Launchpad, January - February 2007
For a full list of proposed, active and closed projects see here
Reliability of manually applied phased array ultrasonic inspection for detection and sizing of flaws
Launched: November 2006
Cost per Sponsor: £20 000
Project Leader: Colin Bird
Phased array ultrasonic equipment is now widely available from a number of manufacturers, both as affordable/portable systems and laboratory based instruments. Many case studies suggest phased array technology is more reliable and provides better flaw sizing than conventional manual ultrasonic inspection. This project will provide independent evidence of the accuracy and repeatability of affordable/portable systems by undertaking a systematic study of a set of welded specimens with known flaws.
The project will concentrate on specimens fabricated in CMn steel, although stainless steel specimens will also be studied if there is a demand for this from the Sponsors. The work will focus on critical flaw sizing using phased array inspection equipment with manual probe movement and digital data capture, and will provide validated flaw sizing data. TWI will generate optimum procedures for the examination of the flaws in the welded specimens. A comprehensive inspection programme will then be undertaken using these procedures with different phased array systems. This programme will be carried out by two suitably qualified TWI operators, with no knowledge of the flaws contained in the welded specimens. Sponsors and equipment manufacturers will also be invited to test the specimens using the project procedures, and also their own procedures if they wish. The results of the welded specimen examination will be analysed statistically to determine accuracy and repeatability of the procedures used and the flaw type and size.
The results of the project will provide improved flaw sizing and hence more accurate fitness-for-purpose assessments, leading to enhanced levels of safety and reduced cost for industry. This will facilitate the increased uptake of phased array technology.
