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1.6 Advantages of Phased Array as

Compared with Conventional UT
Ultrasonic phased array systems can potentially be employed in almost
any test where conventional ultrasonic flaw detectors have traditionally
been used. Weld inspection and crack detection are the most important
applications, and these tests are done across a wide range of industries
including aerospace, power generation, petrochemical, metal billet and
tubular goods suppliers, pipeline construction and maintenance,
structural metals, and general manufacturing. Phased arrays can also be
effectively used to profile remaining wall thickness in corrosion survey
applications.

The benefits of phased array technology over conventional UT come from

its ability to use multiple elements to steer, focus, and scan beams with a
single probe assembly. Beam steering, commonly referred to as S-scanning
(sectorial scanning), can be used for mapping components at appropriate
angles. This can greatly simplify the inspection of components with
complex geometry. The small footprint of the probe and the ability to sweep
the beam without moving the probe also aids the inspection of such
components in situations where there is limited access for mechanical
scanning. Sectorial scanning is also typically used for weld inspection. The
ability to test welds with multiple angles from a single probe greatly
increases the probability of detection of anomalies. Electronic focusing
optimizes the beam shape and size at the expected defect location, as well
as further optimizing probability of detection. The ability to focus at
multiple depths also improves the ability for sizing critical defects for
volumetric inspections. Focusing can significantly improve signal-to- noise
ratio in challenging applications, and electronic scanning across many
groups of elements allows rapid production of C-scan images. The ability
to simultaneously test across multiple angles and/or to scan a larger area of
the test piece through Linear scanning increases inspection speed. Phased
array inspection speeds can be as much as 10 times faster as compared to
conventional UT thus providing a major advantage.

The potential disadvantages of phased array systems are a somewhat

higher cost and a requirement for operator training. However, these costs
are frequently offset by their greater flexibility and a reduction in the time
needed to perform a given inspection.

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