What Are the Advantages of Using Non-destructive Testing?

There are a number of obvious advantages, the most obvious of which is that the part being tested will not be damaged by the process and if any problems are found, the item can be repaired rather than replaced.

It is also a very safe method of testing for the operator, with most techniques being harmless, but certain types of testing - such as radiographic testing - still needing to be carried out under strict conditions. This testing technique can also help prevent injury or death by ensuring the safety of structures, components and machinery.

Digital Radiography - Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

Non-destructive testing is also a very accurate method of inspection as the tests are repeatable and multiple tests can be used together to correlate results. 

These testing methods are also very economical. Unlike destructive testing, NDT is cost effective as it avoids the need to replace items before failure occurs without damaging the part itself.

This testing technique also gives the operator the peace of mind of knowing that the equipment is operating properly, preventing future accidents and identifying any life-extending measures that can be taken.

Multi-function Phased Array Ultrasonic Flaw Detector

It can also be used to test welds and verify welding procedures to ensure that the welding process has been completed to the correct specification within quality control, for example, ensuring that the base material has reached the correct temperature, cooled to a specific rate and that compatible materials have been used to prevent welding defects.

Less movement, faster detection, better reliability

The advantages of phased array systems include the ability to electronically scan the ultrasonic beam, which can reduce inspection time by eliminating or reducing the need to move the probe. The electronic scanning is accomplished by transmitting a continuous group of elements in the array. A complete C-scan image can be obtained with a matrix phased array with the probe in a fixed position. The reliability of the inspection can also be improved by reducing the need to move the probe.

Electronic scanning with phased array probes It is well known that good coupling between the ultrasonic probe and the component being inspected is essential for good acoustic measurements. Each time the probe is moved, there is a risk of losing or reducing coupling. Therefore, minimising the number of probe movements helps to maintain consistent conditions for multiple measurements.   

A portion of the elements in the array is used to produce a vertically incident focused beam; the beam is then panned across the test sample by firing subsequent groups of elements without moving the probe.

Multi-function Phased Array Ultrasonic Flaw Detector HS PA20-Alex

Real-time imaging for easier interpretation

Phased arrays allow a wide range of inspection strategies to improve performance, for example, sector scanning and focusing after reflection from the back of the test sample.

State-of-the-art phased array systems include tools such as dynamic depth focusing. With real-time imaging, inspections are easier to perform and measurements are much more reliable. As thousands of signals are captured and displayed at once, the difficulties operators often encounter in locating and visualising defects on screen are greatly reduced. In addition, the number of false alarms has been reduced and data recording and traceability improved due to reduced reliance on the operator.

Applying the delay method to improve performance and simplify procedures

Phased arrays can also replace the entire toolkit of conventional sensors.  

A single phased array used in conjunction with an appropriate delay law can reproduce the same acoustic beam obtained using many conventional probes, while also offering more powerful capabilities. The use of a phased array controller allows multiple types of delay law to be used for each inspection, allowing the simultaneous display of several different sets of measurements that make up a complete NDT program in real time.

Zhongke has the leading manufacturing technology of phased array equipment, welcome to contact us.