phased array ut is now in the aws d1.1 code – what will that … · 2020. 10. 14. · tsdos.org...

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Phased Array UT is Now in the AWS D1.1 Code –What Will That Change for NDT of Pole Welds?

Author:Garrett Ehler, AWS-CWI, ASNT/ACCP Level III

Texas NDT Academy

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This presentation will discuss:The Structural Welding Code

What is Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing?

Phased Array and the Code

PAUT Viability in Manufacturing

Summary

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Why inspect?To confirm the product:• Meets customer specifications• Meets the code/standards• Is of high quality• Has full longevity• Is free of defects

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To Eliminate Failures

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To Prevent Field Problems

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AWS Structural Welding Code Steel

Clause 8. “Inspection” Lists:• Inspection

Responsibilities• Qualifications of

Inspectors• Details for the acceptable

forms of NDT• Acceptance Criteria

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Inspection PlansWeld Inspection Programs Should Include:• Verification of Welder

Qualifications• Verification of Inspector

Qualifications• Verification of WPS

qualification status

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Inspection PlansWeld Inspection Programs Should Include:• Verification of the Joint fit-

up and welding conditions are being met.

• Confirmation that the weld was deposited as designed without discontinuity/defect.

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Weld Confirmation• Comprehensive Visual

Inspection• Magnetic Particle

Inspection (If Required)• Ultrasonic Testing (Now

Including PAUT)From AWS D1.1 (2020)

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Conventional Ultrasonic Testing (UT) vs. Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)

Until 2020 Phased Array UT was not recognized in D1.1 (Only Conventional UT)

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Conventional Ultrasonic Testing (UT)• Ultrasonic Testing

Method uses high frequency sound waves traveling through a part to detect discontinuities.

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Conventional UT• A single

piezoelectric element is acoustically coupled with a part to generate the sound wave for a full volumetric inspection.

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Conventional UT• Technician relies

on a scanning pattern to achieve the full volumetric inspection.

• Scanning is performed along 2 axis with an added oscillation (Movement A).

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Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)

Phased Array UT (PAUT) uses a probe built from multiple elements (16 to 128+) of the same frequency acting in unison as an array.

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PAUT Beam SteeringAs waves from each element interact based on designed focal laws, phasing effects increase or decrease wave energies at the point of combination to steer or focus the beam.

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Typical PAUT Imaging

Traditional “A” Scan (Top left)

“S” or Sectoral

Scan (Top Right)

Encoded “B” Scan (Bottom)

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PAUT vs. UTPAUT – “A” and “S” Scan Conventional “A” Scan

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PAUT and the CodeAWS D1.1 (2020)

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PAUTAnnex H Dictates:• Personnel Requirements• Equipment Requirements• Scan Plan• Calibration Requirements• Full Examination Procedures• Evaluation/Analysis• Documentation and Reporting.

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PAUT In the Manufacturing Environment

• Annex H – Gives full details for use of PAUT to test D1.1 weldments.

Meets the Requirements of

D1.1 2020

• 30° thru 80° shear waves simultaneously.

Real time dynamic imaging

• Complex weldments• Randomly orientated discontinuities.

Increased probability of

detection

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PAUT In the Manufacturing Environment

Excellent for confirmation of penetration in partial join penetration weldments.• Long seams• Arm bracket to shaft weldments

Volumetric inspections of complete joint penetration weldments.• Base Plate/Flange to Pole Shaft.• Arm Bracket to Shaft Weldments.• CJP Areas of Long Seams

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PAUT In the Manufacturing Environment

Increased accuracy during toe crack inspection and remediation.• Post Galvanized Flange/Base Plate to Shaft Welds

Comprehensive corrosion mapping of in-service materials.• Direct Embedded structures

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PAUT VS ConventionalIn tough Joint Configurations

Conventional UT has trouble reaching the root of the weld

on thin materials.

.25” Material In a T-Joint Configuration

Pole Shaft Wall

Base Plate

PAUT VS ConventionalIn tough Joint Configurations

Same material configuration with a

PAUT probe providing complete coverage of

the volume of the weld. Pole Shaft Wall

Base Plate

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PAUT In the Manufacturing Environment

• Higher probability of detection.• Increased accuracy of inspections.• Fewer escapes to the field.• More consistency of finished product.

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Questions?Garrett Ehler

Texas Nondestructive Testing Academywww.TXNDT.com

Gehler@TXNDT.com