Pipeline Girth Weld Inspections using Ultrasonic Phased Arrays
Automated ultrasonics (AUT) is rapidly replacing radiography worldwide for
gas pipeline girth weld inspections. Compared with radiography, mechanized
ultrasonics is more reliable, faster, has better detection of critical Lack of
Fusion defects, and poses no safety hazard. Phased arrays are the latest
development in AUT, and present major improvements over conventional
multiprobe ultrasonics. Phased array probe pans are lighter and smaller; scans
are quicker due to the smaller probe pan; phased arrays are considerably more
flexible for changes in pipe dimensions or weld profiles, and for different scan
patterns for unusual defects; special scans can be made for specific problem
Pipeline Girth Weld Inspections using Ultrasonic Phased Arrays
