan

Axial Profile
Focus Waveforms

Focus Notes: Provided for the

user to include any information
concerning the active focus scan.
Classify directionality based on most severe indication
Reflectors that are locally concentrated to a particular circumferential position will produce
sharper focused profiles. The frequency providing the sharpest focused profile should be used
for analysis. The operator should use the following guidelines to classify the directionality of a
focused profile (see associated examples):

• If there is only one channel with an amplitude response above the -3dB line, the focused
profile is classified as Directionality 1, indicating that the reflector is highly concentrated
in the circumferential direction.
• If there are two channels whose amplitude responses are above the -3dB line, the focus
profile is classified as Directionality 2, indicating that the reflector is moderately
concentrated in the circumferential direction.
• If there are three channels whose amplitude responses are above the -3dB line, the focus
profile is classified as Directionality 3, indicating that the reflector is mildly concentrated
in the circumferential direction.
• If there are four or more channels whose amplitude responses are above the -3dB line,
the focus profile is classified as Directionality 4, indicating that the indication is not
concentrated in the circumferential direction. A good weld would be expected to produce
a Directionality 4 focused profile.
Directionality 1 Directionality 2

Directionality 3 Directionality 4
Synthetic Focusing
• Select frequency at which anomaly appears
• Provided unrolled image
• Use course setting to investigate frequencies
• Once optimal frequencies are found, increase resolution
• Can be done at a later time, once the tool is removed
Focusing Data

Defect
Defect

Defect

Defect
Set DAC Curves
• The standard procedure for setting the DAC curves is to adjust the Y-intercept and
decay rate of the curves such that the blue “Weld Line” just touches the peaks of
the welds present in the scan.
• Ideally there will be at least two welds present.
• It is often helpful to set the DAC curves when viewing the data on a Log scale as
the curves will then be linear and more easily adjusted.
Single weld or no weld case

• In cases where there is only one weld available to set the DAC curves, the slope
of the “Weld Line” in the Log scale can approximately be matched to the decay
rate of the noise floor and the Y-intercept can then be set such that the “Weld
Line” just touches the peak of the one weld.
• In the event that there are no welds available for setting the DAC curves,
indication classification capability is lost as there is no reference by which to
compare indication amplitudes. If possible, a new location should be selected
with a weld in the diagnostic length.
 Final Classification and Analysis

• After adjusting the DAC curves, potential corrosion indications should be classified according to the
following guidelines:

• Any indication rising from the noise floor with an amplitude less than or equal to the green DAC
curve is classified as a Category 1 indication, the least severe classification.
• Any indication breaking the green DAC curve with an amplitude less than or equal to the red DAC
curve is classified as a Category 2 indication, the moderate classification.
• Any indication breaking the red DAC curve is classified as a Category 3 indication, the most severe
classification.

125
Determine the diagnostic length
• Diagnostic length refers to the length of the pipe for which the acquired data has a sufficient signal-to-
noise ratio to achieve the desired detection sensitivity.
• The diagnostic length must be set in both the forward and backward directions.
• The diagnostic length should end at the distance where the noise level rises to the point when the required
sensitivity is lost.
• This point is sometimes most easily seen when viewing the data on a Log scale.
• The diagnostic length should be ended if the wave encounters a flange, a second elbow, or a second T.
These range-ending features may vary depending on the GWT standard referenced and the GWT
procedure.
Reposition tool and repeat process
• As discussed previously, acquiring data from a second tool position, even if
it is near the first, can be very helpful for identifying phantom indications
from reverberations or mode conversion.
• Furthermore, it provides redundant data that can improve inspection
confidence.
• Whenever possible, a data collection should always be completed from a
second location.
• The second location should be 4 meter or more from the first test location,
whenever possible.
Questions?
1.
Practice Questions
The first step during an analysis is to:
A. Identify reverberations
B. Check for poor directional control
C. Identify known features
D. Identify defects

2. Which of the following would be considered a “false” or “phantom” indication? Choose one best answer.
A. An indication from a corrosion patch
B. An indication from a weld
C. An indication due to poor directional control
D. An indication due to mode conversion
E. C and D
F. A, B, C, and D

3. A reverse overlay check is used to:

A. Inspect for defects in the reverse direction
B. Check for signal channel balance and clipping
C. Identify mode conversion
D. Identify indications due to poor directional control

4. Indications that show up at the same distance in both the forward and reverse signals are likely
phantom indications due to:
A. Poor directional control
B. Mode conversion
C. Known structural features
D. Clipping
E. Reverberations
 Practice Questions
5. If reverse wave suppression is applied, and an anomaly exists which has a much greater amplitude in the
center low-power band frequency range than in upper and lower frequencies, it is very likely a:
A. Defect
B. Anomaly from poor directional control
C. Structural feature
D. Mode conversion
E. Weld

