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Case Study

NDT TECHNIQUE/APPLICATION:

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing for Bolt Inspection

SOLUTION:

Phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) was selected as the advanced ultrasonic testing technique for its ability to use multiple elements to steer, focus and scan beams with a single transducer assembly.

BACKGROUND:

Ensonify’s directors have over 15 year’s combined experience in performing PAUT on bolts, pins & shafts and have been working closely with DNV to perfect the technique.

The optimum scanning solution uses a +30º to -5º sectorial scan. This can also be accompanied by a 0º linear scan if required. The scans are then focused at 200mm intervals for longer bolts to achieve the maximum POD of any fatigue cracks.

Total focusing method (TFM) can also be used to improve the PAUT image.

Sectorial scan


Linear scan


BENEFITS
  • Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing for Bolt Inspection include:
  • PAUT provides excellent visualisation on any fatigue associated defects.
  • PAUT has significant advantages over current manual UT techniques: reproducible, fast, full data storage, auditable, interpretable locally or remotely.
  • Total focusing method (TFM) can also be used within the PAUT set-up to provide.
    • Higher resolution and image quality enhancement.
    • Better sizing of defects located on threads.
    • Improved probability of the detection of defects.
Bolt scanner

Bolt scanner

Example PAUT image of fatigue crack

Example PAUT image of fatigue crack

PAUT TFM image of fatigue crack

PAUT TFM image of fatigue crack

Example PAUT image of worn threads

Example PAUT image of worn threads

CONCLUSION:
  • PAUT provides excellent visualisation on any fatigue associated defects.
  • PAUT has significant advantages over current manual UT techniques: reproducible, fast, full data storage, auditable, interpretable locally or remotely.
  • Total focusing method (TFM) can also be used within the PAUT set-up to provide.
    • Higher resolution and image quality enhancement.
    • Better sizing of defects located on threads.
    • Improved probability of the detection of defects.
  • Specific scan plans to be created for each bolt, pin or shaft configuration/size.
  • Initial +30º to -5º sectorial scan to be performed and focused at 200mm intervals for longer bolts.
  • Additional 0º linear scan can be performed if required.

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Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing for Bolt Inspection