OmniScan Dual Linear Array Probe for

Corrosion Inspection
PART 2C – Velocity Measurement

MXU 4.3R2
OmniScan DLA Corrosion Probe – Velocity Measurement Overview
 Question: What is the difference between a modern digital ultrasonic instrument and
an analog solid state instrument with regard to horizontal linearity and velocity
tolerance?
 The modern digital instrument can achieve precision and repeatability using a
recalled file with a velocity that was predetermined and entered into the software.
 The analog instrument requires that the velocity be dialed in from a reference
standard for each use and it is normal that every instrument is slightly different.
 Both require use of a reference standard (Step wedge) prior to inspection.
OmniScan DLA Corrosion Probe – Velocity Measurement Overview cont.
 Although the end requirement for precision, linearity, and repeatability of thickness
measurements has not changed, the procedure for setting up the instrument for
inspection and validating thickness measurements on a reference standard is now
much easier and faster.
 What both instruments have in common is that the precision and accuracy of the
velocity measurement is completely dependent on user input.
 Do not use the nominal thickness of the material or pipe to measure velocity. Use of
precision mechanical calipers to measure actual thickness is required when step
wedge of same material is not available.
OmniScan DLA Corrosion Probe – Velocity Measurement Overview cont.
 Question: What is the affect on repeatability of thickness readings in carbon steel
inspections when every inspector on the job site is using a slightly different velocity in
their OmniScan even though they are inspecting the same piping and vessels?
 The precision and repeatability is degraded. Inserted into the data or thickness
readings is a velocity tolerance error based on each inspector’s measurement of a
step wedge or reference standard.
OmniScan DLA Corrosion Probe – Velocity Measurement Overview cont.
 True\False? Because the OmniScan or any phased array instrument has more A-
scans, better software and imaging capability, use of reference standards such as
FBH resolution blocks and step wedges are no longer necessary prior to inspection.
 False. It is normal procedure and practice to validate readings on a step wedge or
reference standard prior to inspection and under normal circumstances the default
files provided with the DLA corrosion probe will be in tolerance without modification.
OmniScan DLA Corrosion Probe – Velocity Measurement Overview cont.
 Question: Is it possible that velocity can be out of tolerance if two or more thickness
readings on a standard step wedge are within the precision specified for the DLA
corrosion probe of +\- .25mm or .010 inches?
 No. Validation of two or more thicknesses on step wedge using the default setup
files provided with the DLA corrosion probe is validation of both wedge delay and
velocity and they need not be modified if already within tolerance.
OmniScan DLA Corrosion Probe – Velocity Measurement Overview cont.
 The OmniScan velocity wizard is designed to measure the velocity of an unknown
material using one A-scan and two targets of known depth, thickness, or sound path.
 It does not calibrate the OmniScan for velocity and there is no significant difference
in linearity or velocity tolerance from one OmniScan serial number to the next.
 For best results in carbon steel, it is highly recommended that the default setup file
longitudinal velocity of 5980 meters\sec be used to validate thickness reading
tolerance on a step wedge without modification.
OmniScan DLA Corrosion Probe – Velocity Wizard Use
 Prior to entering the velocity wizard adjust UT start and range so that two back walls
are visible that can be used for the measurement.
 To measure the velocity of an unknown material enter the wizard in >Wizard >
Calibration > Type: Ultrasound > Mode: Velocity.
 Select start.
OmniScan DLA Corrosion Probe – Velocity Wizard Use cont.
 Select > Echo Type: Thickness and enter the thickness of target 1 and target 2 that
will be used for the velocity measurement. (12mm and 24mm below)
 Select next.

Back wall 1 Back wall 1

Back wall 2 Back wall 2

OmniScan DLA Corrosion Probe – Velocity Wizard Use cont.
 Select the VPA (Virtual probe aperture) that will be used to take the velocity
measurement.
 In a zero degree linear inspection on a flat reference standard every A-scan (VPA)
should be identical if coupled with equal pressure across the probe.
 Select next.

VPA 13
Back wall 1

Back wall 2
OmniScan DLA Corrosion Probe – Velocity Wizard Use cont.
 Position the gate over thickness 1 (First back wall at 12mm)
 Select get position.

VPA 13
Back wall 1
OmniScan DLA Corrosion Probe – Velocity Wizard Use cont.
 Position the gate over thickness 2 (Second back wall at 24mm)
 Select get position.

VPA 13
Back wall 2
OmniScan DLA Corrosion Probe – Velocity Wizard Use cont.
 The velocity measurement is calculated based on the two thickness readings.
 Select accept to auto populate the new velocity value in > UT > General > Velocity
and the UT axis rulers and scale will be updated.
 Select the back button on the OmniScan to exit the wizard if the velocity value need
not be changed and the measurement was only performed for validation.

VPA 13
OmniScan DLA Corrosion Probe – Velocity Wizard Use cont.
 Question: What is the preferred method for managing velocity where multiple
OmniScans are in use on a job site performing inspections on a material other than
carbon steel?
 Create one setup file using the measurement from the velocity wizard as described in
this presentation. Fine tune and then copy the setup file to the SD memory cards of
the other OmniScans.
 Using the same file, the thickness reading tolerance is then validated on test piece
prior to each inspection.
 The importance of using the same
velocity value for all inspections of

VPA 13
same material cannot be over
emphasized with regard to
precision, repeatability, and best
inspection practice.
OmniScan DLA Corrosion Probe – Velocity Wizard Use cont.
 Question: What is the preferred method for changing the carbon steel velocity in the
default files to a new material and using it in multiple OmniScans?
 Create one setup file using the measurement from the velocity wizard as described in
this presentation. Fine tune and then copy the setup file to the SD memory cards of
the other OmniScans.
 Using the same file, the thickness reading tolerance is then validated on test piece
prior to each inspection.

 The importance of using the same

velocity value for all inspections of

VPA 13
same material cannot be over
emphasized with regard to
precision, repeatability, and best
inspection practice.
 Questions or comments:
PhasedArraySupport@Olympusndt.com

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