More information about Olympus flaw detectors: http://bit.ly/1zy3QUu Ultrasonic phased array testing is a powerful NDT technology and one whose use is growing rapidly in particular for the inspection of welds in small and large diameter pipelines. This presentation comes from our webinar, Diverse Uses of Advanced Ultrasonic Inspection Technologies for Pipeline. It provides a brief introduction of ultrasound phased array testing and outlines the various benefits of encoded automatic testing (AUT) versus radiography (RFT) in terms of cost, user friendliness, and detectability. To watch the webinar for this presentation: http://bit.ly/1E88G8K Contact us: http://bit.ly/1rDmq94 Sign up for our newsletter: http://bit.ly/1j5FOTy

1. Diverse Uses of Advanced Ultrasonic Inspection
Technologies for Pipeline Manufacturing, Construction,
and Maintenance
October 21, 2014
Presented by: Nicholas Bublitz
Co-Authored by: Andre Lamarre

2. Basic Ultrasonics
 One 0 degree or one angle
depending on wedge
 Ultrasonics work best when
interaction with flaws is 90°
 Typically single raw A-scan
or some imaging
 Manually rastered in most
case for flaw detection
 Limited reporting

3. Advanced Ultrasonics
 In comparison with
conventional ultrasound,
advanced ultrasonics are:
 Phased Array (PA)
 Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD)
 Guided Wave (GW or LRUT)
 Automated Ultrasonics
 Used to assure the integrity of
pipelines at different stages:
 Fabrication of the pipes
 Construction of the pipeline
 Maintenance of the pipeline

4. What is Phased Array?
 Utilizes multi-element
arrays and software to
create multiple angles,
focus, or electronically
raster ultrasound.
 Improves coverage,
characterization,
detection and sizing
capabilities.
Sector Scan and Electronic Scan

5. How Does It Work?
Physics +Software
Different elements excited at different times to create multiple angles,
change focus, or electronically move through the probe

6. Phased Array for Welded Pipe
 Manual or encoded
 Better characterization
of damage mechanisms
 Better detection and
sizing

7. Encoded Weld Scanning
 Use encoders to record position
in relation to ultrasonic data
 Allows for length to be linear in
data similar to viewing a
radiograph
 Allows for post manipulation and
reprocessing of digital data
 Can be one technique or
combined ultrasonic techniques
 Can be semi-automatic or fully
automatic

8. Phased Array Imaging
 Particularly useful for
complicated damage
mechanisms:
 Hydrogen induced
cracking
 Stress corrosion
cracking
 Etc.
 Provides more
information for the
operator to make the
right analysis

9. Phased Array vs. Radiography
Advantages of Phased Array:
 Higher probability of detection
(POD) especially for lack of fusion
and cracks
 Fracture Mechanics vs.
Workmanship Criteria
 No radiation / extra licensing /
chemicals
 No screened off areas, work can
go on around ultrasound
 Instant evaluation and feedback to
welder

10. Phased Array for Corrosion
 Increased Coverage and
speed
 Semi-automated or fully
automated
 Imaging
 High resolution
 Better characterization

11. Large Effective Beam
Conventional Pitch Catch Phased Array 64 element
.187” 2.36”
~12 Times more coverage with phased array probe.

12. What is Time of Flight Diffraction?
Diffracted
waves
Incident
wave
Diffracted
waves
Reflected
wave
FLAW
 Send and receive
technique
 Diffracted energy
technique
 Uses time information for
accurate measurement

13. TOFD Advantages
 Accurate sizing capability based on
time
 Rapid scanning with wide coverage
 Detection and sizing not reliant on
flaw orientation or weld shape
Send Receive
Flaw Detection
Corrosion Assessment

14. Data Analysis
 On the instrument or
in offline analysis
software
 Amplitude, depth,
height, & length are
typical for flaws
 Thickness, remaining
wall or material loss
for corrosion

15. Portable Equipment Considerations
 Manual and encoded
 Techniques
 Multi-Group
 Specific scanners
 Probes, wedges and
accessories
 Setup and analysis
software

16. Pipe Inspection for Fabrication
 Automated inspection solutions
for:
 Seamless and welded pipe
 Transverse, oblique, and
longitudinal flaw detection
 Wall thickness and lamination
 Multiple units can be connected
to meet speed and detection
needs.
 Eddy Current Array capability
can be added
 Able to meet and exceed code
requirements (API 5L etc.)

