Phased array (PA) ultrasonic
Medical sonograms are usually performed with special multi-element transducers known as Phased Array. This technology is also used in industrial environments to provide new levels of information and visualisation in common ultrasonic tests.
Phased array is widely used in several sectors, from power generation to construction industries. It is an advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) method that uses an ultrasonic technique to determine component quality and detect flaws or cracks. Phased array ultrasonic testing can also be effectively used for thickness measurements or to assess corrosion levels. Its efficiency is due to the combination of many angles and focus depths through a probe, which then performs several different inspections without the need to alter the transducer assembly. The inspection results are clearly stored and displayed for subsequent reporting. This method can be used on standard and special materials – such as austenitic and high alloy materials.
With this technique we can obtain the following advantages:
- Greater speed and probability of inspection.
- Greater probability of detection.
- Better traceability.
- Comprehensive reports.
- Use of a single probe for all angles.
- Greater safety, avoiding the risk of using ionising radiation.
