Manual / Semi-Automated Phased Array Corrosion Mapping

Fig. 1 - Do NDT mapping before corrosion perforation

Manual/Semi-Automated Scanning

Phased array L-scans can be carried out freehand (no encoder with a live timed scan on the screen) over large areas or semi-automated (scanning manually with an encoder) to gather scans in a set area. The XEO can reach the highest scanning speeds, covering large areas in a single scan file due to the unlimited file size and the software, which was designed for speed.

Manual/semi-automated scans have advantages over fully automated systems with large scanners:

• Freehand scanning allows the user to screen large areas to locate areas of wall loss for further investigation. Scrolling C-scan views with a 1-to-1 ratio magnifies live indications during the acquisition.
• Compact 64-element transducer and small encoders allow inspection in restricted areas that large scanners cannot access. Avoid pattern confusion with a clear scan plan. Patterns can be displayed.
• An efficient screening tool to evaluate inspection areas quickly and in greater detail than conventional UT. 

Fig. 2 - Raster scan and its 3D render coverage on a pipeline

Curved Scan Optimisation with An All-Focused Imaging: TFM & TFMiTM

Controlling the focusing distance on thin‑wall pipelines can be challenging, especially when the probe‑to‑weld centreline position varies or when the weld reference mark is difficult to follow. The Total Focusing Method provides an all‑focused pixel image that solves this issue. By laterally stretching the Region of Interest (ROI), probable weld defects remain detectable even when the probe position is not perfectly aligned. 

Fig. 3 - Data acquisition layout tailored for corrosion mapping

You can also convert the XEO .onde format into .utdata format compatible with UTStudio+ and UTmap. 

UTStudio+ and UTMap data review software are specifically designed with corrosion mapping in mind. Both software packages offer advanced post-processing tools, automated defect sizing with annotations, and CSV export of results.

Fig. 4 - UTStudio+ (Left) and UTMap (Right) merged C-Scan data review

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Please contact our Applications Team if you have any questions. You can also find more solutions on our website.

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