17. Inspection Concept

18. Phased Array for New Pipelines

19. Zone Discrimination Technique
Narrow Bevel
Emitter
Receiver
Zones
F5
F4
F3
F2
F1
Phased Array Zone Technique:
 Weld is divided into small zones (1-3mm)
 A single beam is generated to cover each zone
 Pitch – Catch technique to hit narrow bevel correctly
 Strip chart for each beam is used for rapid detection
and sizing
Cap
HP
LCP
Root
F1 F2 F3 F4 F5
3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm 3mm

20. PipeWIZARD
 Major Features:
 Speeds Up to 100mm/sec
 IP66 and designed for harsh
environments
 User friendly and fast setup, operation
and analysis to keep up with pipeline
welding
 Strong field experience:
 Hundreds of units in the field
 Millions of welds inspected
 Approved by most or all major oil
companies

21. Advanced PipeWIZARD Software

22. Guided Waves
 Guided Wave Ultrasonics
 Used to screen in-service pipes and pipeline over long distances
 Inspect pipes with limited access from a single position
 Pinpoint locations requiring further inspection
 Can provide significant reduction in operating costs
 Also known as LRUT, or long range ultrasonic testing

23. Applications of Guided Waves
 Corrosion detection / in-service
pipes and pipelines
 Inspection of above
ground and buried pipe
 Coated or insulated pipe
 Detection of corrosion at
supports and pipe racks
 Inspection of through-wall
pipe, vertical pipe,
and buried pipe

24. Guided Waves Coverage
 Inspection with Conventional
Ultrasonics
 Localized inspection
 Underneath or in the vicinity
of the sensor location
 Inspection with Guided Waves
(Long-Range Ultrasonic
Testing)
 Screen the entire pipe wall
 Covers long distance (up to
600’, 300’ each direction)
from a single inspection
position

25. Guided Wave Detection
 Guided Wave does not provide an accurate measurement of wall-thickness
variation but detects a general change in the total pipe
cross sectional area (CSC).
10% CSC
(Total area)
distributed
differently
 Equally sensitive to OD and ID corrosion.
 Can estimate the circumferential extend (using focusing tools).
 Other NDT methods are needed to validate and size indications.

26. UltraWave LRT
 The system features the UltraWave LRT instrument
(which is secured in a backpack), a rugged touch-screen
laptop with advanced software, flexible
inspection collars, and all the necessary tools to
perform an inspection.

27. Guided Wave Imaging

28. Training Requirements for Advanced Ultrasonics
 Dictated by code, contract
and other requirements
 Typical – x formal training
and x OTJ training
 Olympus partners with
training and consulting
companies who can
certify to applicable
standards, offer training
and services

29. Benefits of NDT Screening
 Maximizing and shortening
shutdowns by preparing other
NDT work in advance for
targeted areas
 Minimize manual labor to
access and prepare for 100%
volumetric inspection
 Pinpoint areas for minimized
and calculated shutdown of
operations

30. Conclusions
 Advanced Ultrasonics include many different types of Ultrasound
inspections:
 Phased Array
 Time of Flight Diffraction
 Guided Wave
 Automatic Ultrasonics
 Advanced Ultrasonics are used at all stages of pipeline life to:
 Improve speed and quality of inspection
 Increase detection, sizing and reporting capabilities
 Improve characterization of certain damage mechanisms
 Replace radiography and conventional ultrasonic methods
 Reduce mechanics and increase coverage from traditional Ultrasonic
approach
 Solve complex inspection problems with flexible techniques like zone
discrimination

31. Thank You!
www.olympus-ims.com