6. Reverberation is the term used to describe false indications due to:

A. Multiple energy reflections between two large reflectors
B. Energy reflection from a weld or other known structural feature
C. Poor directional control
D. Local wall thickness loss directly beneath the tool

7. If the tool lies 5 feet from a weld to its left and 20 feet from a wall penetration to its right, at what
distance would a first reverberation between these features arise?
A. 5 feet
B. 10 feet
C. 20 feet
D. 25 feet
E. 45 feet
F. 50 feet
 Practice Questions
8. Mode conversion to the longitudinal modes due to a large reflector will appear:
A. Before the large reflector
B. After the large reflector
C. Both before and after the large reflector

9. Large amounts of signal noise could be due to (choose one best answer):
A. Wall loss directly beneath the transducer collar
B. Heavy pitting, corrosion, rust, or scale on the pipeline
C. A larger number of defects and structural features in the pipeline
D. Insufficient gain settings
E. Any or all of the above

10. Reflections that have high flexural mode content could be:
A. Structural features
B. Defects
C. Axisymmetric reflectors
D. Phantom indications
E. A and B
F. A, B, and C
G. B and D

11. For pipes with high attenuation or a poor signal-to-noise ratio, it is often more useful to analyze the data
in:
A. Linear plot format
B. Logarithmic plot format
 Practice Questions
12. The dead zone for an inspection will vary at different frequencies. This statement is:
A. TRUE
B. FALSE

13. When a synthetic focusing analysis is performed and the amplitude of a known weld reflection varies
around the circumference of the pipe, it can be determined that there is a defect in the weld. This
statement is:
A. TRUE
B. FALSE

14. A pipe support is more likely to be detected as a reflection if (choose one best answer):
A. It is strongly clamped against the pipe
B. Padding exists between the pipe and the pipe support
C. It contacts the pipe over a large area
D. A and B
E. A and C
F. B and C

15. If an indication is a reverberation or mirror from a weld, the indication in the synthetic focusing will
generally be:
A. Axisymmetric like a weld
B. Non-axisymmetric
 Practice Questions
16. If an indication is due to mode conversion from a flange, the indication in the synthetic focusing will
appear as:
A. An axisymmetric indication like a flange/weld
B. A concentrated non-axisymmetric feature
C. A pattern of regular spots or streaks
D. It will not be visible in synthetic focusing
E. A single streak sweeping up and away from the flange

17. Increasing the circumferential and axial resolution of the synthetic focusing plot will always improve the
accuracy of the focusing result. This statement is:
A. TRUE
B. FALSE

18. A good general idea of the quality of the collected guided wave data can be determined by noting the
signal-to-noise ratio of known structural features near the tool. This statement is:
A. TRUE
B. FALSE

19. A directionality classification can be made based on active and/or synthetic phased array results. A
defect classified as “Directionality 1” is:
A. The most evenly distributed type of defect
B. The most concentrated type of defect
 Practice Questions
20. If the red and blue bars in the collar balance check (calibration) screen are very low, a good solution may
be to:
A. Recheck the collar with the TVI
B. Nothing, this is ideal
C. Decrease the gain and recollect the data
D. Increase the gain and recollect the data

21. A defect indication that falls between the noise floor DAC curve and the Category 2 DAC curve should be
classified as:
A. No defect
B. Cat. 1 defect
C. Cat. 2 defect
D. Cat. 3 defect

22. How many analysis plots should generally be created for a single set of axisymmetric data?
A. Only one
B. At least two
C. One for each frequency
D. As many as are necessary to capture each important indication
E. It does not matter
 Practice Questions
23. A geometric sketch is important because it will aid in data interpretation in which way(s) (choose one
best answer):
A. It will allow the operator to identify known structural features
B. It will aid subsequent inspectors in locating defects that are detected
C. It will aid supervisors in interpreting data and completing inspection reports
D. It will aid the operator in assessing data quality and interpreting the signals
E. All of the above

24. The preferred method by which the DAC curves should be set is by adjusting the slope and y-intercept of
the curves so that:
A. The weld line just touches the top of two sequential weld reflections
B. The weld line curvature matches the decay of the main bang in the dead zone and touches the
top of the first weld
C. The weld line curvatures matches the decay of the noise floor and touches the top of the first
weld
D. All weld reflections lie above the weld line

25. The secondary method by which the DAC curves should be set, assuming the preferred method is not
possible, is by adjusting the slope and y-intercept of the curves so that:
A. The weld line just touches the top of two sequential weld reflections
B. The weld line curvature matches the decay of the main bang in the dead zone and touches the
top of the first weld
C. The weld line curvatures matches the decay of the noise floor and touches the top of the first
weld
D. All weld reflections lie above the weld line
 Practice Questions Answer Key
1. C 19. B
2. E 20. D
3. D 21. B
4. A 22. D
5. B 23. E
6. A 24. A
7. D 25. C
8. C
9. E
10. E
11. B
12. A
13. B
14. E
15. A
16. C
17. B
18. A